Name : _____________________ Date: __________________

A conjunction is a joiner, a word that connects (conjoins) parts of a sentence. There seem to be four basic types of conjunctions. They are: coordinating conjunctions used to connect two independent clauses, subordinating conjunctions used to establish the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence, correlative conjunctions which always travel in pairs, joining various sentence elements that should be treated as grammatically equal and conjunctive adverbs used to join independent clauses together.

The seven Coordinating Conjunctions in English are:

Conjunction Function Example

and : in addition joins two similar ideas together She tried and succeeded.

but : however joins two contrasting ideas They tried but did not succeed.

or : alternatively joins two alternative ideas Did you go out or stay at home?

nor : and neither (joining two negative alternatives). Its most common use is as the little brother in the correlative pair, neither-nor

I did not see it, nor did they.

yet : however (meaning “but”) The sun is warm, yet the air is cool.

Ex 1

Complete the sentences by choosing the best Coordinating Conjunction for each space.

1. I opened the door _________ looked out. (and, yet)

2. She was not in the back yard, _________ was she upstairs. (or, nor)

3. The sun had set, _________ it was still light outside. (or, yet)

4. Do you know his address _________ telephone number? (but, or)

5. He has not arrived yet, _________ have they. (and, nor)

6. I read the book, _________ did not understand it. (but, or)

7. We searched diligently, ________ found nothing. (or, yet)

8. I invited him _________ his friends. (and, but)

Total Marks: / 8

A Subordinating Conjunction is a word which joins together a dependent clause and an independent clause. There are numerous subordinating conjunctions. The more commonly used ones are listed below.

BECAUSE, AS, SINCE - are used to introduce the cause in a cause effect relationship between two ideas

SO - introduces an effect in a cause effect relationship between two ideas

ALTHOUGH, (even) THOUGH, WHEREAS, WHILE - are used to express contrast between ideas

AFTER - is used to show time

Subordinate Conjunctions

As 1. because: As he is my friend, I will help him. 2. when: We watched as the plane took off.

After 1. later in time: After the train left, we went home.

Although or though 1. in spite of the fact that: Although it was after midnight, we did not feel tired.

Before 1. earlier than: I arrived before the stores were open.

Because 1. for the reason that: We had to wait, because we arrived early.

For 1. for, because: He is happy, for he enjoys his work.

If 1. on condition that: If she is here, we will see her.

Lest 1. for fear that: I watched closely, lest he make a mistake.Note the use of the Subjunctive Mood in the clause with lest.

Providing or provided 1. on condition that: All will be well, providing you are careful.

Since 1. from a past time: I have been here since the sun rose. 2. as, because: Since you are here, you can help me.

So or so that 1. consequently: It was raining, so we did not go out. 2. in order that: I am saving money so I can buy a bicycle.Note: When used with the meaning in order that, so is usually followed by that in formal English.e.g. I am saving money so that I can buy a bicycle.

Supposing 1. if: Supposing that happens, what will you do?

Than 1. used in comparisons: He is taller than you are.

Unless 1. except when, if not: Unless he helps us, we cannot succeed.

Until or till 1. up to the time when: I will wait until I hear from you.

Whereas 1. because: Whereas this is a public building, it is open to everyone. 2. on the other hand: He is short, whereas you are tall.

Whether 1. if: I do not know whether she was invited.

While

1. at the time when: While it was snowing, we played cards. 2. on the other hand: He is rich, while his friend is poor. 3. although: While I am not an expert, I will do my best.

In addition, the following phrases are often used at the beginning of subordinate clauses.

As if 1. in a similar way: She talks as if she knows everything.

As long as 1. if: As long as we cooperate, we can finish the work easily. 2. while: He has lived there as long as I have known him.

As soon as 1. immediately when: Write to me as soon as you can.

As though 1. in a similar way: It looks as though there will be a storm.

Even if 1. in spite of a possibility: I am going out even if it rains.

In case 1. because of a possibility: Take a sweater in case it gets cold.

Or else 1. otherwise: Please be careful, or else you may have an accident.

So as to 1. in order to: I hurried so as to be on time.

Ex 2

1. We recognized her at once, ____________ we had not seen her for years. (although, in case)2. He kept reading ___________ he fell asleep. (for, until)3. The moon will rise ____________ the sun sets. (as soon as, than)4. It looks ____________ the train will be late. (while, as though)5. ____________ she got her degree, she became a teacher. (After, Than)6. We will not go skiing ____________ the weather is good. (as if, unless)7. ____________ he left, he made sure he had his keys with him. (Before, For)8. ____________ I told the truth, you would not believe me. (Even if, So that)9. They have known her ___________ she was a child. (until, since)10. I must leave now, ____________ I have a great deal of work to do. (as, than)11. What shall we do ____________ it rains? (or else, supposing)12. ____________ you read this book, you would be sure to enjoy it. (If, Until)13. The door was open, ____________ we could hear everything. (in case, so)14. I studied more ____________ he did. (than, whereas)15. We packed a lunch, ____________ we knew we would soon be hungry. (lest, for)16. I will join you, ____________ the weather is fine. (providing, than)17. ____________ he is very busy, he is seldom at home. (Or else, Because)18. We must hurry, ___________ we will be late. (so that, or else)

Total Marks: / 18

Correlative Conjunctions

Some conjunctions combine with other words to form what are called correlative conjunctions. They always travel in pairs, joining various sentence elements that should be treated as grammatically equal. Here is a brief list of common correlative conjunctions.

