In grammar, a conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, or clauses, such as “and,” “but,” or “or.” These words connect grammatical units and show relationships such as addition, contrast, or choice.
Coordinating conjunctions join elements of equal grammatical importance. English’s familiar FANBOYS group is for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. In “Maya sang and Leo played,” “and” links two independent clauses. In “tea or coffee,” it links two nouns instead.
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and show relationships such as time, cause, condition, or contrast. Examples include because, although, if, when, and while: “We stayed inside because it rained.” Correlative conjunctions work in pairs, including either…or and neither…nor.
A common mix-up is treating every connecting word as a conjunction. “After” can be a preposition in “after lunch” but a conjunction in “after lunch ended,” where it introduces a clause. Conjunctions also need not join complete sentences; they can connect single words or phrases.