Connecting Clauses with Conjunctions

In the previous chapter, "Independent and Dependent Clauses," we learned how to identify the basic building blocks of a sentence. We saw that independent clauses are strong enough to stand on their own as complete sentences, while dependent clauses are incomplete thoughts that need to lean on something else to make sense.

But if we only ever spoke in single, isolated independent clauses, we would sound like robots. The sun rose. The birds sang. I drank my chai. I went to work.

To write fluently, we need to connect these ideas. We need to show how one thought relates to another—whether they are happening at the same time, whether one caused the other, or whether they are in contrast. To do this, we use the glue of the English language: conjunctions.

In this chapter, we are going to master the two main types of glue used to connect clauses: coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions. We will also learn exactly where to place our commas when we use them, so you never have to guess on a punctuation question again.

The Two Types of Glue

Think of clauses as pieces of wood you are trying to join together to build a piece of furniture.

If you are joining two equally strong, thick pieces of wood (two independent clauses), you need a specific type of joint that respects their equal weight. We call this a coordinating conjunction.

If you are attaching a smaller, decorative piece of wood (a dependent clause) to a main, weight-bearing pillar (an independent clause), you need a different type of joint. We call this a subordinating conjunction.

Let us look at both in deep detail.

Coordinating Conjunctions: Joining Equals

Coordinating conjunctions are used to join two things of equal grammatical value. When it comes to clauses, they are used to join two independent clauses together.

When you join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, you create what is called a compound sentence.

There are exactly seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language. You do not need to memorize a long list; you just need to remember one simple, famous word.

Let us break down exactly what each of these seven words does, because they each serve a very specific logical purpose in a sentence.

1. For (Reason)

We use "for" to introduce a reason or a cause. It means almost the exact same thing as "because." While it sounds a little formal or old-fashioned in everyday speech, it is perfectly correct and frequently appears in formal writing and exams.

• Independent Clause 1: I decided to stay indoors.
• Independent Clause 2: The monsoon rains were too heavy.
• Combined: I decided to stay indoors, for the monsoon rains were too heavy.

2. And (Addition)

We use "and" to add one idea to another similar idea. It shows that the two independent clauses are in agreement or happen in a sequence.

• Independent Clause 1: The manager approved the budget.
• Independent Clause 2: The team started the project immediately.
• Combined: The manager approved the budget, and the team started the project immediately.

3. Nor (Negative Addition)

We use "nor" to add a negative idea to an already negative idea. It is the negative version of "and."

• Independent Clause 1: He does not eat meat.
• Independent Clause 2: He does not eat dairy.
• Combined: He does not eat meat, nor does he eat dairy.

4. But (Contrast)

We use "but" to show a contrast or an exception between two equal ideas.

• Independent Clause 1: She studied every night for a month.
• Independent Clause 2: She still felt nervous on the day of the test.
• Combined: She studied every night for a month, but she still felt nervous on the day of the test.

5. Or (Choice)

We use "or" to present an alternative or a choice between two equal ideas.

• Independent Clause 1: We can take the train to Shimla.
• Independent Clause 2: We can hire a private taxi.
• Combined: We can take the train to Shimla, or we can hire a private taxi.

6. Yet (Unexpected Contrast)

"Yet" is very similar to "but," but it carries a slightly stronger sense of surprise or irony. It means "despite this" or "nevertheless."

• Independent Clause 1: The restaurant has terrible reviews online.
• Independent Clause 2: It is always packed with customers.
• Combined: The restaurant has terrible reviews online, yet it is always packed with customers.

7. So (Result)

We use "so" to show the result or consequence of the first clause.

• Independent Clause 1: The traffic on the highway was at a standstill.
• Independent Clause 2: We missed the beginning of the movie.
• Combined: The traffic on the highway was at a standstill, so we missed the beginning of the movie.

Punctuation Rules for FANBOYS

Knowing the seven FANBOYS is only half the battle. The other half—and the part that is tested most aggressively—is knowing how to punctuate them.

There is one golden rule you must memorize:

Why do we need this comma? Because independent clauses are heavy. They each have their own subject and their own verb. The comma acts as a speed bump, warning the reader: "Slow down, the first complete thought is ending, and a brand new complete thought with a new subject is about to begin."

