Here, you will find detailed explanation of use of conjunctions along with examples.Also you can try practice exercises.This will help you greatly to upgrade English for IELTS.Lets Start!!
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Index
CONJUNCTION
A conjunction is a word which merely joins together sentences, and sometimes words.
II. KINDS OF CONJUNCTIONS
1. Co-ordinate Conjunctions
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
3. Correlative Conjunctions
1. CO-ORDINATE CONJUNCTIONS
(A co-ordinate conjunction joins together clauses of equal rank.)
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
(a) Two and two make four.
(b) He passed but his brother failed.
(c) He came here and did his work.
(d) The tortoise moved slow but the hare ran fast.
(e) The weather was pleasant and they made a programme for picnic.
and, and … also, as well as, both … and, well, now;
(a) Shyam is both foolish and obstinate.
(b) You have done your work; well you may go.
(c) Both Ram and Sita will attend the meeting.
(d) God made the country and man made the town.
(e) Gita as well as her mother went to Delhi.
but, however, nevertheless, only, still, while, yet;
(a) I am poor nevertheless I shall help you.
(b) He was not sincere, however, he got promotion.
(c) He worked hard but he failed.
(d) He was annoyed, still he kept quiet.
(e) We were all right, only we were fatigued.
(f) Seema had a high fever yet she did not take proper rest.
(g) We prefer to stay indoors while they prefer to play outside.
or, either — or, else, neither — nor, otherwise;
(a) Either come with me or go to the library.
(b) Neither the leader nor the followers have come.
(c) Move fast else you will be late.
(d) He must weep or he will die.
(e) Neither a borrower, nor a lender be.
(f) Take your invitation card or your entry will be banned.
(g) Get going else he will catch you.
for, so, therefore;
(a) You will surely pass, for you work hard.
(b) You are honest, therefore you are respected.
(c) He secured good marks, for he worked.
(d) Something certainly fell in, for I heard a splash.
2. SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
(A subordinating conjunction joins a clause to another on which it depends for its full meaning.)
if, when, where, since, although, though, before, after, till, until, unless, as, be cause, while, so that, as long as, even if, even though, if only, in order that, now that, once, rather than, than, that, whenever,
whereas, wherever;
(a) I was away when Ram called me.
(b) As she was not there, I spoke to her mother.
(c) They ran away because they were afraid.
(d) You will pass if you work hard.
(e) I know the city where you were born.
Time Conjunctions-after, as, as long as, as soon as, before, just as, since, till, until, when, whenever, while;
(a) You should wait till I return here.
(b) The patient had died before the doctor arrived.
(c) Make hay while the sun shines.
(d) I left for office after she had gone.
(e) Many things have happened since I saw you.
(f) Come whenever it suits you.
Place Conjunctions : whence (from what place), where, wherever (to what place), Whether;
(a) I will go where you ask me to go.
(b) Wherever I went, I found no rest.
(c) He went back whence he came.
(d) Can you tell me Whether they have gone?
Cause/ Reason Conjunctions as, because, since, that;
(a) As she was guilty, she was punished.
(b) I cannot buy this car, because it is very costly.
(c) He has been here, for he is invited.
(d) I must reach home, as it is getting dark.
Purpose Conjunctions in order that, lest, so that, that;
(a) I walked carefully lest I should slip.
(b) He is working hard in order that he can succeed.
(c) We study so that we may pass.
(d) Work hard lest you should fail.
(e) He held my hand lest I should fall.
Condition Conjunctions: if, provided, provided that, supposing, unless;
(a) I asked her if her brother was at home.
(b) Supposing you miss the train, what will you do?
(c) He will be penalized provided the charges are proved.
(d) He will not be allowed to join unless he gets an appointment letter.
(e) We will not come unless we are not invited.
(f) She will sing only if she is paid.
Comparison Conjunctions: as – as, so – as, than
(a) This is not so easy as it looks.
(b) He is as wise as his father.
(c) Ram is as good as you.
(e) He is stronger than Rustum.
(g) He is not so nice as he seems.
Contrast Conjunctions : although, however, notwithstanding, though, yet;
(a) He is not contented though he is very rich.
(b) He is an honest man although he is poor.
(c) She passed the examination notwithstanding she was not fully prepared.
(d) Though I was not selected, I am glad I participated.
(e) Although he is rich, yet he is honest.
(f) Though I failed, I am glad, I tried.
(g) Although he was ill, he appeared in the examination.
(h) He is honest though he is poor.
Practice Exercise 134
Circle the Conjunctions:
1. Do not leave the room before I return.
2. The ant had stored enough food before the winter set in.
3. The baby will sleep, if you do not make a noise.
4. Shyam is much more intelligent than his brother.
5. Grievances cannot be redressed unless they are known.
6. I followed them wherever they went.
7. You may leave provided you have finished the job.
8. She failed, as she was careless.
9. Naman is as calm as his father.
10. We eat so that we may live.
Exercise 135
Circle the Conjunctions:
1. I do not know where she works.
2. Ram will go if Shyam goes.
3. He turned out of the theatre, because he had not bought the ticket.
4. He may enter, as he is a friend.
5. He works hard so that he may earn his living.
6. I do not know wither to go.
7. I jumped into the river so that I could save the drowning baby.
8. Sita will marry Ram if he breaks the bow.
9. I wore only a shirt although it was very cold.
10. I shall do it since you wish it.
3. CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS
correlative conjunctions either…..or, neither…..nor, both….and, not only…..but also, though….yet, although…..yet, whether…..or, ec.
1. She is either afraid or frightened.
2. It is neither useful nor essential.
3. She not only works in a school but also manages a tuition center.
4. Though he is poor yet he is contented.
5. I do not care whether you read or play.
6. No soon did we reach the station than the train started.
7. Although I was tired yet I kept working.
III. USE OF SOME CONJUNCTIONS
1. AND
I sent him applications and waited by the phone for a response.
