The Important Joining Words
In English, the most commonly used conjunctions (or joining words) are:
and although as because |
There are
TIME | before after until since when whenever while |
For example:
- We all went home before a fight broke out.
- She went to bed after she put the cat out.
- There will be no peace until somebody says that they are sorry.
- It has not been the same around here
since our friends moved away. - They put the television off
when the program had finished. - He washes his new car
whenever it gets dirty. - The children go to the crèche while Mum goes to work.
PLACE | where |
For example:
Remember that restaurant where you ate a huge steak.
AGREEMENT | though although whether |
For example:
- He could play the violin though he was only five years old.
- I would invite you to come in although the place is a mess.
- It was a great show whether you wanted to join in or just watch.
Tips:
- Try to avoid using the same conjunction
over and over again. It is much better to 'mix and match'. - The conjunction you use can change the meaning of the sentence. You cannot use every conjunction everywhere - so choose wisely!