This page lists 9 conjunctions that start with B, running alphabetically from “Because” to “By the time.” The list includes single words, short phrases, and one pair that works together. You can use them to give reasons, show contrast, set up timing, and link equal ideas, which makes your writing clearer and easier to follow.

Conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, or clauses and show how those parts relate to each other. They are so basic to English that a 1970s educational cartoon, “Conjunction Junction,” taught them to a whole generation of American schoolchildren. Many people still remember the song today.

Below you’ll find the table with Conjunction, Definition, Example usage, and Description.

Conjunction: The word or phrase itself, so you can quickly scan the alphabetical list and find the exact connector you want to look up.

Definition: A short, plain explanation of what each conjunction means and which type it is, so you know the job it does in a sentence.

Example usage: A complete sentence that shows the conjunction in real use, so you can copy the pattern and apply it to your own writing.

Description: Extra notes on tone, common patterns, and style tips, helping you decide when each conjunction fits best and when to choose another one.

Conjunctions

ConjunctionDefinitionExample usage
BecauseA subordinating conjunction that introduces the reason or cause for something.We stayed home because it was raining.
BeforeA subordinating conjunction that introduces an event that happens earlier than the main action.Wash your hands before you eat.
Being thatA subordinating conjunction phrase meaning “since” or “given that,” used to introduce a reason.Being that it was her birthday, we ordered a cake.
Both…andA correlative conjunction pair that joins two elements and stresses that each applies.She is both smart and funny.
ButA coordinating conjunction that joins two ideas that contrast or contradict each other.I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
But forA conjunction phrase meaning “if it were not for,” used to name something that prevented an outcome.But for your help, we would have failed.
But ratherA conjunction phrase used after a negative statement to introduce the correct alternative.He did not leave, but rather stayed to help.
But thatA conjunction phrase meaning “except that” or “if it were not that,” usually in formal or older writing.I would go, but that I have work to finish.
By the timeA subordinating conjunction phrase marking the point at which one event has already happened when another occurs.By the time we arrived, the movie had started.

Descriptions

Because
One of the most common ways to explain why something happens. It starts a clause that gives the reason for the main statement.
Before
Sets up a time relationship, showing that the main action happens after the event in the “before” clause.
Being that
A conversational way to give a reason. Some style guides prefer “since” or “because” in formal writing.
Both…and
Used to link two equal items and emphasize that both are true. The two items should have a matching grammatical form.
But
One of the seven FANBOYS conjunctions. It introduces an exception, contrast, or unexpected turn in a sentence.
But for
A somewhat formal phrase that points to the one thing that made the difference between two possible outcomes.
But rather
Pairs with “not” to correct or replace an earlier idea with a better one, often in the form “not X, but rather Y.”
But that
An older, literary phrase that is rare in everyday speech. It introduces a condition that blocks the main action.
By the time
Shows that one action was complete before or at the moment another began. It often goes with perfect verb tenses.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.