Conjunctions
Conjunctions are the little words that hold sentences together, helping us join ideas so that writing feels smooth and meaningful. Without them, our thoughts would sound broken or incomplete.
For ICSE students, conjunctions are more than just grammar basics, they often appear in transformation of sentences, do-as-directed questions, notice writing, and even in long answers like compositions. Using them correctly can make answers clearer, more accurate, and easier to score marks on.
Table of Contents
Definition of a Conjunction
A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions can be divided into three main types:
- Coordinating Conjunctions
- Correlative Conjunctions
- Subordinating Conjunctions
Conjunctions act like bridges in a sentence. They connect ideas so that writing does not sound broken or repetitive. Instead of writing short, choppy sentences, you can use conjunctions to link them smoothly and make your expression clearer.
Examples of Conjunctions
- She is hardworking and honest.
- I stayed at home because it was raining.
- We waited until the bus arrived.
How Do Conjunctions Work?
Conjunctions are not just “joining words” they show therelationship between ideas in a sentence. By using them, we can connect thoughts smoothly and make our writing clearer. Each type of conjunction expresses a specific link, such as addition, contrast, cause–effect, choice, or condition. If the wrong conjunction is used, the meaning of the whole sentence can change.
Common Relationships Shown by Conjunctions
| Relationship | Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | and | He plays cricket and football. |
| Contrast | but | She is rich but unhappy. |
| Cause-Effect | because | I stayed home because it rained. |
| Choice | or | You can have tea or coffee. |
| Condition | if | You will pass if you work hard. |
| Time | before | Finish your homework before you go out to play. |
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank. They keep both parts balanced and give clarity to the sentence.
The seven coordinating conjunctions can be remembered with the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Examples of coordinating conjunctions
- For: Shows reason
I stayed at home, for it was raining. - And: Adds ideas
She is hardworking and honest. - Nor: Gives a second negative idea
He did not eat, nor did he drink. - But: Shows contrast
She worked hard, but she failed the test. - Or: Shows choice
You may take tea or coffee. - Yet: Shows unexpected contrast
He is poor, yet generous. - So: Shows result
It rained, so we cancelled the match.
Exam Tips
- ‘So’ introduces the result, while ‘because’ introduces the reason.
- Coordinating conjunctions always join equal parts, never dependent clauses.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions that always come in pairs. They are used to join two balanced or parallel ideas in a sentence. By using them correctly, you can make your writing smoother and more logical.
Common pairs are:
- either…or
- neither…nor
- both…and
- not only…but also
- whether…or
Examples of Correlative Conjunctions
- She is not only clever but also hardworking.
Reason: The pair balances two qualities. - Either you apologise or you leave the class.
Reason: The pair gives two clear choices. - Both the teacher and the students were happy with the result.
Reason: The pair connects two equal subjects. - Neither Riya nor her friends attended the party.
Reason: The pair shows a complete negative idea.
Dos and Don’ts
- Always use both parts of the pair.
- Keep the sentence parts parallel (same tense or form).
- Don’t mix pairs like either…but also.
- Don’t omit one half of the pair.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are words that join a dependent (subordinate) clause to a main clause. A dependent clause cannot stand alone, so these conjunctions help connect it to the main idea, forming a complex sentence. They show relationships such as reason, contrast, time, or condition, making writing smoother and more meaningful.
Common subordinating conjunctions include:
- because, although, if, unless, while, when, since, until
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
| Relationship | Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | because, since | I stayed at home because it was raining. He was late since the bus broke down. |
| Contrast | although, while | She left the hall although the programme had not ended. He kept reading while his friends played outside. |
| Time | when, until | I was happy when my team won the match. Wait here until I return. |
| Condition | if, unless | You will pass if you study. You cannot succeed unless you work hard. |
Exam Tips
- Never write only a subordinate clause. A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent idea, so it must be connected to a main clause.
- For example, “Because it was raining.” is incomplete. Always pair it with a main clause to make sense.
Connecting Sentences Using Conjunctions
In ICSE grammar, examiners often give questions like “Join the sentences without using and, but, so.” The aim is to test whether students can choose the correct conjunction to show the right relationship between ideas.
Steps to Join Sentences with Conjunctions
- Identify the relationship between the two sentences (time, cause, contrast, choice).
- Select the most suitable conjunction.
- Rewrite as one clear, correct sentence.
Examples of Joining Sentences with Conjunctions
- Cause: I stayed at home. It was raining.
I stayed at home because it was raining. - Contrast: He is rich. He is unhappy.
He is rich although he is unhappy. - Time: The bell rang. The class started.
The class started when the bell rang.
Exam Tips
- Practise joining sentences regularly. This skill is very important for transformation of sentences in ICSE exams, where the right conjunction can make your answer accurate and score-worthy. You can strengthen your basics with Sample Question Paper 2, which includes sentence joining and transformation practice.
Polish Your Writing with Conjunctions
Strong grammar is the foundation of confident writing, and conjunctions are at the heart of it. Mastering them helps you write smoothly, avoid mistakes, and score higher in ICSE English exams. Consistent practice makes all the difference. Every joined sentence sharpens your skills.
Apply the definitions, examples, and tips shared in this guide, and make conjunctions a natural part of your writing. For structured exercises and exam-style practice, explore Aneetta’s Class Worksheets created especially for ICSE students.
Keep practising a few sentences daily. Your grammar will improve, and your ICSE marks will show it!