(a) I heard the weather report and promptly went to my house.
(b) I dialed the number and talked to my friend.
Ram is brilliant and Shyam has a pleasant smile.
Ram became addicted to drinking – and that surprised no one who knew him.
(a) He is a good boy and who is my friend. (incorrect)
(b) He is a good boy who is my friend. (correct)
2. BUT
(a) Ram lost a fortune in the stock market, but he still seems able to live quite comfortably.
(b) The baby was quite healthy but could not win a prize in the Baby Show.
(a) But your behaviour, however has not changed. (incorrect)
(b) Your behaviour, however, has not changed. (correct)
(a) It is nothing else but vanity.
(b) Call him anything else but dog.
My new neighbours are quite nice though their dog barks all day long.
3. OR
Hurry up, or you will miss the train.
You study hard for the examinations or you will not get good marks.
We can cook dinner tonight, or we can just have left over.
DAV College is the premier all girls’ college in the state, or so it seems to most DAV College
alumnae.
There are no tigers in this sanctuary, or so our guide tells us.
Their duty demanded to do or die.
They must approve his political style or they would not keep electing him Chairman.
She did not know whether to laugh or to cry.
4. YET
(a) Ram plays cricket well, yet his favourite sport is football.
(b) It had been a dark and cold night yet we were without a torch and woolly clothes.
in addition, even, still, eventually, and as soon as now etc.
(a) Although he is rich yet he is dishonest. (correct)
(b) Although he is rich, he is dishonest. (correct)
5. FOR
(a) Most of the visitors were relaxing under the shade, for it had been a long, dusty journey on the cart.
(b) He started working in two shifts for he needed money badly.
He fought well for he was very brave.
6. SO
He is the not only Olympian athlete in his family, so are his brother, sister and his niece Sita.
She has always been nervous in large gathering, so it is no surprise that she avoids crowds of her fans.
7. NOT ONLY
(a) Not only Ram but also Mohan can do it. (subject-subject)
(b) I like not only Ram but also Mohan. (object-object)
(c) He will not only go but also stay there. (verb-verb)
(ii) Not only – but also
(a) Boys are watching TV. Boys are making a noise.
(b) Boys are not only watching TV but also making a noise.
(a) Boys are making a noise. Girls are making a noise.
(b) Not only boys but also girls are making a noise.
8. NEITHER, NOR
(a) I do not play cricket. I do not play football.
(b) I play neither cricket nor football.
(a) Ram does not play cricket. Shyam does not play cricket.
(b) Neither Ram nor Shyam plays cricket.
He is neither sane nor intelligent.
9. EITHER, OR
(a) Ram plays hockey. Ram watches TV. (b) Ram either plays hockey or watches TV.
(a) Ram plays hockey. I play hockey. (b) Either Ram or I play hockey.
10. BOTH
(a) Both Ram and Mohan may come today. (b) Ram is both hard working and sincere.
(ii) Both … and
(a) He is going to school. She is going to school.
(b) Both he and she are going to school.
11. SO-THAT
He is so weak that he cannot walk. (He is too weak to walk.)
We eat so that we may live.
12. NO SOONER
No sooner/ do/ does/ did/ had… than :
Sentence Structure :
No sooner + do/ does/ did/ had + First Sentence + than + Second Sentence.
(i) No sooner
(a) They reached the station. The train started.
(b) No sooner had they reached the station than the train started.
13. HARDLY
Sentence Structure : Hardly + had + First Sentence + when + Second Sentence
(a) They reached the station. The train arrived.
(b) Hardly had they reached the station when the train arrived.
(a) Hardly had he gone out of the office when the telephone bell rang.
(b) Hardly had he gone out of the office before the telephone bell rang.
14. AS SOON AS
Sentence Structure : As soon as + First Sentence + Comma + Second Sentence
(a) They reached the station. The train arrived.
(b) As soon as they reached the station, the train arrived.
15. THAT
(a) He told me that he was going to school.
(b) He said that he was not a thief.
(ii) Far, how, how long, how much, to what extent, when, where why
(a) He does not know that where Ram lives. (incorrect)
(b) He does know where Ram lives. (correct)
(iii) What , which, who, whom whose
(a) He asked me that who he was. (incorrect)
(b) He asked me who he was. (correct)
I do not know why she is absent.
I know that what you say is right.
The reason is that he is ill.
(a) We do not know that he will pass or not. (incorrect)
(b) We do not know whether he will pass or not. (correct)
(vii) believe, hope, suppose, think, presume be afraid that
(a) I suppose you have a good dictionary.
(b) We hope, they are right.
(c) I think she will meet me.
(d) We believe she has committed a mistake.
(viii) agree, assert, assume, calculate, conceive, hold, learn, maintain, reckon, state, suggest understand
(a) We agree that it is a nice proposal. (b) He suggested that we should go there.
16. THOUGH, ALTHOUGH, EVENTHOUGH
My new car is really fast.
I do not know like the colour, though.
My mother got back from work really late, even though she had promised to take me to the cinema.
17. UNTIL
(i) Until
(a) Wait until I come back.
(b) Don’t leave until I get ready.
(a) Until he does not solve the problem, I will stay with him. (incorrect)
(b) Until he solves the problem, I will stay with him. (correct)
18. UNLESS, LEST
(a) You cannot succeed unless you work hard.
(b) Unless you walk fast, you will not catch the train.
(ii) Lest
(a) Walk carefully lest you should fall.
(b) She lent me money lest I should get angry.
19. WHILE
(a) He was watching TV while she was cooking.
(b) While I was reading, she was washing her clothes.
20. AS IF, AS THOUGH
(a) It appears as if he were a king.
(b) It seems as though he were immortal.
(c) He orders as though he were the boss.
(d) He talks as if he were mad.
