C1 English Grammar – Conjunctions – Ex 42

What Are Conjunctions?

Conjunctions are connecting words. They join words, phrases, or clauses to show relationships like time, cause, contrast, or condition. At C1 level, you must use them precisely—not just to connect, but to clarify logical relationships.

There are three main types:

• Coordinating conjunctions join equal parts (e.g., independent clauses)
• Subordinating conjunctions join a dependent clause to an independent one
• Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect balanced elements

Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

These join grammatically equal elements. Remember the acronym FANBOYS:

• For – reason (formal): “She stayed home, for it was raining.”
• And – addition: “He cooked, and she cleaned.”
• Nor – negative addition: “He didn’t call, nor did he text.”
• But – contrast: “She’s talented, but she lacks confidence.”
• Or – alternatives: “You can stay, or you can leave.”
• Yet – contrast with expectation: “He studied hard, yet he failed.”
• So – result: “It was late, so we left.”

Rule: When joining two independent clauses, use a comma before the conjunction.

Subordinating Conjunctions

These introduce dependent (subordinate) clauses. The clause cannot stand alone. The main clause contains the complete idea.

Common types and examples:

• Time: when, while, before, after, since, until → “Call me when you arrive.”
• Cause/Reason: because, since, as → “She left because she was tired.”
• Condition: if, unless, provided that → “I’ll go if you come.”
• Contrast: although, though, even though → “Although it rained, we walked.”
• Purpose: so that, in order that → “He saved money so that he could travel.”
• Place: where, wherever → “This is the park where we met.”

Rule: If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma after it. If the main clause comes first, no comma is needed.

Correlative Conjunctions

These work in fixed pairs. Both parts must be used, and the sentence structure must be parallel.

• Either...or – “You can either stay or leave.”
• Neither...nor – “Neither John nor Mary called.”
• Not only...but also – “She is not only smart but also kind.”
• Both...and – “He speaks both French and Spanish.”
• Whether...or – “I don’t know whether to go or stay.”

Rule: The elements after each part must be the same grammatical form (nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, etc.).

Three Types of Conjunctions:

correct “She didn’t go because she was sick.”
incorrect “Because she was sick, so she didn’t go.” — double conjunction error