6.2 Conjunctions & Connectors
Key Takeaways
- FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) join equal grammatical elements and require a comma when linking two independent clauses.
- Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, while, unless, since) attach a dependent clause to an independent clause to show cause, contrast, condition, or time.
- Correlative conjunctions (either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, both...and) work in matched pairs and must match the sentence's actual logic -- exclusive choice, negation, or addition.
- Transition words link separate sentences and must match the logical relationship between them: addition (moreover), contrast (however), cause-effect (therefore), or sequence (subsequently).
- 'However' and 'therefore' are grammatically similar but logically opposite -- swapping a contrast connector for a cause-effect connector reverses a sentence's meaning.
Conjunctions and connectors are the glue that links ideas within and between sentences, and STEP tests them both inside the Grammar section (choosing the right word to complete a sentence) and, less directly, in the Compositional Analysis section, where cohesion between sentences is graded. This section covers the three grammatical categories of conjunctions -- coordinating, subordinating, and correlative -- plus the broader category of transition words that signal logical relationships across sentences.
Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS
The seven coordinating conjunctions join two elements of equal grammatical weight -- two independent clauses, two nouns, two adjectives, and so on. They are easy to remember with the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
| Conjunction | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for | gives a reason (formal, similar to "because") | She left early, for she had an early flight. |
| and | adds information | He studied the material and passed with confidence. |
| nor | adds a second negative idea | She did not call, nor did she send a message. |
| but | shows contrast | The test was long, but it was not especially difficult. |
| or | presents an alternative | You can submit the form online or bring it in person. |
| yet | shows contrast (similar to "but") | The plan was risky, yet it ultimately succeeded. |
| so | shows a result | It started raining, so the match was postponed. |
When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses (two complete sentences), a comma is placed before it: The lecture ran long, so the workshop was shortened. Without the comma, and without the conjunction, joining two independent clauses this way produces a run-on sentence -- a common error type covered later in this chapter.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause and attach it to an independent clause, showing a relationship of time, cause, contrast, or condition between the two ideas. Common examples tested on STEP include because, since, although, though, while, if, unless, before, after, whereas.
- Cause: because, since -- "Because the flight was delayed, the passengers missed their connection."
- Contrast: although, though, while, whereas -- "Although the exam was difficult, most students finished on time."
- Condition: if, unless -- "You will not receive a certificate unless you attend all four sessions."
- Time: before, after, while, since -- "She reviewed her notes before the interview began."
A subordinating conjunction can appear at the start of the sentence (with a comma after the dependent clause) or in the middle (usually with no comma): Although she studied all night, she still felt nervous / She still felt nervous although she studied all night.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in matched pairs and require parallel grammatical structure on both sides. The most common pairs tested on STEP are:
| Pair | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| either...or | one of two options | Either the manager or her assistant will attend. |
| neither...nor | not one and not the other | Neither the printer nor the scanner is working. |
| not only...but also | adds emphasis to a second point | The plan is not only expensive but also risky. |
| both...and | includes two items equally | Both the students and the teacher enjoyed the trip. |
Because the meaning of the sentence determines which pair is correct, always read past the blank to see whether the outcome is exclusive (one or the other), negative (neither), simultaneous (both), or emphatic (not only...but also) before choosing.
Transition Words and Connectors by Logical Relationship
Beyond single-word conjunctions, STEP also tests transition words -- adverbial connectors that link the ideas of two separate sentences, usually set off with a comma. Choosing the right connector requires understanding the logical relationship between the two sentences it joins.
| Relationship | Common Connectors | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | moreover, furthermore, in addition, also | The course covers grammar. Moreover, it includes a listening module. |
| Contrast | however, on the other hand, in contrast, nevertheless | Sales rose in the capital. In contrast, sales fell in the regions. |
| Cause-effect | therefore, as a result, consequently, thus | The bridge was closed for repairs; as a result, traffic was rerouted. |
| Sequence | first, subsequently, then, finally | First, register online; subsequently, upload the required documents. |
When a connector question appears on STEP, the two clauses or sentences typically make the logical relationship clear from context -- a result, a contradiction, an added point, or a step in a sequence. Match the connector to that relationship rather than to whichever connector simply "sounds good" or is most familiar; "however" and "therefore," for example, are grammatically interchangeable in terms of punctuation but signal opposite logical relationships, and swapping them reverses the sentence's meaning.
Quick Diagnostic Questions
Before selecting a conjunction or connector, ask: Are the two ideas equal in weight (coordinating), or is one dependent on the other (subordinating)? Does the sentence present an exclusive choice or a shared inclusion (correlative)? And across two full sentences, is the second idea adding, contrasting, explaining a result, or continuing a sequence? Answering these questions first narrows a four-option question down to the one connector that matches both the grammar and the logic of the sentence.
Because only one manager can be spared from the office, ______ the director ______ his deputy will represent the company at the trade fair.
______ the roads were flooded after the storm, the school decided to close for the day.
The company's revenue increased significantly this quarter; ______, its profit margin actually declined because of rising production costs.
The applicant did not have any prior work experience, ______ the hiring committee was impressed by her strong academic record and internship projects.