Conjunctions

Grade 5 · English · Study Guide

Learn how conjunctions connect ideas, clauses, and sentences to make your writing flow smoothly.

A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. There are three main types: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. Together, they are the glue that holds complex ideas together.

Coordinating conjunctions connect two equal parts of a sentence — you can remember them with the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. When they join two independent clauses, a comma comes before the conjunction.

Subordinating conjunctions like 'because,' 'although,' 'when,' and 'if' connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Correlative conjunctions come in pairs: both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also.

FANBOYS — Coordinating Conjunctions
Conjunction	Use	Example
For	Shows reason (like because)	She left early, for she had a meeting.
And	Adds information	I like soccer and basketball.
Nor	Adds a negative option	He doesn't eat meat, nor does he eat fish.
But	Shows contrast	I studied hard, but I still missed a question.
Or	Shows a choice	You can have juice or water.
Yet	Shows contrast (similar to but)	It was cold, yet they swam anyway.
So	Shows result	She was tired, so she went to bed.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Conjunction	Shows	Example
because	reason/cause	She studied because she wanted an A.
although / even though	contrast	Although it rained, we played outside.
when / while	time	When the bell rings, class ends.
if / unless	condition	If you study, you will pass.

Key terms

Conjunction: A word that joins words, phrases, or clauses together
Coordinating Conjunction: Joins equal parts — FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Subordinating Conjunction: Joins a dependent clause to an independent clause (because, although, when, if)
Correlative Conjunction: Comes in pairs to connect equal elements (either/or, neither/nor, both/and)

Practice questions

Which word is a coordinating conjunction?
1. Because
2. Although
3. But
4. When
Show answer
'But' is one of the FANBOYS coordinating conjunctions — it connects two equal clauses and shows contrast.
Which sentence uses a subordinating conjunction correctly?
1. I was hungry but I ate lunch.
2. Because I was hungry, I ate lunch.
3. I ate lunch and I was hungry.
4. I ate lunch, nor was I hungry.
Show answer
'Because' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the reason (dependent clause) before the main clause.
The acronym _______ helps you remember the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Show answer
FANBOYS is the standard memory tool for the seven coordinating conjunctions.
'Either you finish your homework, or you will miss the game.' What type of conjunction is used?
1. Coordinating
2. Subordinating
3. Correlative
4. None
Show answer
'Either...or' is a correlative conjunction pair — they always work together to connect equal elements.
Which conjunction shows a result or effect?
1. But
2. Although
3. So
4. When
Show answer
'So' is a coordinating conjunction that shows the result: 'She was tired, so she rested.'

Fun facts

The acronym FANBOYS has been taught in schools since the 1960s — it's one of the most reliable grammar memory tricks ever invented.
Starting a sentence with a subordinating conjunction is perfectly correct — 'Because she studied, she passed' is grammatically fine.

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