Parts of Speech Beginner

Conjunctions

Master English conjunctions: coordinating (FANBOYS), subordinating, and correlative. Learn how to use them to build complex sentences and improve cohesion in PTE and IELTS writing.

What is Conjunctions?

Conjunctions are linking words that connect words, phrases or clauses. Using a variety of conjunctions — coordinating, subordinating, and correlative — is essential for building complex, coherent writing in IELTS Writing Tasks and PTE Essay tasks. Overusing "and" and "but" is a marker of low grammatical range.

Rules & Formation

Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS): For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. Join independent clauses with a comma before the conjunction: "The policy failed, but the government continued to implement it."
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses: although, because, since, while, unless, if, when, even though, whereas, despite the fact that, provided that.
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs: both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, whether...or.
Conjunctive adverbs are NOT conjunctions but function similarly: however, therefore, furthermore, nevertheless, consequently, additionally, moreover — use with a semicolon or a new sentence.
Avoid starting sentences with "And", "But", "Because" in formal writing (though acceptable in informal and modern academic writing).
Subordinating conjunctions create complex sentences: "Although the results were promising, the sample size was too small to draw firm conclusions."

Examples

The study was well-designed, yet the results were inconclusive. (coordinating)

Although technology has improved rapidly, access remains unequal. (subordinating — contrast)

Since the policy was introduced, crime rates have fallen. (subordinating — cause/time)

Not only does the programme reduce costs, but it also improves outcomes. (correlative)

Enrolment increased; however, retention rates declined. (conjunctive adverb with semicolon)

Both the private sector and the government must invest in infrastructure. (correlative)

🎯 Exam Tip — PTE & IELTS

In IELTS Writing, conjunction variety directly affects Coherence & Cohesion. Examiners look for: a range of connectives beyond "and", "but", "so"; correct punctuation with conjunctions (comma before coordinating conjunctions joining independent clauses; no comma between a subordinating clause when it follows the main clause); and logical connection between ideas. Using "nevertheless", "whereas", "provided that" and "given that" signals C1-level language.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between "although", "however" and "despite"?

"Although" is a subordinating conjunction — it introduces a clause: "Although the results are promising, further research is needed." "However" is a conjunctive adverb — it connects two separate sentences or clauses separated by a semicolon: "The results are promising; however, further research is needed." "Despite" is a preposition — it is followed by a noun or gerund, NOT a clause: "Despite the promising results, further research is needed." / "Despite showing promise, the results require further validation."

How many linking words per IELTS paragraph?

Aim for 2–3 well-chosen linking words per body paragraph. More than 4 can feel mechanical and forced, which actually lowers your Coherence & Cohesion score. The guidance from IELTS examiners is that over-linking (putting "Firstly", "Secondly", "Furthermore", "Moreover", "Additionally" in rapid succession) is penalised as it suggests the linking is formulaic rather than logical. Choose one strong discourse marker per idea transition.

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