Unit 1: Complete and Incomplete Sentences
Unit 2: Types of Sentences
Unit 3: Simple and Complete Subjects and Predicates
Unit 4: Common Nouns
Unit 5: Common and Proper Nouns
Unit 6: Plural Nouns
Unit 7: More Plural Nouns
Unit 8: Singular Possessive Nouns
Unit 9: Plural Possessive Nouns
Unit 10: Subject and Object Pronouns
Unit 11: Complete Sentences and End Punctuation Review
Unit 12: Common and Proper Nouns Review
Unit 13: Singular and Plural Nouns Review
Unit 14: Possessive Nouns Review
Unit 15: Subject and Object Pronouns Review
Unit 16: Action Verbs
Unit 17: Linking Verbs
Unit 18: Helping Verbs
Unit 19: Past, Present, and Future Tense Verbs
Unit 20: Perfect Tense Verbs
Unit 21: Irregular Verbs
Unit 22: Progressive Verbs
Unit 23: Transitive Verbs
Unit 24: Intransitive Verbs
Unit 25: Subject and Verb Agreement
Unit 26: Action Verbs Review
Unit 27: Linking and Helping Verbs Review
Unit 28: Verb Tenses Review
Unit 29: Verb Forms Review
Unit 30: Subject and Verb Agreement Review
Unit 31: Adjectives
Unit 32: Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Unit 33: Irregular Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Unit 34: Adverbs
Unit 35: More Adverbs
Unit 36: Adverbs without -ly
Unit 37: Synonyms
Unit 38: Antonyms
Unit 39: Homophones
Unit 40: Adjectives Review
Unit 41: Comparative and Superlative Adjectives Review
Unit 42: Adverbs Review
Unit 43: Synonyms and Antonyms Review
Unit 44: Homophones Review
Unit 45: Conjunctions
Unit 46: Compound Subjects
Unit 47: Compound Predicates
Unit 48: Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases
Unit 49: Dependent Clauses
Unit 50: Independent Clauses
Unit 51: Commas
Unit 52: Compound Sentences
Unit 53: Complex Sentences
Unit 54: Compound-Complex Sentences
Unit 55: Conjunctions Review
Unit 56: Compound Subjects and Compound Predicates Review
Unit 57: Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases Review
Unit 58: Dependent and Independent Clauses Review
Unit 59: Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex Sentences Review
Unit 60: Appositives
Unit 61: More Uses for Commas
Unit 62: Quotation Marks
Unit 63: Contractions
Unit 64: Abbreviations
Unit 65: Semicolons
Unit 66: Colons
Unit 67: Word Usage: Sit or Set
Unit 68: Word Usage: Lie or Lay
Unit 69: Word Usage: Your or You’re
Unit 70: Appositives Review
Unit 71: Commas and Quotations Review
Unit 72: Contractions and Abbreviations Review
Unit 73: Colons and Semicolons Review
Unit 74: Word Usage Review
Unit 75: Interjections
Unit 76: Articles
Unit 77: Prefixes
Unit 78: Suffixes
Unit 79: More Prefixes
Unit 80: More Suffixes
Unit 81: Greek Root Words
Unit 82: Latin Root Words
Unit 83: Spelling Patterns and Exceptions
Unit 84: More Spelling Patterns and Exceptions
Unit 85: Negatives
Unit 86: Interjections and Articles Review
Unit 88: Suffixes Review
Unit 89: Greek and Latin Root Words Review
Unit 91: Negatives Review
Unit 92: Review of the Eight Parts of Speech
Unit 93: Applying Punctuation Knowledge
Unit 94: Applying Punctuation and Word Usage Knowledge
Unit 96: Adjectives, Adverbs, and Verb Tenses Review
Unit 97: Sentence Structure Review: Simple and Compound Sentences
Unit 98: Dependent Clauses and Sentence Structure
Unit 45: Conjunctions
1. Understanding Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word that “joins” words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence to send a logical message. It literally connects parts of a sentence together. Conjunctions help us combine short, choppy sentences into longer, smoother ones.