21. BECAUSE
I went to Delhi for a holiday last November because I knew it would be warm and sunny everyday I
was there.
(a) Because he came late therefore he failed to see me. (incorrect)
(b) Because he came late, he failed to see me. (correct)
22. SINCE
(a) Since he is ill, he is absent.
(b) Since she is in trouble, we must help her.
Two years have passed since he came here.
Sentence Structure: Period of time + Present Perfect Tense + since + Past Indefinite Tense.
WH- Conjunctions: Who, Whom, Whose, Which, Where, When
A. WHO
Type I. Sentence Structure: First Sentence + who + Second Sentence
(a) We saw a girl. She was running. (b) We saw a girl who was running.
A. Sentence Structure : First Sentence Subject + comma + who + Second Sentence
(a) Sita failed again. She did not work hard. (b) Sita, who did not work hard, failed again.
B. Sentence Structure : First Sentence Subject + comma + who + First Sentence
comma + Second Sentence
(a) My uncle is a doctor. He wrote a book. (b) My uncle, who is a doctor, wrote a book.
B. WHOM
Sentence Structure : First Sentence + whom + Second Sentence
(a) I know the boy. She loves him. (b) I know the boy whom she loves.
C. WHOSE
Sentence Structure :
First Sentence + whose + Second Sentence (Possessive case pronoun )
(i) Conjunction Whose, who Possessive
(a) Sita is a good girl. Her mother will give her a gift.
(b) Sita is a good girl whose mother will give her a gift. (correct)
(c) Sita whose mother will give her a gift, is a good girl. (correct)
D. WHICH
Sentence Structure : First Sentence + which + Second Sentence (it, that, repeated noun )
(a) I purchased a car. It is very costly. (b) I purchased a car which is very costly.
E. WHEN
Sentence Structure : First Sentence + when + Second Sentence (repeated noun Pronoun)
(i) When conjunction
(a) The teacher rebuked the girls. The girls made a noise.
(b) The teacher rebuked the girls when they made a noise.
F. WHERE
Sentence Structure : First Sentence + where + Second Sentence (i) Conjunction
(a) This is the Hotel Taj I stayed here last year.
(b) This is the Hotel Taj where I stayed last year.
More Practice:
EXERCISE 136.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. I reached the school ………. the first bell had gone. (after, when)
2. It was the last chance ………. we managed to win the reward. (and, but)
3. Trust in God ………. do the right. (and, but)
4. You will die some day ………. all men are mortal. (for, because, as)
5. You may do ………. you like. (so, as, or)
6. She got out ………. you came. (as soon as, when)
7. He cannot buy a scooter ………. he is poor. (because, so)
8. Mohan is fat ………. Renu is slim. (so, or, but)
9. Usha is poor ………. honest. (and, but)
10. Take a lamp ………. the night is dark. (since, for)
EXERCISE 137.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. You cannot leave the room ………. you finish your work. (till, until)
2. I found my pen ………. I had left it. (where, there)
3. Some were going to the exhibition ………. others were returning. (while, or)
4. He slept ………. he had finished the work. (after, when)
5. I have two brothers ………. one sister. (and, or)
6. I shall not go to see him ………. he writes me a letter. (until, if)
7. You will reap ………. you sow. (so, as)
8. He talks ………. if he were a mad. (so, as, or)
9. ………. the thief saw the policeman he ran away. (as soon as, when)
10. I cannot attend the school ………. I am unwell. (and, because)
EXERCISE 138.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. No sooner did the hunter take aim at the pigeon ………. it flew away. (than, as)
2. We must act ………. we think right. (that , as)
3. ………. he is poor yet he is contented. (though, although)
4. Do not count your chickens ………. they are hatched. (until, till)
5. Stay ………. you are. (where, there)
6. Some were going to the exhibition ………. others were returning. (while, or)
7. ………. we invited him yet he did not come. (although, so)
8. Abdul ………. Navin study in eighth class. (and, but)
9. God made the country ………. man made the town. (and, but)
10. He is not so active ………. Mohan. (so, as)
EXERCISE 139.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. ………. it is raining, I shall not go for a walk. (since, because)
2. It is ………. hot ………. one cannot go out. (so – that, as – as)
3. He was not feeling well, ………. he attended the meeting. (still, because)
4. She had no sooner seen her father ………. she ran away. (when, than)
5. The stone is so hot ………. you cannot touch it. (as, that)
6. ………. I am poor ………. I am not greedy. (though – yet, because – so)
7. I will stay here ………. you return. (until, unless)
8. You may go ………. you like. (wherever, there)
9. ………. Ram was working, Shyam was looking out. (and, while, because)
10. ………. you are rich, you are not proud. (although, so)
EXERCISE 140.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. He lost ………. his ticket ………. his luggage. (neither – nor, not only – but also)
2. Walk slowly ………. you will feel tired. (or, but)
3. You must study, ………. you are sure to fail. (otherwise, and)
4. Sita works hard ………. she will get a first class. (but, so)
5. He worked ………. hard ………. his health broke down. (so –that, so – as)
6. I like ………. men ………. are truthful. (such – as, such – who)
7. Prevention is better ………. cure. (as, than)
8. We eat so ………. we may not die. (that, because)
9. He cannot pass ………. he works hard. (if, unless, when)
10. ………. they tell is false. (if, but, what)
EXERCISE 141.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. Not only did they help me ………. my brother. (and, but – also, so – that)
2. You cannot catch the train ………. fast you may run. (however, but)
3. Walk carefully ………. you should fall. (lest, that)
4. He is ………. foolish ………. lazy. (neither – nor, not only – but also)
5. Give me a cup of coffee ………. tea. (nor, or)
6. I shall lend you money ………. you return it within two months. (provided, in order)
7. It was raining hard, ………. I stayed at home. (so, and)
8. ………. I could see, he was speaking the truth. (so far as, as if)
9. I do not trust ………. men ………. are liars. (such-as, such-that)
10. A wise man is better ………. a foolish friend. (than, as)
