LEVEL B1

COORDINATING
CORRELATIVE
SUBORDINATING
CONJUNCTIONS
01
Introduction
COORDINATING CONJUCTIONS
What is a coordinating conjunction?
A coordinating conjunction is a
conjunction that connects words, phrases,
and clauses that are coordinate, or equal.
The elements joined by coordinating
conjunctions can be individual words,
phrases, or clauses. The seven most
common coordinating conjunctions
are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so—the
first letters of which spell out the
For
And
Nor
Here are some examples of FANBOYS in
sentences:

But Plenty of vegetables were ready to be picked in

her garden, so Maria didn’t go to the farmers’

Or market this week.

Do you like the taste of peaches or mangoes

Yet better?

So Samir bikes to the park and plays soccer there

almost every weekend.
 5
INTRODUCE YOURSELF: COORDINATING CONJUCTION

"I have been teaching English for 23 years, and I have also
specialized in online education for the past six years. I hold a
diploma in education pedagogy for English teaching, so I am well-
versed in effective teaching strategies. I have received several
awards and certifications for my excellence in teaching, yet I
continue to seek new ways to improve my skills. I am passionate
about helping students learn English, but I also enjoy adapting my
teaching methods to meet their individual needs. Whether in a
physical classroom or online, I strive to create engaging and
Coordinating conjunctions to join single words

When a coordinating conjunction joins two or more individual

words, those words should be the same part of speech: a noun
with a noun, a verb with a verb, an adjective with an adjective,
and so on. Here are some examples, with the coordinating
conjunctions in bold and the words being connected underlined:

Did you remember to bring pen and paper?

Sometimes I shower or bathe at night instead of in the morning.

Xan found her classmates’ comments on her writing challenging

yet helpful.
A. Coordinating conjunctions to join phrases

Coordinating conjunctions can also link phrases of the same

grammatical type.

In the following sentence, the coordinating conjunction and connects two

noun phrases:

The antique desk and the modern lamp look surprisingly natural together.

Here’s a sentence in which the coordinating conjunction but

connects two prepositional phrases:

I got to the movie before Edam but after Vera.

And in this next example, nor joins two adjective phrases. (Note
that in the example, nor is both a coordinating conjunction and a
correlative conjunction with its partner, neither.)
B. Coordinating conjunctions to join independent clauses

An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone as a

simple sentence. When two independent clauses are logically
closely related, it often makes sense to combine them into a
compound sentence with the help of a coordinating conjunction
and a comma.

I wanted something to eat, so I looked in the fridge.

Reading fiction is beneficial, for it can make us more empathetic.

The host borrowed dozens of folding chairs, yet there were not
enough for the guests.

We liked the play’s story, but we didn’t care for its staging.
C. Commas and coordinating conjunctions

Commas appear before coordinating conjunctions in two different

circumstances: when the coordinating conjunction joins two independent
clauses to form a compound sentence and when it joins more than two
elements in a series.

In compound sentences:

Most of the time, when a coordinating conjunction connects two

independent clauses to create a compound sentence, a comma appears
before the conjunction.

I haven’t been to the supermarket yet this week, but I plan to go today.

However, it’s generally considered OK to omit the comma when the two
independent clauses are short, and the coordinating conjunction is and.
Conversation #4

Man: Do you go out much?

Woman: No, I don’t drink, and I don’t like crowds.
Man: Yeah, me too, but I hate staying home.
Woman: So, what do you do? Watch movies?
Man: No, I don’t like movies, nor do I like TV shows,
so I tend to read a lot.
Woman: Sounds boring, but to each his own.
 SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS

A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase

that links a dependent clause to an
independent clause. This word or phrase
indicates that a clause has informative value to
add to the sentence's main idea, signaling a
cause-and-effect relationship or a shift in time
and place between the two clauses.
The subordinating conjunction that is simplest to
explain is because. Because is a conjunction with
just one purpose: to show a cause-and-effect
relationship between a subordinate clause and a
main clause. On its own, a clause beginning with
because is incomplete.
Independent/ Subordinating Subordinate
Main clause clause clause

Sam wasn't he told James he

allowed in the car because wouldn't wear a
anymore seat belt.

The teacher reads They have English

when
to their students reading lessons.
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
After When Before

As soon as Because As

Since Though Although

Even though If Unless

Until Even if Once

While Than Till

Now that Whenever In order that

Wherever As though As long as

Provided So that That

 INTRODUCE YOURSELF: SUBORDINATING 20
CONJUCTION

"Although I have been teaching English for 23 years, I am always eager

to learn new methods to enhance my teaching. Since I have a diploma in
education pedagogy for English teaching, I understand the importance of
using effective strategies to support student learning. Because I have six
years of experience teaching online, I am skilled at creating engaging
virtual lessons that keep students motivated. While I have received
awards and certifications for my teaching excellence, I believe there is
always room for growth. If given the opportunity, I would love to bring my
expertise and passion to new students and learning environments."
Check Your Understanding of Subordinating Conjunctions
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate conjunction in the following
sentences. You can choose the most suitable conjunction from the list given
below.
(If, while, when, since, as soon as, even though, unless, though, before, after)
1. __________ Deepa reached home, she called to let me know .
2. __________ she had paid all the bills, the system showed that she had some
due payments to be done.
3. _________ you do not find it interesting; it is okay.
4. _________ I was walking across the street; I saw that the shops were closed.
5. _________ she finishes the work given; she cannot go home.
6. __________ you make a decision, just take a second opinion.
7. __________ he was tired, he agreed to help me out.
8. She knew that there was a nationwide lockdown today only _____ I told her
about it.
9. _________ you are done with it, let me know.
10. I think this place will not feel the same ever again _______ they
demolished the football gallery.
 What is a correlative
conjunction?

Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions used

to illustrate how two words or phrases within a
sentence relate to each other. Correlative
conjunctions always come in pairs.
• Either you’re with me or you’re against me.
• Such is the intensity of the pollen
outside that I can’t leave the house.
• My parents went to both Hawaii and Bali last
year.
• She would no sooner cheat on an
exam than falsify her credentials.
• They would rather go to the movies than the
mall.
 INTRODUCE YOURSELF: CORRELATIVE 25
CONJUCTION
"I have both extensive experience in teaching English and a strong
background in online education. Not only have I been teaching English for
23 years, but I have also spent the last six years specializing in virtual
instruction. I have received multiple awards and certifications, which
highlight my dedication to education, yet I believe that learning is a
continuous journey. I focus on creating lessons that are neither dull nor
overwhelming, ensuring that students stay engaged and motivated.
Whether in a physical classroom or an online setting, I strive to provide
high-quality education that meets the needs of all learners."
We could either hike up the mountain or swim
in the lake this afternoon.

Whether you bike or drive to work, you’ll need

to show your parking pass.

Not only did my boyfriend buy me a Nintendo

Switch, but he also bought me a bunch of
games!
 “This is a quote, words full of
wisdom that someone important
said and that can inspire the
reader”

—Someone Famous
A picture is worth a thousand words
Thanks!