Coordinating Conjunctions
These join ideas of equal importance. You can remember them with the acronym FANBOYS:
- For (reason)
- And (addition/sequence)
- Nor (negative addition)
- But (contrast)
- Or (choice)
- Yet (contrast/surprise)
- So (result)
Example: Rafael is an excellent defender, so he made the team.
Subordinating Conjunctions
These words join a dependent clause (a group of words that cannot stand alone) to an independent clause (a complete thought). They often tell when, where, why, or how.
Common Subordinators: after, although, because, before, if, since, so that, unless, until, when, while.
Example: Although Rafael’s mother was worried, she let him play.
Exercise 1: Identifying Conjunctions
Circle the conjunction in each sentence below.
- Rafael wanted to join the team, but his mother thought it was dangerous.
- He borrowed a uniform so his mother could see the protective gear.
- They knew it could change her mind or convince her she was right.
- Rafael and his dad convinced his mother to go to a practice.
- The coaches supervised them well, yet she was still worried.
- She said he could join since he promised to be careful.
- Rafael didn’t know whether to jump for joy or nod seriously.
- Rafael’s mother and father went to every game.
Exercise 2: Coordinate or Subordinate?
Read the sentences. Identify if the underlined conjunction is Coordinating (C) or Subordinating (S).
- I want to finish my homework, but I’d rather go to the mall. ______
- Whether we go to the fair or stay home depends on the rain. ______
- You can go if you finish your homework in time. ______
- I was late because I overslept. ______
- Kevin heard the weather report and packed his gear. ______
- We left as soon as the concert ended. ______
- Do not eat the bananas before they are ripe. ______
- The story is unbelievable, yet supposedly true. ______
Exercise 3: Choosing the Right Word
Select the correct conjunction to complete the sentence.
- The ducklings are brown, (but / or) the adult ducks are white.
- We brought bread with us, (so / because) we fed the ducks.
- The ducks might have gone to a nest, (and / or) they could have swum to shore.
- (Although / Or) television prices seem high, they have hardly risen.
- I cooked dinner (while / unless) she set the table.
- The team will play baseball (because / unless)it rains.
- (Since / But) you weren’t here yesterday, we presented without you.
- I forgot your birthday (so / because) I didn’t writeit on my calendar.
Exercise 4: Fill in the Blanks
Use the words from the box to complete the sentences.
- I searched for Gautam everywhere ______ I did not find him.
- ______ Mehul sawhis father, he jumped with joy.
- Sheena ______ her mother went to the market.
- It is raining outside ______ you must take an umbrella.
- The baby was crying ______ it did not see its mother.
- We must wait here ______ our parents arrive.
- You will not get on the team ______ you practice harder.
- Do you prefer tea ______ coffee?
Exercise 5: Sentence Combining
Combine the pair of sentences into one using the conjunction in parentheses.
- The weather was cold. It was the middle of winter.(because)
- We left the classroom. The bell began to ring. (when)
- I swept the floor. Tom set the table. (while)
- Our teacher will not help. You try hard. (unless)
- Let’s sit on the verandah. The sun sets. (until)
- We won the match. We were two players short. (although)
- We must go indoors. It begins to rain. (if)
- He had not seen Bill last December. They met in the city. (since)
Exercise 6: Match the Meaning
Match the beginning of the sentence with the logical ending.
- I wanted to go to the football game, but… A. …he wanted to buy amotorbike.
- My parents were angry because… B. …I didn’t have any money.
- The thief stole the money because… C. …I was two hours late.
- Sally swept the floor while… D. …I did the washing up.
- You cannot leave unless… E. …it was raining heavily.
- The match was still played although… F. …your room is tidy.
- He said I could have it if… G. …I gave him ten dollars.
- We saw the bully coming so… H. …we began to run.