What? Types How They Work FANBOYS Tips Exercises
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Class 7 · English Grammar
8

Conjunctions

Words that join · FANBOYS · Subordinating · Correlative

🔗 ⛓️ ✏️ 🌟 🚀
I was tired but I kept studying
🔗 What is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, or clauses together. It acts like a bridge, connecting different parts of a sentence to make our speech and writing smooth and flowing.

Think of conjunctions as glue words — they hold parts of a sentence together!

💡 Visual: How Conjunctions Work

Without a conjunction:

I like tea. I like coffee.

With a conjunction:

I like tea and I like coffee.
✔ I like tea and coffee.

Without conjunctions, our sentences would be short and choppy. Conjunctions make language richer and help us express complex ideas.

  • Ram and Shyam are best friends.
  • She sings but does not dance.
  • I will call you when I reach home.
  • He can have juice or water.
  • We stayed inside because it was raining.
📚 Types of Conjunctions

There are three main types of conjunctions:

Type What it does Examples
Coordinating Joins equal parts (word+word, phrase+phrase, clause+clause) for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Subordinating Joins a dependent clause to an independent clause because, although, when, if, until...
Correlative Work in pairs to join equal parts either...or, neither...nor, both...and...
🎯 1. Coordinating Conjunctions — FANBOYS

Coordinating conjunctions join equal grammatical elements — two words, two phrases, or two independent clauses. There are seven of them, and we remember them using the acronym FANBOYS.

F

For

means “because / since”
  • He was tired, for he had worked all day.
  • She wore a coat, for it was cold outside.
  • I stayed home, for I was feeling unwell.
  • We hurried, for the bus was about to leave.
  • They celebrated, for they had won the match.
A

And

adds one thing to another
  • Ram and Sita went to the market.
  • She sings and dances beautifully.
  • I bought a pen and a notebook.
  • We ate dinner and watched a movie.
  • The sun rose and the birds began to chirp.
N

Nor

adds a negative alternative
  • She does not sing, nor does she dance.
  • He didn’t call, nor did he text.
  • I don’t like tea, nor do I like coffee.
  • They won’t go, nor will they let us go.
  • The shop is not open, nor is the market.
B

But

shows contrast or exception
  • He is rich but unhappy.
  • She tried hard but could not win.
  • The day was sunny but cold.
  • I called him but he didn’t answer.
  • They are small but very brave.
O

Or

presents a choice / alternative
  • Would you like tea or coffee?
  • Hurry up or you will be late.
  • You can sit here or there.
  • Study hard or you will fail.
  • Is it Monday or Tuesday today?
Y

Yet

means “but / nevertheless”
  • He is poor yet honest.
  • She was tired yet she kept working.
  • It was raining, yet they went out.
  • He is young yet very wise.
  • The task was hard, yet she finished it.
S

So

shows result / consequence
  • It was raining, so we took an umbrella.
  • He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
  • She was hungry, so she ate an apple.
  • The road was blocked, so we took a detour.
  • I was late, so I missed the train.
📐 2. Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions join a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause. The dependent clause cannot stand on its own — it needs the main clause to make complete sense.

📜 Common Subordinating Conjunctions

because since although though while when if unless until after before as even though so that wherever whenever

How they create dependent clauses:

🔎 Independent vs Dependent Clause

Independent clause: “I went home.” ✔ (makes sense alone)

Dependent clause: “Because I was tired” ❌ (needs more info!)

Combined: “I went home because I was tired.” ✔

  • I will wait until you come back. (time)
  • She passed because she studied hard. (reason)
  • Although he was sick, he came to school. (contrast)
  • If it rains, we will stay home. (condition)
  • While I was reading, the phone rang. (time)
  • He ran fast so that he could catch the bus. (purpose)
  • Before you leave, switch off the lights. (time)
  • Unless you hurry, you will miss the train. (condition)
  • Since you are here, let us begin. (reason)
  • Though the movie was long, it was interesting. (contrast)
  • We played outside after we finished our homework. (time)
  • She behaves as if she knows everything. (manner)
⛓️ 3. Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together. They always come in twos and join equal grammatical structures.

either ... or

Presents two choices.

  • You can have either tea or coffee.
  • Either study hard or you will fail.
  • She will come either today or tomorrow.

neither ... nor

Negates both options.

  • He is neither smart nor hardworking.
  • Neither Ram nor Shyam was present.
  • She eats neither fast food nor sweets.

both ... and

Adds two things together.

  • Both the teacher and the students enjoyed the trip.
  • She is both talented and humble.
  • He speaks both Hindi and English fluently.

not only ... but also

Emphasises that both things are true.

  • She is not only intelligent but also kind.
  • He not only sings but also plays the guitar.
  • They visited not only Delhi but also Agra.

whether ... or

Presents two possibilities.

  • I don’t know whether he is coming or not.
  • Whether you like it or not, you must finish your homework.
  • Tell me whether you want to go or stay.
⚙️ How Conjunctions Work

Conjunctions can join three different things: words, phrases, and clauses. Let us see each with examples.

🔼 Joining Words

bread and butter
  • She is clever and hardworking.
  • Would you like milk or juice?
  • The cat is small but fierce.
  • He is tired yet cheerful.

🔼 Joining Phrases

in the park or at home
  • The book is either on the table or in the drawer.
  • She waited at the gate and near the parking lot.
  • He likes to read in the morning but not at night.
  • We can meet in the library or at the cafeteria.

🔼 Joining Clauses

I ran fast but I missed the bus
  • The alarm rang but he didn’t wake up.
  • She studied all night, so she did well in the test.
  • He will go home after the class ends.
  • Although she was tired, she completed her work.
  • I will help you if you ask politely.

💡 Remember!

When a conjunction joins two independent clauses, we usually place a comma before the conjunction.

Example: I wanted to go, but it started raining.

🌟 FANBOYS Memory Trick

The easiest way to remember all seven coordinating conjunctions is the word FANBOYS. Each letter stands for one conjunction!

🧠 Remember: FANBOYS!

F
A
N
B
O
Y
S
For And Nor But Or Yet So

Just think of a group of FAN BOYS cheering at a match!

Letter Conjunction Function Example
F For Gives a reason He slept early, for he was tired.
A And Adds information She laughed and clapped.
N Nor Negative alternative He won’t go, nor will I.
B But Shows contrast He tried but failed.
O Or Offers a choice Sit or stand.
Y Yet Contrast (like “but”) He is small yet strong.
S So Shows result It rained, so we got wet.
💡 Quick Tips & Common Mistakes
✅ Quick Tips

📖 Comma Before FANBOYS

When joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, place a comma before the conjunction. Example: I was late, so I ran.

🔼 Subordinating at the Start

When a subordinating conjunction starts the sentence, put a comma after the dependent clause. Example: Because it rained, we stayed home.

⛓️ Parallel Structure

Correlative conjunctions must join grammatically equal elements. Both parts should match in form (noun+noun, verb+verb, etc.).

🚧 Don’t Start with “And” or “But”

In formal writing, avoid beginning a sentence with and, but, so, or because. In casual writing, it is sometimes acceptable.

📝 “Yet” vs “But”

Yet is slightly more formal and dramatic than but. Both show contrast, but “yet” adds a sense of surprise.

🔔 “Unless” = “If...not”

Unless you study = If you do not study. Never use “unless” with a negative verb — it creates a double negative!

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using “and” when “but” is needed.

He is poor and he is happy.

He is poor but he is happy. ✔

(There is a contrast, so “but” is correct.)

Mistake 2: Double negative with “unless.”

Unless you don’t study, you will fail.

Unless you study, you will fail. ✔

(“Unless” already means “if not”, so don’t add “not” again.)