EXERCISE 142.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. Mohan’s father visited Allahabad ………. Varanasi. (nor, as well as)
2. We ………. love ………. honour our parents. (both – and, neither – nor, not only–but also)
3. Give every man thy ear, ………. few thy tongue. (but, and)
4. He is ………. a rogue ………. a fool. (both – and, either – or)
5. You cannot cheat him ………. cunning you may be. ((however, but)
6. He ………. reads ………. does he let others read. (neither – nor, either – or)
7. She ………. works in a school ………. manages a tuition center. (not only-but also, neither-nor)
8. You should not worry ………. I am here. (as soon as, as long as)
9. You will not be punished ………. you speak the truth. (provided that, if)
10. Aman works hard ………. he will get a first class. (but, so)
EXERCISE 143.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. ………. he is rich, ………. he is miserly. (although – yet, because – so)
2. Ram is ………. poor ………. he deserves help. (so – as, so – that)
3. ………. you sow, ………. shall you reap. (so – as, as – so, so – that)
4. My brother gave me good education ………. money. (but, as well as, nor)
5. Tagore was ………. painter ………. a poet. (both – and, neither – nor)
6. She did her best ………. failed. (yet, but)
7. ………. work hard ………. repent forever. (neither – nor, either – or)
8. You must come to my office ………. you want to see me. (if, yet)
9. ………. you ………. I went there. (neither – nor, either – or)
10. I failed in the examination ………. hard work. (notwithstanding, because)
EXERCISE 144.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. Those ………. live in glass houses should not throw stones at others. (which, who)
2. Please give me a paper ………. a pen. ( and, but)
3. Kishan is both kind ………. rich. (but, and)
4. He is both honest ………. clever. (and, but)
5. He failed ………. he was careless. (so, as, or)
6. The child is, ………. is the man. (so – as, as – so)
7. The teacher punished Gopal ………. he did not do his homework. (because, therefore)
8. He is ………. honest ………. hard-working. (both – and, so – that)
9. Anil studies in seventh class ………. his elder brother is a student of ninth class.
(and, but)
10. ………. read ………. go away. (either – or, neither – nor)
EXERCISE 145.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. He will not come ………. you invite him. (unless, until)
2. Strike the iron ………. it is hot. (while, when)
3. Usha was reading ………. her brother was playing. (when, while)
4. I do not know ………. he is getting angry. (and, why)
5. Give me a book ………. a pencil. (but, and)
6. It was the last chance ………. we managed to win the reward. (and, but)
7. Work hard ………. you will pass. (and, but)
8. He did ………. he was asked. (so, as, or)
9. We did our best, ………. we failed. (nevertheless, so)
10. Take a blanket with you ………. it is getting cold outside. (because, and)
EXERCISE 146.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. No song is sweeter ………. our National Anthem. (as, than)
2. It is so cold ………. I cannot go out. (as, that)
3. He was ill ………. he could not work. (but, therefore)
4. Do not go ………. I come. (until, and, but)
5. ………. he came, I was sleeping. (when, while)
6. He smoked ………. he worked. (when, while)
7. Work hard lest you ………. not fail. (may, should)
8. She did nothing else ………. cry. (than, but)
9. I am very poor, ……….. my friends respect me. (still, so)
10. Please do it ………. you like. (so, as)
EXERCISE 147.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. ………. I am ill, I cannot accompany you. (since, because)
2. He did not work hard ………. he failed. (so, but)
3. She is ………. poor ………. she cannot marry him. (as-as, so-that)
4. Rahim did better ………. I hoped. (what, than)
5. All ………. glitters is not gold. (if, but, that)
6. The knife was blunt ………. it was new. (although, though)
7. We will have to wait ………. the train passes. (until, till)
8. She went back ………. she had come. (whence, while)
9. Some people waste food ………. others haven’t enough to eat. (while, when)
10. Ramu is poor ………. he is honest. (and, yet)
EXERCISE 148.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. I shall help you ………. you come to me. (if, that)
2. He is ………. guilty ………. you. (no less – than, both – and)
3. Come to school in time ………. you will be punished. (or, and)
4. Come in ………. go out. (or, but)
5. I won’t say anything bad about him ………. he is my friend. (since, because)
6. Aman works hard ………. he will get a first class. (but, so)
7. She is ………. good ………. everyone likes her. (so-that, so-as)
8. No sooner did he reach the station ………. it began to rain. (as, than)
9. She worked so hard ………. she got a first class. (but, that)
10. ………. he was ill, he passed. (though, although)
EXERCISE 149.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. He ran ………. the devil were after him. (as if, if as)
2. Manu studies in V class ………. her brother is a student of III class. (and, but)
3. I do not know ………. to drive. (when, how)
4. I went to Delhi ………. I might see my friend personally. (in order that, so that)
5. ………. did we reach the station ………. the train started. (no sooner- than, as soon– as)
6. Walk fast ………. you will miss the train. (or, and)
7. Do your work ………. the teacher will punish you. (but, and, otherwise)
8. ………. he was not there, I spoke to his father. (since, because)
9. He came late ………. he was fined. (so, but)
10. I was ………. tired ………. I could not work. (so that, so as)
EXERCISE 150.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. The water is ………. cold ………. ice. (so – as, as – as)
2. ………. I saw the snake, I fainted. (as soon as, when)
3. I shall help you ………. you are my friends. (and, because)
4. We tried our best ………. could not succeed. (and, but)
5. Look ………. you leap. (before, as)
6. Ram is not satisfied ……….rich he is. (when, however)
7. I took the medicine ………. I might get well. (in order that, so that)
8. Sheela can neither read ………. write. (nor, and)
9. Work hard ………. you will fail. (or, and)
10. Walk fast ………. you will miss the train. (and, as, otherwise)
EXERCISE 151.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. He is both lame ………. blind. (and, so)
2. Abdul ………. Navin study in 8th class. (and, but)
