A conjunction is a word or phrase that connects words, phrases, clauses or sentences together.
Here are some common conjunctions: and, but, or, so, because, however, after, before, since, during, than, unless, while.
There are many different ways that conjunctions can be used in sentences. Here are some examples:
Sanjit could choose from three flavoured ice creams: chocolate, strawberry or vanilla.
Alice forgot to hand in her homework because she wasn't feeling well, but her teacher was very understanding.
After we pet the animals, we must wash our hands.
I washed the dishes while Jack dried them.
We can either go to the cinema or watch a film at home.
There are three types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating and correlative conjunctions.
e.g. for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
A co-ordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that connects two or more equal grammatical elements.
For example, it could connect two verbs in a sentence: The audience cheered and clapped at the end of the performance.
Coordinating conjunctions are also used to connect independent clauses together: James wanted a piece of cake but he was on a diet.
e.g. as, although, while, however, if, than, though, even if, before, because, until, unless, so that, since
A subordinating conjunction is used to connect an independent clause to a subordinate clause (also known as a dependent clause).
Subordinating conjunctions can be placed in the middle of the two clauses: We can go for a walk this afternoon unless it rains.
They can also be placed at the beginning of the sentence in front of the subordinate clause: Unless it rains, we can go for a walk this afternoon.
e.g. both ... and, rather ... than, either ... or, neither ... nor, not only ... but also, whether ... or, as ... as
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together in a sentence. They can have different purposes, e.g.:
State two options: I will order either the chocolate cake or the apple pie.
State a preference: I would rather have the chocolate cake than the apple pie.
Conjunctions are found in the Writing - vocabulary, grammar and punctuation section of the National Curriculum:
Year 1: Pupils should be taught to develop their understanding of the concepts set out in English Appendix 2 by:
Year 2: Pupils should be taught to learn how to use:
Conjunctions are found in the Writing - vocabulary, grammar and punctuation section of the National Curriculum:
Year 3 and Year 4: Pupils should be taught to develop their understanding of the concepts set out in English Appendix 2 by:
