Conjunctions and Sentence Types
Conjunctions join words and clauses.
About this topic
Conjunctions join words, phrases and clauses. Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) link equal elements; subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when, if, while) introduce dependent clauses; correlative pairs include either…or and neither…nor. Conjunctions let writers show relationships such as addition, contrast, cause and condition.
Sentence types depend on clause structure. A simple sentence has one independent clause (I walked home). A compound sentence joins two independent clauses (I walked home, and she drove). A complex sentence has an independent and at least one dependent clause (Although it rained, I walked home). A compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Worked example: "I wanted to play outside, but the rain kept pouring because the storm had not passed" is compound-complex. Varying sentence lengths and types gives writing rhythm and avoids a choppy, repetitive feel.
Common mistakes include the comma splice (joining two independent clauses with only a comma) and the fragment created by a lone dependent clause ("Because I was late."). Put a comma before a coordinating conjunction that joins two full clauses, and after an introductory dependent clause. Starting a sentence with And or But is acceptable when done with purpose.
Key ideas
- FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
- Subordinating conjunctions: because, although
- Simple, compound, complex sentences
Quick check
Use cases: where Conjunctions and Sentence Types helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Conjunctions and Sentence Types before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Conjunctions and Sentence Types without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Conjunctions and Sentence Types changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Conjunctions and Sentence Types in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
Strong reading and writing are needed in every subject, job and exam.
Frequently asked questions
What is Conjunctions and Sentence Types?
Conjunctions join words and clauses.
What will I learn in Conjunctions and Sentence Types?
FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Subordinating conjunctions: because, although. Simple, compound, complex sentences.
Is Conjunctions and Sentence Types part of English?
Yes. It is one of 60 English topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Conjunctions and Sentence Types lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Conjunctions and Sentence Types?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.