3. I could not attend the marriage ………. my mother was ill. (as, but)
4. Navneet is ………. intelligent ………. his brother. (as – as, so – that)
5. ………. the teacher entered the class, all stood up. (as soon as, no sooner)
6. Say good bye ………. you go. (before, when)
7. My shirt is white, ………. my coat is black. (and, but)
8. He is intelligent ………. he is not diligent. (but, and)
9. You cannot deceive me ………. clever you may be. (however, but)
10. Work hard ………. you should fail. (so, lest)
EXERCISE 152.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. ………. he went, he made friends. (wherever, there)
2. He knocked the door ………. going to bed. (while, but, as)
3. ………. I was tired yet I kept working. (although, so)
4. I gave the poor beggar money ………. food. (and, or)
5. Slow ………. steady wins the race. (and, but)
6. A is not so fat ………. B. (that, on, as)
7. Gopal is ………. intelligent ………. his brother. (as – as, so – as)
8. I know Mohan ………. Anil (as well as, or)
9. You must have a bath ………. you go to school. (before, when)
10. Man walks ………. birds fly. (but, and)
EXERCISE 153.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. I am happy ………. you like this grammar book. (that, because)
2. He cannot go ………. he wears shoes. (unless, when)
3. I do not know ………. you want. (but, what)
4. You must go there ………. you like it or not. (whether, if)
5. Make hay ………. the sun shines. (while, when)
6. Be just ………. fear not. (but, and)
7. Rishu ………. Gaurav work in the same company. (and, but)
8. It was the last chance ………. we managed to win the reward. (and, but)
9. Chitwan is not as intelligent ………. her younger sister. (so, as)
10. This tree is ………. tall ………. that. (as – as, so – as)
EXERCISE 154.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. Run fast ………. you may rich in time. (so – as, so that)
2. He is ………. a cheat ………. everybody hates him. (such-that
3. I am stronger ………. you. (than, as)
4. He said ………. honesty is the best policy. (that, because)
5. You will not get a good job ………. you apply for it. (unless, until)
6. We reached Delhi ………. night fell. (when, yet)
7. I do not care ………. you read or play. (whether, if)
8. He ………. rises to high, is sure to fall. (who, when)
9. There are forty boys ………. thirty girls in our class. (and, or)
10. Two ………. two make four. (and, but)
EXERCISE 155.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. You may take this book ………. that one. (nor, or)
2. I would ………. starve ………. beg. (rather – than, not only – but also)
3. She came late ………. she was fined. (as, so)
4. Sadhu is ………. poor ………. he deserves help. (as-as, so-that)
5. A wise enemy is better ………. a foolish friend. (than, as)
6. June is hotter ………. May. (than, as)
7. Hardly had I stepped out ………. it began to rain. (then, when)
8. ………. you work hard, you will not pass. (unless, until)
9. I was studying ………. he came to me. (when, while)
10. ………. there is life there is hope. (when, while)
EXERCISE 156.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. I shall start on a tour ………. I win a lottery. (if, when)
2. Some offices accept ………. cash ………. cheques. (neither – nor, either – or)
3. Save something for future ………. you will be in trouble. (because, or)
4. She must weep ………. she must die. (or, but, and)
5. We had ………. reached the school ………. the bell rang. (scarcely – when, so – than)
6. I am not so clever ………. you are. (as, like)
7. We are not ………. foolish ………. they. (so-as, so-that)
8. The pen is mightier ………. the sword. (then, than)
9. The earth is larger ………. the moon. (than, as)
10. That shopkeeper is dishonest, ………. nobody trusts in him. (because, therefore)
EXERCISE 157
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. He is ………. rich ………. kind. (both-and, so-that)
2. He helped not only her ………. also Mohan. (and, but)
3. ………. you ………. Renu has broken the slate. (either – or, such – as)
4. ………. he fails, what he will do. (when, if)
5. We ………. borrow ………. lend money. (neither – nor, either – or)
6. Do ………. die. (and, or)
7. You must work hard ………. you will fail. (or, but)
8. I shall complete it ………. my sister likes it. (since, because)
9. He was punished, ………. he wept bitterly. (so, therefore)
10. This is not ………. nice ………. it seems. (so-as, so-that)
EXERCISE 158.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions given in brackets :
1. Do ………. I tell you. (so, as, or)
2. You can keep my book ………. you wish. (as long as, as soon as)
3. He came late ………. he had missed the train. (so, because)
4. Sohan is tall ………. his brother is short. (and, but)
5. I would die ………. I lied. (before, after)
6. Keep it with you ………. I shall throw it. (else, but)
7. He talks as ………. he were a king. (if, that)
8. She ………. loved him ………. wanted to marry him. (neither-nor, either-or)
9. Hurry up ………. you will be late. (so, or)
10. Whether you go ………. not I will go there. (or, but)
Exercise 159
Additional Worksheets:
Instructions: Choose the conjunction that best completes each sentence.
1. Mary Jane ____ her friend Amelia rode their bikes to school.
a. and
b. so
c. or
d. but
2. Ryan forgot his backpack at school, ___ he couldn’t do his homework.
a. and
b. so
c. or
d. but
3. The school bus driver wanted to turn right, ____ had to turn left instead.
a. and
b. so
c. or
d. but
4. The teacher wanted the students to do both math ____ science homework.
a. and
b. so
c. or
d. but
5. Would you rather work on math ___ science first?
a. and
b. so
c. or
d. but
6. Mark let his friends play with his bike, ____ not his basketball.
a. and
b. so
c. or
d. but
ANSWER KEY : Exercise 159
1. Mary Jane ____ her friend Amelia rode their bikes to school.
a. and
2. Ryan forgot his backpack at school, ___ he couldn’t do his homework.
b. so
3. The school bus driver wanted to turn right, ____ had to turn left instead.
d. but
4. The teacher wanted the students to do both math ____ science homework.
a. and
5. Would you rather work on math ___ science first?
c. or
6. Mark let his friends play with his bike, ____ not his basketball.
d. but
Exercise 160
Instructions: Read the following sentences. Circle the conjunctions. Underline the words that the conjunctions connect together.