Let us look at an example:

• Correct: The sun set behind the mountains, and the temperature dropped rapidly.

(We have a comma because "The sun set behind the mountains" is an independent clause, and "the temperature dropped rapidly" is also an independent clause).

The Trap: When NOT to use a comma

Students often get so used to putting commas before "and" or "but" that they start putting them everywhere. This is a trap.

You only use the comma if there is a full independent clause on both sides of the conjunction. If the conjunction is just joining two nouns, or two verbs sharing the same subject, you do not use a comma.

Look at this sentence:

• Rahul washed the dishes and dried them.

Let us analyze it. What is before the "and"? Rahul washed the dishes. (Independent clause. It has a subject, Rahul, and a verb, washed). What is after the "and"? dried them. (This is NOT an independent clause. It has a verb, dried, but no subject. Who dried them? Rahul did, but the word "Rahul" is not repeated).

Because the second part is not a full independent clause, we are just joining two verbs (washed and dried) that belong to the same subject (Rahul). Therefore, no comma is allowed.

• Incorrect: Rahul washed the dishes, and dried them.
• Correct: Rahul washed the dishes and dried them.

If we wanted to use a comma, we would have to add a subject to the second half to make it a full independent clause:

• Correct: Rahul washed the dishes, and he dried them.

Subordinating Conjunctions: The Boss and the Employee

Now let us move to the second type of glue: subordinating conjunctions.

While coordinating conjunctions join two equals, subordinating conjunctions join two unequals. They are used to attach a dependent clause to an independent clause. When you do this, you create what is called a complex sentence.

To understand how they work, you need to understand their power. A subordinating conjunction is so powerful that if you attach it to the front of a perfectly good independent clause, it instantly destroys its independence. It turns it into a dependent clause.

Let us watch this happen:

1. 1Independent Clause: The power went out. (This is a complete thought. It can stand alone).
2. 2Add a Subordinating Conjunction: Let us add the word "because" to the front.
3. 3Result: Because the power went out...

Suddenly, it is no longer a complete thought! If you walk up to a friend and say, "Because the power went out," they will stare at you and wait for you to finish your sentence. The clause is now dependent. It needs to be attached to a new independent clause to make sense.

• Completed Sentence: Because the power went out, we lit some candles.

Categories of Subordinating Conjunctions

Unlike the FANBOYS, there are dozens of subordinating conjunctions. You do not need to memorize them all, but you should be able to recognize them. They generally fall into a few logical categories:

1. Time These tell us when something happened in relation to the main clause.

• Common words: after, before, once, since, until, when, whenever, while.
• Example: I will call you as soon as I reach the station.

2. Cause and Effect These tell us why the main action happened.

• Common words: because, since, as, now that.
• Example: Since you already know the answer, you should explain it to the class.

3. Condition These set a condition that must be met for the main clause to happen.

• Common words: if, unless, provided that, in case, even if.
• Example: You will not pass the exam unless you practice every day.

4. Contrast / Concession These show that the main clause is happening despite something else.

• Common words: although, even though, though, whereas, while.
• Example: Although the hike was exhausting, the view from the top was worth it.

5. Place These tell us where something happened.

• Common words: where, wherever.
• Example: I will follow you wherever you go.

Punctuation Rules for Subordinating Conjunctions

The punctuation rules for subordinating conjunctions are actually much simpler than for FANBOYS. It all depends on the order of the clauses.

Think of a complex sentence as a train. The independent clause is the heavy engine. The dependent clause is a lighter carriage.

Rule 1: Dependent Clause First (Front-loaded)

If you start your sentence with the subordinating conjunction (the dependent clause), you must put a comma at the end of that clause before you start the independent clause.

• Formula: [Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause] + [ , ] + [Independent Clause].
• Example: When the clock struck midnight, the fireworks began.
• Example: Because he forgot his wallet, he had to borrow money for lunch.

The comma acts as a signal to the reader that the introductory background information is over, and the main point of the sentence is about to begin.

Rule 2: Independent Clause First (Back-loaded)

If you start your sentence with the independent clause (the engine) and attach the dependent clause at the end, you generally do not use a comma. The subordinating conjunction itself acts as the speed bump, so a comma is unnecessary.

