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English Grammar - Conjunctions

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Conjunctions in English Grammar: An Exhaustive Guide

Conjunctions are essential tools in English grammar. They connect words, phrases, or clauses, helping to create coherent and complex sentences. Mastering conjunctions can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of conjunctions, tailored for English learners in India at all levels.

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions can be broadly categorized into three types: Coordinating Conjunctions, Subordinating Conjunctions, and Correlative Conjunctions.

 

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank. The most common coordinating conjunctions can be remembered using the acronym FANBOYS:

  • For
  • And
  • Nor
  • But
  • Or
  • Yet
  • So

Examples:

  • I want to study medicine, but I also enjoy literature.
  • She is talented and hardworking.
  • You can have tea or coffee.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent (subordinate) clause, indicating a relationship such as cause, time, place, or condition.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions:

  • Because
  • Although
  • Since
  • If
  • When
  • Unless
  • While
  • After
  • Before
  • Though

Examples:

  • I stayed home because it was raining.
  • Although he was tired, he finished his homework.
  • We will go out if it stops raining.
  • When she called, I was in a meeting.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join words or phrases that carry equal importance within a sentence.

Common Correlative Conjunctions:

  • Either…or
  • Neither…nor
  • Both…and
  • Not only…but also
  • Whether…or

Examples:

  • Either you can come with us, or you can stay here.
  • Neither the manager nor the employees were aware of the issue.
  • Both the students and the teachers enjoyed the event.
  • She is not only smart but also diligent.

Detailed Examples and Usage of Coordinating Conjunctions


  1. For:
    • He couldn’t attend the meeting, for he was unwell.
  2. And:
    • She likes to read and write.
  3. Nor:
    • He didn’t speak to her, nor did he send any messages.
  4. But:
    • She is rich, but she is not happy.
  5. Or:
    • You can take the bus or the train.
  6. Yet:
    • It was a tough job, yet he managed to complete it on time.
  7. So:
    • It started to rain, so we went inside.

Detailed Examples and Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions

  • Because:
    • She was happy because she got a promotion.
  • Although:
    • Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
  • Since:
    • Since it was late, we decided to stay.
  • If:
    • If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
  • When:
    • Call me when you arrive.
  • Unless:
    • You won’t succeed unless you try.
  • While:
    • While I was cooking, he was cleaning the house.
  • After:
    • We will leave after the meeting.
  • Before:
    • Finish your homework before you go out.
  • Though:
    • Though he is young, he is very responsible.

Detailed Examples and Usage of Correlative Conjunctions

  1. Either…or:
    • Either you start now, or you will be late.
  2. Neither…nor:
    • Neither the book nor the movie was interesting.
  3. Both…and:
    • Both the cat and the dog need to be fed.
  4. Not only…but also:
    • She is not only a singer but also a dancer.
  5. Whether…or:
    • I don’t know whether to stay or leave.

Tips for Using Conjunctions

  1. Understand the Function: Know whether you are connecting words, phrases, or clauses.
  2. Punctuation: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when connecting two independent clauses. For example, “I wanted to go, but I had no time.”
  3. Avoid Run-On Sentences: Do not use conjunctions to create excessively long sentences.
  4. Balance Correlatives: Ensure that correlative conjunctions are balanced within the sentence.

 

Conjunctions are vital for constructing clear, concise, and cohesive sentences. By understanding and using different types of conjunctions correctly, you can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills. Practice by identifying conjunctions in your reading and using them in your writing. With time, you’ll find that they naturally enhance the flow and clarity of your communication.

This guide should serve as a solid foundation for mastering conjunctions in English. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to refer back to this guide whenever you need a refresher. Happy learning!

Sample English Sentences with Conjunctions - Easy

Here are ten easy sentences with the conjunctions highlighted:

  1. She likes apples and oranges.
  2. I want to play but I have homework.
  3. You can have tea or coffee.
  4. He was tired so he went to bed early.
  5. I will call you when I get home.
  6. She can sing and dance.
  7. He didn’t go to school because he was sick.
  8. They will go to the park if it doesn’t rain.
  9. I will study hard so that I can pass the exam.
  10. She is not only smart but also kind.

These sentences demonstrate the use of different types of conjunctions, making it easier to understand their function in connecting words, phrases, and clauses.

Sample English Sentences with Multiple Conjunctions.

Here are ten complex sentences with multiple conjunctions highlighted:

  1. Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk, and we had a great time.
  2. She wanted to stay home, but she went out because she had promised her friend.
  3. We can either go to the beach, or we can visit the museum if it rains.
  4. When I called him, he was busy, but he promised to call back as soon as he was free.
  5. Since it was late, and because everyone was tired, we decided to postpone the meeting.
  6. Though she is young, she is very responsible, and she manages her time well.
  7. I will buy the tickets if they are available, but if they are sold out, we will go another day.
  8. While he was cooking dinner, I set the table, and the kids cleaned their room.
  9. She not only excels in academics but also participates in sports, and she is a great leader.
  10. Unless you finish your homework, you cannot watch TV, nor can you play video games.

These sentences illustrate how multiple conjunctions can be used to connect various parts of a sentence, making the ideas more complex and interconnected.

Sample Quiz on English Grammar - Conjunctions - Easy

Here are ten easy quiz questions on conjunctions with four answer options and the correct answer provided after each question:

  1. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “She wanted to go out, ___ it was raining.”?

    • a) or
    • b) but
    • c) and
    • d) so

    Answer: b) but

  2. Identify the conjunction in the sentence: “He is not only smart but also kind.”

    • a) only
    • b) also
    • c) but
    • d) not

    Answer: c) but

  3. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “You can have tea ___ coffee.”?