1. The music was loud and fast.
2. The harp player likes to play classical music and contemporary music.
3. The little boy jumped on the trampoline and sang at the top of his lungs.
4. Please put both the milk and the eggs in the refrigerator.
5. I have the 8 of Spades and the Jack of Hearts.
6. The car had orange and blue stripes.
7. Would you rather have a milkshake or an ice cream cone?
8. It will either be cloudy or sunny today.
9. The police lights were blue and red.
10.You can either stand up or sit down.
11.Please hand me the red book and the blue book.
12.Would you like the hammer or the screwdriver?
ANSWER KEY: Exercise 160
Instructions: Read the following sentences. Circle the conjunctions. Underline
the words that the conjunctions connect together.
1. The music was loud and fast.
2. The harp player likes to play classical music and contemporary music.
3. The little boy jumped on the trampoline and sang at the top of his lungs.
4. Please put both the milk and the eggs in the refrigerator.
5. I have the 8 of Spades and the Jack of Hearts.
6. The car had orange and blue stripes.
7. Would you rather have a milkshake or an ice cream cone?
8. It will either be cloudy or sunny today.
9. The police lights were blue and red.
10.You can either stand up or sit down.
11.Please hand me the red book and the blue book.
12.Would you like the hammer or the screwdriver?
Exercise 161 (Later Conjunctions)
Instructions: Choose the best word to fill in the blanks in each sentence. Choose from these two words: if, unless.
1. The turtle will come out of its shell ____________ it feels safe. (if/unless)
2. The fire truck will stay at the fire station __________ there is a fire to put out. (if/unless)
3. The yellow school bus must hurry __________ it wants to get all the kids to school on time. (if/unless)
4. Don’t ride a bike without a helmet on ____________ you want to get hurt when you fall. (if/unless)
5. _________ you brush your teeth then you will have strong teeth when you are older. (If/Unless)
6. Clear the dishes from the table when you are done eating __________ you want to get in trouble from your parents. (if/unless)
7. You should not eat peanut butter ________ you know that you are allergic to it. (if/unless)
8. You should not watch TV ____________ your homework is already done. (if/unless)
9. The flower will not grow ____________ you forget to water it. (if/unless)
ANSWER KEY: Exercise 161
1. The turtle will come out of its shell ____________ it feels safe. (if)
2. The fire truck will stay at the fire station __________ there is a fire to put out. (unless)
3. The yellow school bus must hurry __________ it wants to get all the kids to school on time. (if)
4. Don’t ride a bike without a helmet on ____________ you want to get hurt when you fall. (unless)
5. _________ you brush your teeth then you will have strong teeth when you are older. (If)
6. Clear the dishes from the table when you are done eating __________ you want to get in trouble from your parents. (unless)
7. You should not eat peanut butter ________ you know that you are allergic to it. (if)
8. You should not watch TV ____________ your homework is already done.(unless)
9. The flower will not grow ____________ you forget to water it. (if)
Concept 1 : Putting Sentences Together
You can put two sentences together into one sentence by using the word and.
Here’s an example:
The milk is cold.
The milk is wet.
Answer: The milk is cold and wet.
Exercise 163:
1. The ball is round. The ball is red.
2. The cat is soft. The cat is furry.
3. My sister dances. My sister sings.
4. She went to the store. She went to the bank.
5. I am hungry. I am thirsty.
ANSWER KEY: Exercise 163
- The ball is round and red.
- The cat is soft and furry.
- My sister dances and sings.
- She went to the store and to the bank.
- I am hungry and thirsty.
Concept 2: Conjunctions: Combining Sentences
Sentences can be combined with the word and.
If the two sentences have the same subject, you can combine the predicates.
Example: Mary rides her bike. Mary sings a song.
Mary rides her bike and sings a song.
If the two sentences have the same predicates, you can combine the subjects.
Example: Max loves to watch TV. Sam loves to watch TV.
Max and Sam love to watch TV.
Exercise 164
Instructions: Combine the two sentences into one with the word and.
1. Doug wants the remote control. Justin wants the remote control.
2. Shawn works hard. Shawn plays hard.
3. Patrick is very smart. Patrick knows a lot of facts.
4. Jessica loves to read books. Michelle loves to read books.
5. The turtle looked at the sky. The bear looked at the sky.
6. The fox is quick. The fox is clever.
7. Joseph is shy. Joseph is quiet.
ANSWER KEY: Exercise 164
1. Doug wants the remote control. Justin wants the remote control.
Doug and Justin want the remote.
2. Shawn works hard. Shawn plays hard.
Shawn works hard and plays hard.
3. Patrick is very smart. Patrick knows a lot of facts.
Patrick is very smart and knows a lot of facts.
4. Jessica loves to read books. Michelle loves to read books.
Jessica and Michelle love to read books.
5. The turtle looked at the sky. The bear looked at the sky.
The turtle and the bear looked at the sky.
6. The fox is quick. The fox is clever.
The fox is quick and clever.
7. Joseph is shy. Joseph is quiet.
Joseph is shy and quiet.