• Formula: [Independent Clause] + [Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause].
• Example: The fireworks began when the clock struck midnight. (No comma)
• Example: He had to borrow money for lunch because he forgot his wallet. (No comma)

The Impostors: Conjunctive Adverbs

Before we finish, we must talk about the biggest trap in English grammar. It is a trap that catches thousands of students every year.

There is a group of words that look like conjunctions, feel like conjunctions, and translate like conjunctions, but grammatically, they are adverbs.

These are called conjunctive adverbs. Common examples include:

• However
• Therefore
• Moreover
• Furthermore
• Consequently
• Nevertheless
• Meanwhile

Because these words show a logical relationship (like contrast or result), students try to use them exactly like FANBOYS to join two independent clauses with a comma.

• The Trap: The exam was very difficult, however, I think I passed.

This is grammatically illegal. It is a severe error called a comma splice. A comma is not strong enough to hold two independent clauses together unless it has a FANBOYS conjunction next to it. "However" is not a FANBOYS conjunction. It is just an adverb.

If you want to use a conjunctive adverb to connect two independent clauses, you must use a stronger punctuation mark: the semicolon ( ; ). A semicolon is strong enough to join two independent clauses on its own.

• Correct: The exam was very difficult; however, I think I passed.
• Correct: The company lost money this year; therefore, bonuses will be cancelled.

Notice the punctuation pattern: [Independent Clause] + [ ; ] + [Conjunctive Adverb] + [ , ] + [Independent Clause].

If you do not want to use a semicolon, you must use a full stop and start a brand new sentence.

• Correct: The exam was very difficult. However, I think I passed.

Never let a conjunctive adverb trick you into a comma splice!

Worked Examples: Sentence Surgery

Let us put everything we have learned into practice by diagnosing and fixing some broken sentences. This is exactly the kind of analytical thinking you need for error-spotting questions.

Patient 1: The team played brilliantly in the first half, they lost their energy in the second half.

• Diagnosis: We have two independent clauses joined only by a comma. This is a comma splice.
• Cure 1 (Use a FANBOYS): The team played brilliantly in the first half, but they lost their energy in the second half.
• Cure 2 (Use a Subordinating Conjunction): Although the team played brilliantly in the first half, they lost their energy in the second half.

Patient 2: I will not apologize to him unless he apologizes to me first.

• Diagnosis: Let us check the clauses. "I will not apologize to him" (Independent). "unless he apologizes to me first" (Dependent, starting with subordinating conjunction 'unless').
• Check Punctuation: The independent clause comes first. Rule 2 says no comma is needed.
• Verdict: The sentence is perfectly healthy. No changes needed.

Patient 3: She went to the market, and bought fresh vegetables for dinner.

• Diagnosis: We have a comma before "and". Let us look at what comes after "and": bought fresh vegetables for dinner. Is this an independent clause? No, it has no subject. It is just a second verb belonging to "She".
• Cure: Remove the comma.
• Fixed: She went to the market and bought fresh vegetables for dinner.

Patient 4: The bridge was closed for repairs, therefore we had to take a long detour.

• Diagnosis: "Therefore" is a conjunctive adverb, not a FANBOYS conjunction. It cannot join two independent clauses with just a comma.
• Cure: Change the comma to a semicolon, and put a comma after "therefore".
• Fixed: The bridge was closed for repairs; therefore, we had to take a long detour.

Quick Revision

Here are the high-yield points to review before your exam:

• Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS): For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. They join two equal independent clauses.
• FANBOYS Comma Rule: Always use a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction if it is joining two full independent clauses (IC, + FANBOYS + IC).
• The "No Comma" Rule: Do not use a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction if it is just joining two verbs or two nouns (e.g., He ran and jumped).
• The "Nor" Inversion: When using "nor" to join independent clauses, invert the subject and verb in the second clause (e.g., ...nor did he care).
• Subordinating Conjunctions: Words like because, although, if, when. They attach a dependent clause to an independent clause.
• Front-loaded Comma: If the dependent clause comes first, put a comma after it (DC, + IC).
• Back-loaded No Comma: If the independent clause comes first, usually no comma is needed (IC + DC).
• The Conjunctive Adverb Trap: Words like however and therefore are NOT conjunctions. You cannot use them with just a comma to join independent clauses. Use a semicolon (IC; however, IC).