Conjunctions

There are two types of conjunction.

Coordinating conjunctions. These join words, phrases or clauses which have an identical grammatical sense and function in a sentence. They are simple to use and occur frequently, e.g. and, but, or, either … or, neither … nor, both … and. A frequent error is to use coordinating conjunctions to join phrases with different grammatical sense or function. Correct

Paula likes chips but I prefer potatoes.

Jack lives in Bristol and I often visit him there.

Incorrect

Paula likes chips and my Granny likes cats.

Jack has a house but Granny doesn’t like him.

Subordinating conjunctions. These introduce noun clauses or adverbial clauses. They can begin a sentence or join clauses.

I know that you are tired. [introduces noun clause ‘you are tired’]

Jim will ring if he has a problem. [introduces clause of condition]

Before I go out, I’ll cut the grass. [introduces clause of time]