Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor) join equal parts: The shoes are cheap, but they are strong. Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, while, since, if, unless, when) create a dependent clause: Although the shoes are cheap, they are strong. We never use although and but together in one sentence. Correlative conjunctions come in pairs: both ... and, either ... or, neither ... nor: The advert was neither funny nor clear. However and therefore are linking adverbs; they follow a full stop or semicolon and are followed by a comma: The offer ends today; however, customers can still order online. Adverts use short, strong sentences, so word choice and conjunctions help to guide attention.
Worked examples
Because the bakery offers a student discount, many teenagers go there after school.
The jacket is stylish; however, it is not affordable for everyone.
Class activity
“Mini-advert”: a group writes a three-sentence advert for a product, using at least three different conjunctions; the class votes for the most convincing one.
Practice
1
Choose: ___ the price is high, the quality is excellent. (Although / But)
Although
2
Choose: The phone is cheap, ___ the battery is weak. (but / although)
but
3
Join with however: The shop is small. It has a wide choice.
The shop is small; however, it has a wide choice.
4
Why is “Although it was expensive, but she bought it” incorrect?
Although and but both show contrast, so using both is a double connector; use only one: Although it was expensive, she bought it.