Mistake 3: Wrong parallel structure with correlatives.

She not only sings but also is a dancer.

She is not only a singer but also a dancer. ✔

(Both parts must be the same grammatical form — noun+noun.)

Mistake 4: Confusing “because” with “so.”

Because it rained, so we stayed home.

Because it rained, we stayed home. ✔

It rained, so we stayed home. ✔

(Use either “because” or “so”, not both together.)

Mistake 5: Using “nor” without proper inversion.

He doesn’t like tea, nor he likes coffee.

He doesn’t like tea, nor does he like coffee. ✔

(After “nor”, the subject and auxiliary verb are inverted.)

✏️ Exercises

① Exercise A: Identify the Conjunction and its Type

Underline the conjunction and write whether it is Coordinating (C), Subordinating (S), or Correlative (Cr).

  1. She wanted to play but it was raining heavily.
  2. We will go to the park after we finish our homework.
  3. Neither the captain nor the players showed up.
  4. He ran fast yet he could not catch the train.
  5. I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.
  6. Although she is young, she speaks very wisely.
  7. You can either walk or take the bus.
  8. We stayed indoors because the storm was terrible.
  9. He is not only a good student but also a fine cricketer.
  10. They packed the bags and left for the station.
Show Answers

① Exercise A: Identify the Conjunction and its Type

  1. but — Coordinating (C) Joins two independent clauses showing contrast.
  2. after — Subordinating (S) “After we finish our homework” is a dependent clause showing time.
  3. Neither...nor — Correlative (Cr) A pair that negates both options.
  4. yet — Coordinating (C) Shows contrast between running fast and not catching the train.
  5. so — Coordinating (C) Shows the result — being hungry led to eating.
  6. Although — Subordinating (S) Creates a dependent clause showing contrast/concession.
  7. either...or — Correlative (Cr) A pair presenting two choices.
  8. because — Subordinating (S) Creates a dependent clause giving a reason.
  9. not only...but also — Correlative (Cr) A pair that emphasises both qualities.
  10. and — Coordinating (C) Adds one action to another.

② Exercise B: Join the Sentences Using Conjunctions

Combine each pair into a single sentence using a suitable conjunction.

  1. Pair 1
    She is talented. She is modest.
  2. Pair 2
    Study hard. You will fail the exam.
  3. Pair 3
    The movie was boring. We watched it till the end.
  4. Pair 4
    I will call you. I reach home.
  5. Pair 5
    He was very tired. He completed his work.
  6. Pair 6
    She sings beautifully. She dances gracefully.
  7. Pair 7
    You can choose the red shirt. You can choose the blue shirt.
  8. Pair 8
    We took our umbrellas. It was going to rain.
  9. Pair 9
    The teacher was strict. The students loved her.
  10. Pair 10
    He doesn’t eat fish. He doesn’t eat meat.
Show Answers

② Exercise B: Join the Sentences

  1. She is talented but modest. “But” shows contrast between talent and modesty.
  2. Study hard, or you will fail the exam. “Or” shows a consequence if the condition is not met. (Also acceptable: “Unless you study hard, you will fail.”)
  3. Although the movie was boring, we watched it till the end. “Although” introduces the contrast. (Also acceptable: “The movie was boring, but/yet we watched it.”)
  4. I will call you when I reach home. “When” shows the time of the action.
  5. Although he was very tired, he completed his work. (Also acceptable: “He was very tired, yet he completed his work.”)
  6. She not only sings beautifully but also dances gracefully. Correlative pair emphasising both talents. (Also: “She sings beautifully and dances gracefully.”)
  7. You can choose either the red shirt or the blue shirt. Correlative pair offering a choice.
  8. We took our umbrellas because it was going to rain. “Because” gives the reason.
  9. The teacher was strict, yet the students loved her. “Yet” shows a surprising contrast. (Also: “but”)
  10. He eats neither fish nor meat. Correlative pair negating both options.