Exercise 165:
Fill in the blank
The most common conjunctions are: and, but, or
Instructions: Fill in the blanks in the sentences below using one of the three common conjunctions: and, but, or
1. The school marching band practiced hard ______ they still did not sound very good.
2. The two brothers went camping ________ swimming every summer.
3. Would you like to play cards _________ read a book?
4. The race car rounded the track for the last lap ___________ ran out of gas before it made it to the finish line.
5. Our mother said we could have either pancakes _________ waffles for breakfast on Saturday morning.
6. The book was over 300 pages long ________ I read the whole thing.
7. Maria is not allowed to watch television ____________ play outside until her homework is done.
8. Sarah wants to learn how to knit ___________ she doesn’t have any yarn.
9. The policeman catches criminals ___________ keeps everyone safe.
10.Would you rather have a banana _________ an orange in your lunch today?
ANSWER KEY: Exercise 165
1. The school marching band practiced hard __but____ they still did not sound very good.
2. The two brothers went camping __and______ swimming every summer.
3. Would you like to play cards __or_______ read a book?
4. The race car rounded the track for the last lap ___ but ________ ran out of gas before it made it to the finish line.
5. Our mother said we could have either pancakes ___ or ______ waffles for breakfast on Saturday morning.
6. The book was over 300 pages long __ but ______ I read the whole thing.
7. Maria is not allowed to watch television ___ or _________ play outside until her homework is done.
8. Sarah wants to learn how to knit __ but _______ she doesn’t have any yarn.
9. The policeman catches criminals __ and _________ keeps everyone safe.
10.Would you rather have a banana __ or _______ an orange in your lunch today?
Concept 3: Conjunctions: Identification Exercise
There are three types of conjunctions: coordinating, correlative, subordinating
Coordinating: connect similar words together. Example: and, but, nor, just
Correlative: connect similar groups of words together, but always come in pairs. Example: either … or, both … and
Subordinating: connect two ideas with one more important than the other. Example: after, as if, unless, until, whenever, while
Exercise 166
Instructions: Circle the conjunctions in the sentences below. Then, identify what type of conjunctions by circling the correct word at the end of the sentence.
1. Emilio could not eat his desert until he had finished his dinner. (Coordinating,Correlative, Subordinating)
2. Theresa ate her pecan pie on the porch whenever she could. (Coordinating, Correlative, Subordinating)
3. Mike and Keith were best friends. (Coordinating, Correlative, Subordinating)
4. I am neither a ballerina nor a tap dancer. (Coordinating, Correlative, Subordinating)
5. The baby cried and wailed to get its mother’s attention. (Coordinating, Correlative, Subordinating)
6. I will have both the apple pie and the pumpkin pie for desert on Thanksgiving day. (Coordinating, Correlative, Subordinating)
7. While in the classroom, you need to keep your voice down. (Coordinating, Correlative, Subordinating)
8. After recess, the children hurried inside. (Coordinating, Correlative, Subordinating)
9. The painting was either too wide or too tall to hang on the wall. (Coordinating,Correlative, Subordinating)
Answer Key: Exercise 166
1. Emilio could not eat his desert until he had finished his dinner. (Subordinating)
2. Theresa ate her pecan pie on the porch whenever she could. (Subordinating)
3. Mike and Keith were best friends. (Coordinating)
4. I am neither a ballerina nor a tap dancer. (Correlative,)
5. The baby cried and wailed to get its mother’s attention. (Coordinating)
6. I will have both the apple pie and the pumpkin pie for desert on Thanksgiving day. (Correlative)
7. While in the classroom, you need to keep your voice down. (Subordinating)
8. After recess, the children hurried inside. (Subordinating)
9. The painting was either too wide or too tall to hang on the wall. (Correlative)
Exercise 167
Conjunctions: Combine the Sentences
Instructions: Put the two sentences together using the word at the end of the sentences.
Example: Becky likes cupcakes. Becky likes brownies. (and)
Becky likes cupcakes and brownies.
1. Savio eats a hamburger. Savio drinks a soda. (and)
2. I want to play outside. It is raining. (but)
3. Sam likes grapes. Sam likes strawberries. (or)
4. The baby is crying. The baby is unhappy. (and)
Write a sentence using the word or
ANSWER KEY : Exercise 167
1. Savio eats a hamburger. Savio drinks a soda. (and)
____Savio eats a hamburger and drinks a soda. ______________
2. I want to play outside. It is raining. (but)
___I want to play outside but it is raining.___________________
3. Sam likes grapes. Sam likes strawberries. (or)
___Sam likes grapes or strawberries._______________________
4. The baby is crying. The baby is unhappy. (and)
___The baby is crying and unhappy. ___________________
Write a sentence using the word or
Exercise 168
Verbs: Using ‐ s or ‐ ing
Look at the sentences. Write the correct action word on the line.
Add an – s or an – ing to the word to make it correct.
Emily ______ the cake with her mother. (bake)
Anthony and Mark were ______ to school yesterday. (walk)
The car and the bus were _______ down the road. (drive)
The stoplight _____ green when it is time for the cars to go. (turn)
Sally _________ the milk into her glass. (pour)
Write your own sentence using a verb ending in –ing.
ANSWER KEY: Exercise 168
Emily ______ the cake with her mother. (bake)
____bakes_____________________
Anthony and Mark were ______ to school yesterday. (walk)
___walking______________________
The car and the bus were _______ down the road. (drive)
____driving_____________________
The stoplight _____ green when it is time for the cars to go. (turn)
____turns_____________________
Sally _________ the milk into her glass. (pour)
___pours______________________
Write your own sentence using a verb ending in –ing.
Exercise 169
Fill in the blanks with appropriate conjunctions.
