TOEFL Conjunctions 2026: Rules and Exercises

TOEFL conjunctions connect ideas and clauses. Learn the 3 main types, common errors, and a practical routine for Writing practice.

TOEFL conjunctions connect clauses in 3 main ways

TOEFL conjunctions are words or word pairs that join sentence parts and show the relationship between them. The most useful categories are coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. Each category solves a different sentence problem, so memorizing a long list without learning the job of each word is inefficient.

This distinction matters especially in Build a Sentence, where you arrange words or phrases into a complete grammatical sentence or question. It also matters in longer responses. A conjunction can show contrast, reason, condition, addition, or choice, helping the reader follow the logic without guessing.

Do not confuse conjunctions with transition words. A conjunction normally joins grammatical units inside one sentence, while a transition such as however or therefore often links complete ideas with different punctuation. The TOEFL transition words guide explains that separate system.

Use coordinating conjunctions for equal ideas

Coordinating conjunctions connect elements with the same grammatical status. The 7 FANBOYS words are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. In TOEFL practice, the most frequent choices are usually and for addition, but or yet for contrast, or for alternatives, and so for a result.

Check both sides before choosing one. In “The proposal is affordable, but it requires more staff,” both sides are complete clauses. In “The proposal is affordable but complicated,” the conjunction joins two adjectives, so no comma is normally needed. This is a small punctuation decision, but it reveals whether you understand the structure.

Avoid using and as a universal connector. “The library extended its hours, and more students visited” shows addition, but “The library extended its hours, so more students visited” shows a result. Choose the relationship first, then choose the word. For extra ordering practice, use the free Sentence Ordering Game.

Use subordinating conjunctions to show relationships

A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause. Common groups include reason words such as because and since, contrast words such as although and whereas, condition words such as if and unless, and time words such as when, before, and while.

The dependent clause cannot stand alone. “Because the data were incomplete” is a fragment. It needs a main clause: “Because the data were incomplete, the researchers repeated the survey.” You may reverse the order: “The researchers repeated the survey because the data were incomplete.” The meaning stays similar, but the comma pattern changes.

For Build a Sentence, find the finite verb in each clause and identify which clause contains the conjunction. For email and Academic Discussion tasks, use one clear relationship at a time. A sentence overloaded with although, because, and while can become harder to control than two shorter sentences.

Use correlative conjunctions in balanced pairs

Correlative conjunctions work in 2-part pairs. Useful examples are both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, and whether...or. The key rule is parallel structure: the form after the first half should match the form after the second half.

Compare “The program helps students both organize ideas and check grammar” with “The program helps students both to organize ideas and checking grammar.” The first sentence balances two base verbs. The second mixes an infinitive with an -ing form. The meaning is understandable, but the grammar is uneven.

Subject-verb agreement can also change with either...or and neither...nor. In practical test writing, avoid making the pair unnecessarily complex. A direct sentence is safer than a decorative one. The sentence structure exercises guide gives more practice with balanced patterns.

Avoid 5 common conjunction errors

1. A fragment after because. Do not stop after a dependent clause. Add a complete main clause.

2. A comma splice before however. However is not a coordinating conjunction. Use a period or semicolon before it, then a comma after it.

3. Double marking. Avoid forms such as “Although the class was difficult, but I learned a lot.” Use either although or but, not both in the same relationship.

4. Broken correlative pairs. Do not write “either...and” or “both...or.” Keep the standard pair together.

5. A relationship that does not fit. Grammar alone is not enough. “The experiment failed because the method was accurate” is structurally possible but logically strange. Read for meaning after checking form.

Aidoss Academy recommends recording the error type rather than merely rewriting the correct answer. A label such as “fragment after because” is easier to recognize next time than a vague note saying “grammar mistake.” The free TOEFL Readiness Check can help you decide whether grammar should be a priority in your current study plan.

How to Practice This.

Use Aidoss Academy’s S-L-O-T routine for conjunction drills:

1. Sentence type: Decide whether the target is a statement, question, or complex sentence.
2. Lead word: Locate the conjunction and ask what relationship it signals.
3. Order pattern: Arrange each clause internally, then connect the clauses.
4. Test check: Verify completeness, punctuation, agreement, and meaning.

Worked example: Arrange “although the workshop ended late / the students / stayed / to ask questions.” First, identify a complex statement. Although marks a dependent contrast clause. Build that clause as “Although the workshop ended late,” then attach the complete main clause “the students stayed to ask questions.” The final sentence is: “Although the workshop ended late, the students stayed to ask questions.”

Start with the free Essentials edition of the TOEFL iBT 2026 Build a Sentence Grammar Drill Book to practise core clause patterns, then use the Complete Digital edition for a larger set of mixed drills and review sheets.

FAQ

What are conjunctions in TOEFL?
Conjunctions are words or pairs that connect sentence parts and show relationships such as addition, contrast, reason, condition, or choice. They are especially useful in Build a Sentence and in organizing longer Writing responses.

Which conjunctions are most useful for TOEFL Writing?
The most useful set includes and, but, or, so, because, although, if, when, both...and, and either...or. Learn their jobs and sentence patterns instead of forcing many different connectors into one response.

Can I start a TOEFL sentence with because or although?
Yes, you can start with because or although when the dependent clause is followed by a complete main clause. A comma normally separates the opening dependent clause from the main clause.

What is the difference between conjunctions and transition words?
A conjunction joins grammatical units, while a transition word usually connects complete ideas and follows a different punctuation pattern. For example, but can join two clauses, while however often begins a new sentence or follows a semicolon.

Sources: ETS TOEFL iBT Writing section and ETS TOEFL iBT test content and structure.