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!
For more on joining words, see the Tip Sheets on Connecting Words and Transitions Signals, The Important Joining Words, and Five Useful Ways to Join Words.
For more information on the importance of joining words and how to use them, watch this video from York University.