Conjunction
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word or a group of words that connects words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. It is used to show the relationship between different parts of a sentence. Conjunctions help to create a logical flow in writing and enable us to express complex ideas.
Example: and, but, or, after, although, because, either…or, not only…but also, etc.
There are three types of conjunction:
- Coordinating conjunctions
- Subordinating conjunctions
- Correlative conjunctions
Coordinating conjunction
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions are and, or, but, yet, so, and for.
For example
- I like to eat mangos and oranges.
- I can go to the park or the library.
Remember the acronym “FANBOYS” to help remember the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So.
Subordinating conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are used to show the relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause, such as time, cause and effect, condition, contrast, and more.
Example: after, although, because, since, when, etc.
- I will go to the park after I finished the homework.
- I will call you when I reach home.
- I can not go to school because I feel sick.
Correlative conjunctions
A correlative conjunction is a type of conjunction that works in pairs to connect words, phrases, or clauses with similar grammatical structures within a sentence.
Example: either..or, neither..nor, not only…but also, but..and, etc.
- Either you go to the store, or I will.
- Neither John nor Mary was at the party.
- Both my parents and my siblings came to the wedding.
It’s important to note that correlative conjunctions must be used in pairs and that the elements being connected should have similar grammatical structures.
Practice exercise
1. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunctions from the given options:
1. I wanted to go to the party, _____ I had too much work to do.
a) but
b) and
c) so
2. She is not only a great singer _____ also an excellent dancer.
a) but
b) and
c) or
3. We can go to the beach _____ to the amusement park.
a) but
b) and
c) or
4. He will come to the meeting _____ he finishes his presentation.
a) after
b) until
c) before
5. She couldn’t attend the event _____ she was feeling unwell.
a) because
b) if
c) since
6. _____ you practice regularly, you will improve your skills.
a) If
b) Although
c) Unless
7. You can choose _____ the red or the blue dress.
a) either
b) neither
c) both
8. I don’t know _____ to watch a movie or read a book tonight.
a) either
b) neither
c) both
Answers
a) but
b) and
c) or
a) after
a) because
a) If
a) either
c) both
2. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate coordinating conjunctions from the given options:
1. I like to play soccer, _____ my brother prefers basketball.
a) and
b) but
c) or
2. She wanted to buy the blue dress, _____ it was too expensive.
a) and
b) but
c) or
3. You can choose the chocolate cake _____ the vanilla cake.
a) and
b) but
c) or
4. He studied hard for the test, _____ he didn’t perform well.
a) and
b) but
c) or
5. We can go to the park _____ have a picnic at home.
a) and
b) but
c) or
6. They were tired, _____ they kept working until late at night.
a) and
b) but
c) or
7. You can have tea _____ coffee with your breakfast.
a) and
b) but
c) or
8. He is not only a talented singer _____ a skilled guitarist.
a) and
b) but
c) or
Answers
1. b) but
2. b) but
3. c) or
4. b) but
5. c) or
6. a) and
7. c) or
8. a) and
3. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate subordinating conjunctions from the given options:
1. I will go for a walk _____ it stops raining.
a) after
b) although
c) because
2. _____ I finish my homework; I can play video games.
a) after
b) although
c) because
3. He couldn’t find his keys _____ he searched everywhere.
a) after
b) although
c) because
4. We went to the movies _____ it was a rainy day.
a) after
b) although
c) because
5. _____ you study hard, you will do well in the exam.
a) after
b) although
c) because
6. She couldn’t attend the party _____ she had a prior commitment.
a) after
b) although
c) because
7. I will call you _____ I reach my destination.
a) after
b) although
c) because
8. _____ it was late, they decided to continue the game.
a) after
b) although
c) because
Answers
1. c) because
2. a) after
3. b) although
4. c) because
5. c) because
6. b) although
7. a) after
8. b) although
4. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate correlative conjunction pairs from the given options:
1. _____ you study hard, _____ you will pass the exam.
a) Either…or
b) Neither…nor
c) Both…and
2. _____ she sings well, _____ she plays the piano beautifully.
a) Either…or
b) Neither…nor
c) Both…and
3. _____ I study, _____ I watch TV.
a) Either…or
b) Neither…nor
c) Both…and
4. _____ he works hard, _____ he will succeed.
a) Either…or
b) Neither…nor
c) Both…and
5. She is _____ a talented musician, _____ an accomplished painter.
a) Either…or
b) not only….but also
c) Both…and
6. The movie was _____ entertaining, _____ thought-provoking.
a) Either…or
b) not only….but also
c) Both…and
Answers
1. a) Either…or
2. c) Both…and
3. b) Neither…nor
4. c) Both…and
5. b) not only…but also
6. b) not only…but also
Related Links
- List of Phobias – Common phobias from A to Z
- Interjection Definition Types and Exercises
- Conjunction Definition Types and Exercises
- List of 100 pronouns in English
- Frequently Used Preposition List
- Preposition Definition Types Exercises
- Adverb Introduction Types and Exercise
- WH words list with example
- Adjective Introduction Types Exercise
- Pronoun Introduction Types Exercises
- Noun Introduction, Types, Exercises
- Antonyms words list A to Z – List of opposite words
- Verb Definition Types and Exercises
- Change of Voice Rules, Exercise
- Parts of Speech Types, Exercise