English Conjunctions and Question Words - Explanation and Exercises

Coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions join two equal, independent clauses: and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor (often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS). I wanted to go, but I was too tired.

Subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect a main clause to a dependent clause, showing a relationship like cause, contrast, time, or condition: because, although, since, when, if, while, unless. I stayed home because I was sick. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, the clause they introduce can't stand alone as a full sentence.

Conjunctive adverbs

Words like however, therefore, moreover, and meanwhile connect ideas between sentences, but they function differently from conjunctions grammatically. They typically need a semicolon or full stop before them, not a comma: I was tired; however, I kept working.

Question words

English question words (who, whom, whose, which, what, when, where, why, how) each target a specific kind of information. Who asks about the subject; whom asks about the object (more formal, increasingly rare in speech); whose asks about possession.

• Who called you? (subject)
• Whom did you call? (object, formal)
• Whose phone is this? (possession)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Comma splice with a conjunctive adverb: ✗ I was tired, however I kept working. → ✓ I was tired; however, I kept working.
• Using "because" to start a sentence with no main clause: ✗ Because I was tired. (incomplete) → ✓ Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
• Who vs. whom: ✗ Whom is calling? → ✓ Who is calling? (subject position needs "who")