Conjunction

Types of Conjunctions
In English, conjunctions are classified as coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions or correlative

conjunctions. Using the right conjunction is essential to making your meaning clear.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join words or ideas together. For example, if you stated you like chicken and fish,
"and" is acting as a coordinating conjunction. It joins the two nouns in question together: chicken and fish.
There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English:
 For
 And
 Nor
 But
 Or
 Yet
 So
These seven coordinating conjunctions can be remembered by using the acronym FANBOYS.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions join independent and dependent clauses together. The subordinating conjunction
indicates the relationship between the clauses, such as time place cause, or effect. It also shows that the less
important idea in the sentence is introduced by the dependent, or subordinate, clause.
Common subordinating conjunctions include:
 After
 As
 Since
 Because
 Before
 In order that
 If
 Now that
 Than
 That
 Though
 Thus
 Until
 Whether
 While
 When
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions link sentence elements that go together. They always come in pairs, including:
 either/or
 neither/nor;
 not only/but also
 whether/or
Using correlative conjunctions, here's another example of conjunctions at work: I like not only chicken, but
also fish."
Conjunction Exercises
Conjunction exercises can you help you to learn how conjunctions are used. Let's roll up our sleeves and test
your knowledge. The answers to each question are explained below:
1. I like chicken ____ not fish.
A. and B. since C. but D. for E. or
2. ____ it rains on Sunday, I will not be able to drive.
A. After B. When C. Either D. If E. Yet
3. I like both dogs ______ cats.
A. also B. but C. and D. if E. until
4. The items are on sale in the local store _____ not online.
A. but B. and C. although D. or E. while
5. Neither my mother _____ my father will be able to attend the party on Sunday.
A. or B. not C. and D. nor E. also
6. Carrie didn't know whether her bike would be fixed _____ if she would have to walk.
A. but B. and C. nor D. or E. either
7. Luke was late to the party ______ his car broke down on the highway.
A. if B. because C. while D. although E. where
Conjunction Exercises:
1. (C) I like chicken but not fish.
This sentence is drawing a contrast. "But" is the correct coordinating conjunction to join these two nouns
together.
2. (D) If it rains on Sunday, I will not be able to drive.
The subordinating conjunction is used to introduce the dependent clause "it rains on Sunday." The rain is a
conditional situation that will cause the lack of ability to drive.
3. (C) I like both dogs and cats.
"Both" is a correlative conjunction and must be accompanied by "and."
4. (A) The items are on sale in the local store but not online.
Again, a contrast is being drawn here, so the coordinating conjunction "but" is appropriate to explain the
relationship between the nouns.
5. (D) Neither my mother nor my father will be able to attend the party on Sunday.
"Nor" is a correlative conjunction to be used with "neither."
6. (D) Carrie didn't know whether her bike would be fixed or if she would have to walk.
The situation described here is one in which one thing or the other will happen. The coordinating conjunction
"or" must be used.
7. (B) Luke was late to the party because his car broke down on the highway.
The tardiness was caused by the breakdown of Luke's car. Therefore, the subordinating conjunction "because"
is used to explain the relationship between the two clauses
Underline the conjunctions in the following sentences and state whether they are coordinating conjunctions
or subordinating conjunctions.
1. Alice decided to get some rest because she was tired.
2. Unless he mends his ways, he will be in trouble.
3. He took out his pen and started writing.
4. She was ill but she went to work.
5. Jack or James has to go.
6. Be just and fear not.
7. I ran fast but I could not overtake him.
8. Although he was strong he could not defeat his opponent.
9. As she was unwell, I advised her to get some rest.
10. He asked whether he could take a day off.
Answers
1. Alice decided to get some rest because she was tired. (Subordinating conjunction)
2. Unless he mends his ways, he will be in trouble. (Subordinating conjunction)
3. He took out his pen and started writing. (Coordinating conjunction)
4. She was ill but she went to work. (Coordinating conjunction)
5. Jack or James has to go. (Coordinating conjunction)
6. Be just and fear not. (Coordinating conjunction)
7. I ran fast but I could not overtake him. (Coordinating conjunction)
8. Although he was strong he could not defeat his opponent. (Subordinating conjunction)
9. As she was unwell, I advised her to get some rest. (Subordinating conjunction)
10. He asked whether he could take a day off. (Subordinating conjunction)

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Types of Conjunctions

In English, conjunctions are classified as coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions or correlative

1. Alice decided to get some rest because she was tired.

2. Unless he mends his ways, he will be in trouble.

3. He took out his pen and started writing.

4. She was ill but she went to work.

5. Jack or James has to go.

6. Be just and fear not.

7. I ran fast but I could not overtake him.

8. Although he was strong he could not defeat his opponent.

9. As she was unwell, I advised her to get some rest.

10. He asked whether he could take a day off.

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