Conjunctions in English: Common Conjunctions by Level (A2–C1) with Examples

Conjunctions in English are essential for fluency. In this guide, you’ll learn the most common conjunctions in English by level (A2–C1), with clear definitions, examples, common mistakes, and practical tips for real-life use.

I’ve been focusing a lot on conjunctions in class recently, and the same problems keep coming up. Even students at higher levels recognise conjunctions, but they don’t really use them. Or they use two or three again and again… and ignore the rest. Or worse still, they use them confidently — in the wrong context.

So this article has three simple aims:

Teach you some common, useful conjunctions, organised by level. No overload. No grammar pain.
Show you how to practise conjunctions properly, not just “understand” them.
Explain how to actually use conjunctions in real life, because knowing a conjunction you never use is completely pointless.

Let’s go.

Most Common Conjunctions in English by Level

A2 – The basics you must control

AND
Use: Add information
Definition: Joins similar ideas
Example: I work in sales and I travel a lot.

BUT
Use: Contrast
Definition: Shows an opposite idea
Example: I like my job, but it’s stressful.

BECAUSE
Use: Give a reason
Definition: Explains why
Example: I’m tired because I slept badly.

👉 If you hesitate with these, stop reading and fix that first.

B1 – Where fluency really starts

This is the level where your English starts sounding connected instead of robotic.

SO
Use: Show a result
Definition: Explains the consequence
Example: The meeting was cancelled, so we went home early.

ALTHOUGH
Use: Strong contrast
Definition: Introduces an unexpected idea
Example: Although it was expensive, we bought it.

WHILE
Use: Contrast or time
Definition: Shows difference or simultaneity
Example: I prefer emails, while my boss prefers calls.

B2 / C1 – Natural, professional English

This is where small changes make a big difference, especially in business English.

HOWEVER
Use: Formal contrast
Definition: Softer, more professional “but”
Example: The proposal is interesting. However, it’s too risky.

THEREFORE
Use: Logical result
Definition: Formal “so”
Example: The supplier failed. Therefore, the launch was delayed.

DESPITE / IN SPITE OF
Use: Contrast with limitation
Definition: Show contrast followed by a noun or -ing
Example: Despite the delay, the client stayed.
Careful: if you use a verb, it must be -ing.
Example: In spite of being tired, she finished the report.

WHEREAS
Use: Clear comparison
Definition: Contrasts two facts
Example: Our product is affordable, whereas theirs is premium.

MOREOVER
Use: Add information
Definition: Formal “also”
Example: It saves time. Moreover, it reduces costs.

NONETHELESS
Use: Contrast + persistence
Definition: “Despite that, we continue”
Example: It’s risky. Nonetheless, we’re going ahead.

Common Mistakes with English Conjunctions (and How to Fix Them)

These mistakes are very common — even at B2 and C1.

❌ Despite + subject + verb
Wrong: Despite I am tired, I go to the gym.
Right: Despite being tired, I go to the gym.
Or: Although I am tired, I go to the gym.

❌ Using whereas to divide actions
Wrong: I will cook whereas you clean.
Right: I will cook and you clean. / I will cook while you clean.

❌ Using however without punctuation
Wrong: I like the idea however it’s expensive.
Right: I like the idea. However, it’s expensive.

❌ Confusing however and nonetheless
It’s interesting; however, it’s risky.
It’s risky. Nonetheless, we’re going ahead.

Fix these, and your English immediately sounds cleaner and more professional.

How to Practise English Conjunctions Correctly

Reading lists is useless unless you do something with them.

Take one conjunction per day.
Write three real sentences about your job or life.
Say them out loud.
Use the same conjunction again the next day.

Repetition matters because fluency is built through habits, not explanations.

How to Incorporate Conjunctions into Daily Life

In meetings: force yourself to use however, therefore, or although once.
In emails: replace but with however. Replace so with therefore.
When speaking: slow down slightly so you can choose consciously.
When listening: notice which conjunctions native speakers actually use — and steal them.

You don’t need more grammar.
You need better control of what you already know.

Conclusion

Conjunctions are small words, but they make a huge difference. They connect ideas, organise your speech, and make you sound fluent immediately. Master a small number, use them well, and your English will improve fast.

Want help applying this in real Business English?

We are a medium-sized online language academy in Spain, specialising in Business English training for companies, helping employees improve fluency quickly and efficiently. We also manage FUNDAE government funding, making classes free or heavily reduced for companies.

📩 Contact us for more information:
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More resources you might like:

Phrasal verbs for Business English: https://inglesconkillian.com/blog/10-most-common-phrasal-verbs-for-business-english

Expressions for meetings: https://inglesconkillian.com/blog/35-effective-meeting-expressions-in-english

Categories: : Business English, Grammar & Vocabulary