Conquer ACT, SAT, and Digital SAT: Mastering Conjunctions Made Easy
Ultimate Guide to Mastering Conjunctions for ACT & Digital SAT Success
Welcome, future high-scorer! If you want to conquer the Writing and Language sections of the ACT and Digital SAT, you need to master the art of connecting ideas. That's where conjunctions come in. This guide will break down everything you need to know to turn these tricky grammar questions into easy points.
What Are Conjunctions, and Why Do They Matter?
A conjunction is a connector word. Think of words like "and," "but," and "because." They are the glue that holds your sentences together, linking words, phrases, and clauses to build complex, sophisticated thoughts.
On the SAT and ACT, knowing which conjunction to use is crucial for questions about logical transitions, sentence structure, and punctuation. Using the wrong one can completely change the meaning of a sentence—a mistake the tests love to catch.
The 3 Types of Conjunctions You MUST Know for Test Day
Let's break them down into three simple categories.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
These are the seven short words that join two grammatically equal elements (like two nouns, two verbs, or two complete sentences).
Test-Day Tip: Memorize the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. If a connector word isn't in this list, it's not a coordinating conjunction!
She is smart and hardworking. (Joins two adjectives)
The water was warm, but I didn't go swimming. (Joins two complete sentences)
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions connect a dependent (or subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause. They show a relationship of time, cause-and-effect, or contrast.
Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
He did well on the test because he studied hard.
Unless you study, you won't pass the exam.
This category is essential for "logical transition" questions on the Digital SAT. For more info, check out this guide on Digital SAT Domain 3 Transitions.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
These are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect two equal sentence elements.
Either you start now or you’ll be late.
Both the book and the movie were excellent.
Not only did she apologize, but she also offered a solution.
Your Conjunctions Cheat Sheet
Bookmark this table for quick reference during your prep.
| Type | Function | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinating (FANBOYS) | Connects equal parts | for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so |
| Subordinating | Connects a dependent clause to a main clause | although, because, since, if, unless, while, when, after, before, even though |
| Correlative | Paired conjunctions that connect equal parts | either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, both...and, whether...or |
Common Conjunction Traps on the SAT & ACT
Trap 1: Comma Before a FANBOYS Conjunction
This is one of the most tested rules. Use a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction ONLY when it connects two complete sentences (a sentence has a subject and a verb).
- Correct: Ram likes tea, but Anthony likes coffee. (Two complete sentences)
- Incorrect: Ram likes tea, but not coffee. ("not coffee" is not a complete sentence, so no comma is needed)
Trap 2: Confusing "But" and "Although"
"But" is a coordinating conjunction; "Although" is a subordinating conjunction. They show the same contrast, but they create different sentence structures. The tests will make you choose between them.
- Correct: The team played well, but they lost the game.
- Correct: Although the team played well, they lost the game.
- Incorrect (Run-on Sentence): The team played well, although they lost the game. (This is a common error!)
Need more practice with fundamental grammar rules like these? Check out these resources for EST and ACT Grammar Basics or try some Real ACT Reading Passages to see them in context.
Conclusion: Connect Your Ideas, Boost Your Score
Understanding conjunctions isn't just about memorizing lists; it's about understanding how to build logical, sophisticated sentences. By mastering the three types and recognizing the common traps, you'll be well-equipped to handle any conjunction question the ACT or Digital SAT throws at you.
For more deep dives into grammar, check out the resources at Purdue OWL.
Ready to put these skills to the test? Stop just reading and start doing.Try our free Grammar Skill Drills and see how well you can apply these rules under pressure!