Conjunctions: A Complete Guide

1. Introduction to Conjunctions

Definition: A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. It helps maintain the flow of ideas and relationships between different parts of a sentence.

Example:

• She likes tea and coffee.
• I stayed home because it was raining.

Conjunctions make sentences smoother and avoid repetition.

2. Types of Conjunctions

There are three main types of conjunctions:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
3. Correlative Conjunctions

Let’s explore each in detail.

3. Coordinating Conjunctions

Definition:
These conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses that are equally important in a sentence.

FANBOYS Rule

There are seven coordinating conjunctions, remembered by the acronym FANBOYS:

Usage Rules:

1. Comma Usage:

   • When joining two independent clauses, use a comma before the conjunction.
     • Example: I was tired, but I kept working.
   • No comma if it connects only words or phrases.
     • Example: She likes tea and coffee.

2. Parallel Structure:

   • Ensure the connected elements have the same grammatical form.
     • Example: She enjoys reading and writing. (Both verbs in -ing form)

4. Subordinating Conjunctions

Definition:
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause (subordinate clause) to an independent clause, showing relationships like cause, time, contrast, condition, and place.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions:

Usage Rules:

1. Comma Placement:

   • If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma.
     • Example: Although it was raining, we went outside.
   • If the independent clause comes first, no comma.
     • Example: We went outside although it was raining.

2. Cannot Stand Alone:

   • The dependent clause alone does not make sense.
     • ❌ Because it was raining. (Incomplete)
     • ✅ Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

5. Correlative Conjunctions

Definition:
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect sentence elements of equal importance.

Common Correlative Conjunctions:

Usage Rules:

1. Parallel Structure:

   • The elements joined must be grammatically similar.
     • ✅ He is not only funny but also kind.
     • ❌ He is not only funny but also kind.

2. Subject-Verb Agreement:

   • The verb should agree with the second subject.
     • Either the teacher or the students are responsible.

6. Differences Between Conjunction Types

7. Conjunctions in Sentences

Coordinating Conjunction Example:

• I wanted to play football, but it started to rain.

Subordinating Conjunction Example:

• She left early because she was feeling unwell.

Correlative Conjunction Example:

• He is not only talented but also hardworking.

8. Common Mistakes with Conjunctions

1. Using “But” and “However” Together

   • ❌ I wanted to go out, but however, it was raining.
   • ✅ I wanted to go out, but it was raining.

2. Using “Neither” with a Positive Verb

   • ❌ She is neither tall nor she is short.
   • ✅ She is neither tall nor short.

3. Comma Errors with “Because”

   • ❌ I didn’t go out, because it was raining.
   • ✅ I didn’t go out because it was raining.

9. Conclusion

Conjunctions are essential for linking ideas smoothly in sentences. Understanding their types—coordinating, subordinating, and correlative—helps construct grammatically correct and meaningful sentences.

Here are all the exercises and answers compiled in one place. You can save or print them for practice.

📘 Conjunctions – Exercises & Answers

🔹 Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with appropriate coordinating, subordinating, or correlative conjunctions.

1. I wanted to go for a walk, ______ it started raining.
2. You can have ______ tea ______ coffee.
3. She stayed at home ______ she was feeling sick.
4. I will go to the party ______ you come with me.
5. He is ______ intelligent ______ hardworking.
6. We arrived late ______ the traffic was bad.
7. She looked everywhere for her keys, ______ she couldn’t find them.
8. ______ he was tired, he continued working.
9. I don’t know ______ to stay or leave.
10. She is ______ tall ______ short; she is of average height.

✅ Answers

1. but
2. either…or
3. because
4. if
5. both…and
6. because
7. but
8. Although
9. whether
10. neither…nor

🔹 Exercise 2: Identify the Conjunction Type

Read each sentence and identify whether the conjunction is coordinating, subordinating, or correlative.

1. I stayed home because I was sick.
2. She likes both ice cream and chocolate.
3. I was tired, but I kept working.
4. You can either stay here or come with me.
5. I will go if you call me.
6. She was angry, yet she didn’t say anything.
7. He doesn’t know whether to accept the job or decline it.
8. Although it was late, he kept studying.
9. I wanted to leave early, so I finished my work quickly.
10. She is not only smart but also kind.

✅ Answers

1. Subordinating
2. Correlative
3. Coordinating
4. Correlative
5. Subordinating
6. Coordinating
7. Correlative
8. Subordinating
9. Coordinating
10. Correlative

🔹 Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes

Find and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

1. She is neither happy nor she is sad.
2. Because he was late, so he missed the train.
3. He wanted to go outside but, it was raining.
4. I don’t know either I should call you or text you.
5. You should study hard, because the exam is difficult.

✅ Answers

1. She is neither happy nor sad.
2. Because he was late, he missed the train. OR He was late, so he missed the train.
3. He wanted to go outside, but it was raining.
4. I don’t know whether I should call you or text you.
5. You should study hard because the exam is difficult.

🔹 Exercise 4: Combine the Sentences

Use the given conjunction to combine the sentences into one.

1. (but) I wanted to play football. It started to rain.
2. (although) She was tired. She continued working.
3. (so) I was hungry. I made a sandwich.
4. (either…or) You can take the train. You can take the bus.
5. (because) He didn’t study. He failed the test.

✅ Answers

1. I wanted to play football, but it started to rain.
2. Although she was tired, she continued working.
3. I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.
4. You can take either the train or the bus.
5. He failed the test because he didn’t study.

🔹 Exercise 5: Choose the Correct Conjunction

Choose the correct conjunction from the options given in brackets.

1. I was late ______ I missed the bus. (so / because)
2. ______ She was sick, she still went to school. (Although / Because)
3. You can have ______ tea ______ coffee. (either…or / neither…nor)
4. She is ______ beautiful ______ intelligent. (both…and / not only…but also)
5. He studied hard, ______ he failed the test. (but / because)

✅ Answers

1. so
2. Although
3. either…or
4. both…and
5. but

🔹 Exercise 6: Correct the Sentences

1. I don’t like neither coffee nor tea.
2. If you study hard, so you will pass the exam.
3. He is both a good singer and he dances well.
4. She went to the market, because she needed vegetables.
5. Although it was raining, but they played outside.

✅ Answers

1. I like neither coffee nor tea.
2. If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
3. He is both a good singer and a good dancer.
4. She went to the market because she needed vegetables.
5. Although it was raining, they played outside.

🔹 Exercise 7: Fill in the Blanks with the Right Conjunction

1. She didn’t go to school ______ she was feeling unwell.
2. I love reading books, ______ I don’t like watching movies.
3. ______ it was late, he continued working.
4. We can go out ______ the weather improves.
5. ______ he studied hard, he failed the exam.

✅ Answers

1. because
2. but
3. Although
4. if
5. Although

🔹 Exercise 8: Match the Conjunctions with Their Function

✅Answers