Clauses need connecting tissue. A conjunction is a word that links words, phrases, or clauses, signaling relationships such as addition, contrast, alternative, or cause.

Coordinating conjunctions join elements of equal status; subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses; correlative pairs work in tandem. English examples include and, but, or, because, and although. Punctuation conventions often depend on which type of conjunction is used.

Conjunction choice shapes the logic a reader infers. Overreliance on a single conjunction flattens style; precise subordinators clarify complex argumentation. Typologically, languages differ in how many conjunctions they grammaticalize versus express through verb forms or juxtaposition.

• Word linking words, phrases, or clauses
• Includes coordinating and subordinating types
• Signals logical and rhetorical relations
• Affects punctuation and sentence architecture