③ Exercise C: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct conjunction from the box: and, but, or, so, because, although, if, unless, while, until

  1. I like mangoes __________ oranges.
  2. She tried hard __________ she could not win the race.
  3. We went inside __________ it started raining.
  4. You will catch cold __________ you wear a jacket.
  5. He was reading __________ his sister was painting.
  6. The food was delicious, __________ we ordered more.
  7. __________ you invite me, I will come to your party.
  8. Wait here __________ I come back.
  9. She is smart __________ she can solve any problem.
  10. __________ he is rich, he is not happy.
Show Answers

③ Exercise C: Fill in the Blanks

  1. I like mangoes and oranges. Adding two things together.
  2. She tried hard but she could not win the race. Shows contrast — effort vs failure.
  3. We went inside because it started raining. Gives the reason for going inside.
  4. You will catch cold unless you wear a jacket. “Unless” = “if you do not”.
  5. He was reading while his sister was painting. Two actions happening at the same time.
  6. The food was delicious, so we ordered more. Shows the result.
  7. If you invite me, I will come to your party. Sets a condition.
  8. Wait here until I come back. “Until” marks the end point of waiting.
  9. She is smart, so she can solve any problem. Shows result of being smart.
  10. Although he is rich, he is not happy. Shows contrast/concession.

④ Exercise D: Choose the Correct Correlative Pair

Fill in the blanks with the correct correlative conjunction pair.

  1. __________ Ram __________ Shyam came to the party. (Both were absent.)
  2. She is __________ a good singer __________ a great dancer.
  3. You can __________ take the train __________ go by bus.
  4. He __________ plays cricket __________ watches it on TV.
  5. __________ you study now __________ later, you must finish the chapter.
  6. __________ the teacher __________ the students were happy with the result.
  7. She is __________ hardworking __________ talented.
  8. I don’t know __________ he will come __________ not.
Show Answers

④ Exercise D: Correlative Pairs

  1. Neither Ram nor Shyam came to the party. Both were absent — so neither...nor negates both.
  2. She is both a good singer and a great dancer. Both...and adds two qualities together.
  3. You can either take the train or go by bus. Either...or presents two choices.
  4. He not only plays cricket but also watches it on TV. Not only...but also emphasises both activities.
  5. Whether you study now or later, you must finish the chapter. Whether...or presents two possibilities.
  6. Both the teacher and the students were happy with the result. Both parties were happy.
  7. She is both hardworking and talented. Both...and adds two adjectives together.
  8. I don’t know whether he will come or not. Whether...or shows uncertainty between two options.

⑤ Exercise E: Correct the Errors

Rewrite each sentence correctly by fixing the conjunction error.

  1. He is poor and he is very generous.
  2. Unless you don’t finish your work, you cannot play.
  3. Because she was late, so she missed the assembly.
  4. Neither he called nor he texted me.
  5. She not only is a good painter but also sings well.
  6. He likes both cricket or football.
  7. I will wait since you come back.
  8. Although he tried hard but he could not succeed.
Show Answers

⑤ Exercise E: Correct the Errors

  1. He is poor but he is very generous. “But” is needed for contrast, not “and”.
  2. Unless you finish your work, you cannot play. Remove “don’t” — “unless” already means “if not”.
  3. Because she was late, she missed the assembly. Remove “so” — don’t use “because” and “so” together. (Also: “She was late, so she missed the assembly.”)
  4. Neither did he call nor did he text me. After “neither”, use inverted word order (auxiliary + subject).
  5. She is not only a good painter but also a good singer. Parallel structure — both parts must have the same form (noun + noun).
  6. He likes both cricket and football. “Both” pairs with “and”, not “or”.
  7. I will wait until you come back. “Until” means “up to the time that” — “since” means “because” or “from a time in the past”.
  8. Although he tried hard, he could not succeed. Remove “but” — don’t use “although” and “but” together. (Also: “He tried hard, but he could not succeed.”)

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