1. We started early …………………………. we might not miss the show.
a) because
b) so
c) so that
d) on condition that
2. I can help you …………………….. you tell me the truth.
a) unless
b) provided
c) so
3. He is both scholarly ………………………. cultured.
a) and
b) also
c) as well
d) none of these
4. He looks ……………………….. he is ill.
a) as if
b) like
c) as
d) though
5. You must apologize; …………………………. you will be punished.
a) otherwise
b) unless
c) whether
d) but
Answers: Exercise 169
1. We started early so that we might not miss the show.
2. I can help you provided you tell me the truth.
3. He is both scholarly and cultured.
4. He looks as if he is ill.
5. You must apologize; otherwise you will be punished.
Revision:
- salt and pepper (two nouns joined by ‘and’ to make a phrase)
- garlic, pepper, vinegar, lemon juice and olive oil (a group of words in the form of a list with the last item joined to it by ‘and’)
- garlic, pepper, vinegar, lemon juice but no olive oil (a group of words in the form of a list with the last item joined to it by ‘but’)
- Salt and pepper are common spices – an independent clause (a complete idea) which could be a simple sentence or part of a larger sentence.
- Salt and pepper are common spices, but excessive use of them can be bad for you – two independent clauses joined together by ‘but’ to form a new (compound) sentence.
- “She wanted to take the dogs for a walk, but couldn’t find their leads.”
- Although the government had been elected for a four-year term, the prime minister decided to hold an early election.
The most common correlative conjunctions are:
- both…and
- either…and
- neither…nor
- not…but
- not only…but also
- whether…or
Incorrect: Either you must accept the terms or withdraw from the race.
Correct: You must either accept the terms or withdraw from the race.
What is wrong with the first sentence? Each term of a pair of correlative conjunctions governs a specific verb. In the incorrect sentence, ‘Either’ is too far from the verb it governs, ‘accept’. This has been rectified in the correct version, so that it is clear that a choice is being offered between accepting or withdrawing.
Rule of thumb: keep the correlative conjunction term close to the verb it governs in the sentence.
List of Conjunctions
Time
- after
- after which
- and
- as
- as long as
- as soon as
- at which (point)
- before
- by the time
- hardly*
- no sooner*
- now (that)
- once
- since
- the moment
- then
- till
- until
- when
- whenever
- whereupon
- while
Result
- and
- and so
- else
- or else
- otherwise
- so
- so that
Contrast, Concession, Alternatives
- although
- apart from
- but
- despite
- even if
- even though
- except that
- in spite of
- or
- much as
- nor
- not that
- though
- whereas
- while
- whilst
- yet
Reason
- as
- as a result of
- because
- because of
- considering
- due to
- for
- given that
- in case
- in view of the fact
- that
- just in case
- on account of
- seeing as/that
- since
Purpose
- in case
- in order that
- in order to
- so
- so as to
- so that
- to
Conditional
- as long as
- even if
- if
- one condition that
- provided (that)
- providing (that)
- so long as
- unless
- whether… or
Manner
- as
- as if
- as though
- in a way
- in the way
- just as
- like
- much as
- the way
Addition
- and
- as well as
- besides
- besides which
- in addition to
- not only*
Giving examples
- for instance
- for example
- in particular
*Inversion – verb and subject are inverted after these words. For example:-
We had hardly taken our coats off when it was time to go.
Hardly had we taken our coats off when it was time to go.
She is not only intelligent; she is also beautiful.
Not only is she intelligent, but also beautiful.
Common Mistakes
► Note that a subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause, which must be followed by a main
clause. The following is therefore not a complete sentence:-
Although there are many reasons why young people start to smoke.
A correct way of formulating this sentence would be:-
However, there are many reasons why young people start to smoke.
Similarly, the following sentence is grammatically incorrect:-
Whereas some argue that children should be forced to do more exercise.
Again, this needs to be phrased differently, for example:-
However / On the other hand / By contrast, some argue that children should be forced to do more exercise.
► Make a note of the two different conjunctions despite and in spite of – despite of does not exist!
A LIST OF CONJUNCTIONS
Coordinating Conjunctions (there are seven):
And Or But Nor So For Yet
| Subordinatin Conjunctions (these are only a few): After | Although | As | As If | As Long As |
| Because | Before | Even If | Even Though | If |
| Once | Provided | Since | So That | That |
| Though | Till | Unless | Until | What |
| When | Whenever | Wherever | Whether | While |
Examples: Some of the sentences are wrong and these have been corrected by inserting conjunction.Find the (corrected). Some sentences are not proper sentences, they are just a part of sentences.They are called here “Fragment”.
- My sister drives a truck, and she smokes cigars.
- Some people do not like Cecil because he never listens.
- Although Milly is terrified of heights, she is an airline pilot, and she lives in a penthouse.
- After the movie started, more people came in. (Notice the comma separating the clauses)
- More people came in after the movie started.
- You are my favorite brother. (sentence)
- Even though you are my favorite brother. (fragment)
- Even though you are my favorite brother, I am going to tell Mom. (sentence)
- The owner is bigger than you. (sentence)
- Unless the owner is bigger than you. (fragment)
- You can sit on that car unless the owner is bigger than you. (sentence)
- You are a fool , moreover, you dress badly. (comma splice)
- You are a fool. Moreover, you dress badly. (corrected)
- You are a fool; moreover, you dress badly. (corrected)
- We ate our meal then, we had dessert. (run-on)
- We ate our meal, and then we had dessert. (corrected)
- We ate our meal; then we had dessert. (corrected)
- We ate our meal. Then we had dessert. (corrected)
- Bessie always sleeps on the subway, however, she has never been robbed. (comma splice)
- Bessie always sleeps on the subway. However, she has never been robbed. (corrected)
- Bessie always sleeps on the subway; however, she has never been robbed. (corrected)
- I like frozen pizza pockets. Also, I like bouillabaisse.
- I like frozen pizza pockets. I also like bouillabaisse.
- I like frozen pizza pockets. I like bouillabaisse also.
- frozen pizza pockets. I like bouillabaisse also.
Answer key Conjunctions: Exercises 134-154
Answer key Conjunctions: Exercises 155-158