    • a) or
    • b) and
    • c) but
    • d) nor

    Answer: a) or

  4. Choose the correct pair of conjunctions to complete the sentence: “She is ___ talented ___ hardworking.”

    • a) either, or
    • b) both, and
    • c) neither, nor
    • d) not only, but also

    Answer: b) both, and

  5. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “He studied hard, ___ he passed the exam.”?

    • a) and
    • b) or
    • c) so
    • d) but

    Answer: c) so

  6. Identify the conjunction in the sentence: “I will call you when I get home.”

    • a) will
    • b) you
    • c) when
    • d) I

    Answer: c) when

  7. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “He didn’t go to school ___ he was sick.”?

    • a) and
    • b) but
    • c) or
    • d) because

    Answer: d) because

  8. Choose the correct conjunction to complete the sentence: “You cannot go out ___ you finish your homework.”

    • a) unless
    • b) and
    • c) or
    • d) but

    Answer: a) unless

  9. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “She was tired, ___ she went to bed early.”?

    • a) so
    • b) and
    • c) or
    • d) but

    Answer: a) so

  10. Identify the conjunction in the sentence: “I will buy the tickets if they are available.”

    • a) will
    • b) the
    • c) if
    • d) are

    Answer: c) if

Sample Quiz on English Grammar - Conjunctions - Intermediate

Here are ten medium difficulty quiz questions on conjunctions with four answer options and the correct answer provided after each question:

  1. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “You should take an umbrella ___ it rains.”?

    • a) so
    • b) because
    • c) in case
    • d) although

    Answer: c) in case

  2. Choose the correct pair of conjunctions to complete the sentence: “___ I was tired ___ I finished my work.”

    • a) Although, but
    • b) Although, still
    • c) Despite, and
    • d) Even though, yet

    Answer: b) Although, still

  3. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “He can’t come to the party ___ he is out of town.”?

    • a) because
    • b) but
    • c) or
    • d) so

    Answer: a) because

  4. Identify the conjunction in the sentence: “We can go hiking, provided the weather is good.”

    • a) We
    • b) provided
    • c) good
    • d) hiking

    Answer: b) provided

  5. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “I will not be able to attend the meeting ___ I have another appointment at the same time.”?

    • a) unless
    • b) if
    • c) since
    • d) though

    Answer: c) since

  6. Choose the correct conjunction to complete the sentence: “You should not interrupt people ___ they are speaking.”

    • a) so
    • b) while
    • c) and
    • d) but

    Answer: b) while

  7. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “I studied hard, ___ I still didn’t pass the exam.”?

    • a) because
    • b) but
    • c) so
    • d) yet

    Answer: d) yet

  8. Identify the conjunction in the sentence: “They arrived early so that they could get good seats.”

    • a) early
    • b) that
    • c) so
    • d) could

    Answer: c) so

  9. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “She will go to the concert, ___ she has to go alone.”?

    • a) because
    • b) unless
    • c) even if
    • d) but

    Answer: c) even if

  10. Choose the correct conjunction to complete the sentence: “He speaks several languages fluently, ___ his brother struggles with just one.”

    • a) so
    • b) while
    • c) because
    • d) and

    Answer: b) while

Sample Quiz on English Grammar - Conjunctions - Advanced

Here are ten advanced quiz questions on conjunctions with four answer options and the correct answer provided after each question:

  1. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “She completed the project on time ___ she faced numerous obstacles.”?

    • a) since
    • b) although
    • c) unless
    • d) as

    Answer: b) although

  2. Choose the correct pair of conjunctions to complete the sentence: “___ we were tired, we continued working ___ we wanted to meet the deadline.”

    • a) Though, because
    • b) While, since
    • c) Even if, so
    • d) Although, because

    Answer: d) Although, because

  3. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “___ you study hard, you won’t pass the exam ___ it is very difficult.”?

    • a) Even if, since
    • b) Unless, because
    • c) Though, yet
    • d) Because, although

    Answer: b) Unless, because

  4. Identify the conjunction in the sentence: “She was not only a great leader but also an excellent strategist.”

    • a) not only
    • b) but also
    • c) leader
    • d) strategist

    Answer: b) but also

  5. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “We will wait here ___ the rain stops ___ it takes all day.”?

    • a) since, if
    • b) unless, because
    • c) until, even if
    • d) before, although

    Answer: c) until, even if

  6. Choose the correct conjunction to complete the sentence: “No sooner had he arrived ___ he was asked to leave.”

    • a) than
    • b) when
    • c) before
    • d) then

    Answer: a) than

  7. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “Hardly had we sat down to eat ___ the phone rang.”?

    • a) when
    • b) than
    • c) as
    • d) but

    Answer: a) when

  8. Identify the conjunction in the sentence: “Provided that you finish your work, you may take a break.”

    • a) that
    • b) provided
    • c) finish
    • d) may

    Answer: b) provided

  9. Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence: “You can come with us ___ you promise to behave ___ we are at the event.”?

    • a) provided, while
    • b) although, since
    • c) because, when
    • d) if, as long as

    Answer: d) if, as long as

  10. Choose the correct pair of conjunctions to complete the sentence: “He is ___ intelligent ___ he lacks common sense.”

    • a) either, or
    • b) neither, nor
    • c) both, and
    • d) so, that

    Answer: d) so, that

These questions should provide a good challenge for advanced learners, helping them to refine their understanding and use of conjunctions in complex sentences.