Grammar · Lesson 8 of 15
Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions
Join ideas with and, but and so, then build complex sentences with because, although, whereas and when, which examiners look for.
In this lesson you will
- join ideas with coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so)
- build complex sentences with subordinating conjunctions (because, although, whereas, when, if…)
- choose the right conjunction for the meaning
- turn simple answers into complex ones, which examiners reward
Grammar
Two kinds of conjunction
Coordinating conjunctions join two ideas of equal importance. There are seven, and you can remember them as FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
I loved road trips, and I'd pass the time by counting red cars.
Subordinating conjunctions start a clause that depends on the main clause. A sentence with a main clause and a subordinate clause is a complex sentence. Using a range of complex sentences is one of the things examiners look for in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Although children get restless easily, childhood is much more carefree on the whole.
| Meaning | Subordinating conjunctions | Example from our model answers |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | because, since, as | I prefer one-to-one, because people tend to open up more. |
| Contrast | although, even though, whereas, while | I hold on to photos and letters, whereas old clothes and gadgets usually go. |
| Time | when, whenever, before, after, until, as soon as | Whenever a school trip came up, I'd jump at the chance. |
| Condition | if, unless, as long as | Yes, I think so, as long as they're achievable. |
| Purpose | so that | We'd always set off before dawn so that we could make good time. |
Coordinating or subordinating?
- but
- although
- so
- whereas
- because
- or
- unless
- yet
Meaning
Choose the right conjunction
Complete the answers
- I usually reach for my phone to kill time, ___ I know it's not the healthiest habit.
- I keep my keys in a little tray by the door, ___ I don't lose them.
- ___ the internet goes down, it's almost impossible to work.
- I'd never wear headphones while cycling, ___ it's dangerous.
- I don't buy designer clothes ___ they're on sale.
Punctuation tip (for writing): when the subordinate clause comes first, put a comma after it: When the internet goes down, it's almost impossible. When it comes second, you usually don't need a comma: It's almost impossible when the internet goes down.
Build
From simple to complex
Our model answers always include at least two complex sentences. Compare:
- Simple: I like street markets. They are lively. You can haggle. Malls are comfortable. Markets have character.
- Complex: I prefer street markets, because they're much more lively and you can haggle over prices. Malls are comfortable, whereas every market has its own character.
Join the sentences
Use the conjunction in brackets. Write one sentence.
- I love singing. I'm a bit tone-deaf. (even though)
- I prefer the evening. I'm a night owl. (because)
- My high school teachers were strict. My primary school teachers were patient. (whereas)
- I'm stuck in traffic. I put on a podcast. (when)
Upgrade an answer
Rewrite this answer with at least two complex sentences: “Do you like to keep things tidy?” — “Yes. I'm not a neat freak. I feel calmer in a tidy room. I don't waste time looking for things.”
“Yes, I do, although I'm not a neat freak. I feel calmer when my room is organised, and it means that I don't waste time looking for things.”
Speaking practice
Two complex sentences in every answer
Answer the questions out loud. Count your complex sentences: aim for at least two in every answer. Try to use a different conjunction each time.
Press Record, answer out loud, then listen back.
Lesson written for Tips4IELTS. All examples come from our Speaking Part 1 model answers.