Correlative Conjunctions

both ... and He is both intelligent and good-natured.

either ... or I will either go for a walk or read a book.neither ... nor He is neither rich nor famous.hardly ... when He had hardly begun to work, when he was interrupted.if ... then If that is true, then what happened is not surprising.no sooner ... than No sooner had I reached the corner, than the bus came.not only ... but also She is not only clever, but also hard-working.rather ... than I would rather go swimming than go to the library.scarcely ... when Scarcely had we left home, when it started to rain.what with ... and What with all her aunts, uncles and cousins, she has many relatives.whether ... or Have you decided whether you will come or not?

Sample Exercises

Either you or Susan must remain with me.

This job requires an ability possessed neither by Jack nor by John.

In 1795 B.C.E., Babylon was not only the capital city of ancient Babylonia but also the world's first metropolis.

Whether we meet in the park or at Enid's house is up to you.

Both the teacher and the principal were furious.

When building Hoover Dam, laborers not only discovered silver but also gold.

When building Hoover Dam, laborers discovered not only silver but also gold.

Beth became angry both with our singing and our shouting.

Beth became angry both with our singing and with our shouting.

Put your earnings either in a bank or in a treasury account.

Whether Jim sees a movie or watches a play is unimportant to me.

The hounds were neither smart enough to climb the ledge nor small enough to enter the cave.

Use correlative conjunctions to connect these words, phrases, or clauses.

I am happy. I am sad. Students go to school. Teachers go to school. The camper fell during the hike. The camper did not get hurt. Summer days are hot. Summer days are long. Summer school is challenging. Summer camp is challenging.

Connecting AdverbsConnecting adverbs are often used to show the relationship between the ideas expressed in a clause and the ideas expressed in a preceding clause, sentence or paragraph.

accordingly: so He was very persuasive; accordingly, I did what he asked.also: in addition She is my neighbor; she is also my best friend.besides: in addition I like the job. Besides, I need the money.consequently: so She had a fever; consequently, she stayed at home.furthermore: in addition You should stop smoking. Furthermore, you should do it at once!hence: for that reason He is a good friend. Hence, I was not embarrassed to ask him for help.however: but We wanted to arrive on time; however, we were delayed by traffic.likewise: in addition The region is beautiful. Likewise, the climate is excellent.

moreover: in addition She is very intelligent; moreover, she is very ambitious.nevertheless: but They are proud. Nevertheless, I like them.nonetheless: but The ascent was dangerous. Nonetheless, he decided to attempt it.otherwise: if not, or else We should consult them; otherwise, they may be upset.still: but It is a long way to the beach. Still, it is a fine day to go swimming.then: 1. next, afterwards We went shopping, then we had lunch. 2. so If you are sure, then I must believe you.therefore: for that reason I was nervous; therefore, I could not do my best.thus: so, in this way He travelled as quickly as possible. Thus, he reached Boston the next day.

As indicated in the following table, several connecting adverbs have meanings similar to those of the conjunctions and, but or so.

Connecting Adverbs with meanings similar to And, But and So

Similar to And Similar to But Similar to So also however accordingly besides nevertheless consequently furthermore nonetheless hence likewise still therefore moreover thus

Ex 4

1. The work was new to me. ____________, it did not seem difficult. (Consequently, Nevertheless)2. Continue along Queen Street. ____________ turn left. (Then, Therefore)3. It was very misty. ______________, we could not get a clear view of the mountain. (Hence, However)4. We had walked several miles. ____________, we did not feel tired. (Accordingly, Still)5. She is a talented actress. ____________, she is very beautiful. (Moreover, Thus)6. We take the bus every day. __________, we are familiar with the bus route. (Nevertheless, Thus)7. The child was sleepy. ______________, we went home early. (Otherwise, Therefore)8. The food was delicious. _____________, the service was excellent. (Likewise, Nevertheless)9. We looked everywhere. _____________, we could not find the keys. (However, Thus)10. The book is long. _____________, the vocabulary is difficult. (Consequently, Furthermore)11. Luckily, the moon was bright. ______________, we could not have seen the path. (Accordingly, Otherwise)12. He is old. _____________, his mind is still active. (Nonetheless, Therefore)

Total Marks: / 12

Ex 5

1. I have invited him. ____________, I have invited his sister. (Also, And)2. He walked up to the door ____________ knocked. (and, likewise)3. The bus fare is expensive; ____________, I prefer to walk. (so, therefore)4. She is well-educated. ____________, she has very good manners. (And, Besides)5. I would rather travel by train, ___________ the bus leaves earlier. (but, however)6. We were born in this village; ____________, we know everyone here. (hence, so that)7. Put less wood on the fire, ___________ it will be too smoky. (or, otherwise)8. They got off the train. __________ they began to search for a hotel. (And, Then)9. She studied for many months; ____________, she knew the material thoroughly. (consequently, so that)10. The weather was hot; ____________, the air was humid. (and, moreover)11. Please come with us, ____________ I can introduce you to my friends. (thus, so that)12. The sun was warm, ____________ a cool breeze blew in from the sea. (but, however)13. I have read this book before; ____________, I do not remember the plot. (but, however)

14. They were hot ____________ tired. (also, and)15. The door was locked; ____________, we would have waited inside. (or, otherwise)16. I have known her for many years; ____________, I understand her character well. (so that, thus)17. We opened the window ____________ fresh air would blow into the room. (consequently, so that)18. He is ignorant; ____________, he is lazy. (and, furthermore)19. They visited many stores; ___________, they could not find what they were looking for. (but, however)20. You should go to sleep now, ____________ you will be tired tomorrow. (or, otherwise)21. I was worried; ___________, I was determined not to show it. (but, nevertheless)

Total Marks: / 21