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.

[Image Description: A diagram showing two puzzle pieces being joined together. One piece represents “Sentence Part A” and the other “Sentence Part B”. The connecting tab is labeled “Conjunction”. Illustrations of common conjunctions like ‘AND’, ‘BUT’, ‘OR’ are floating around the connection point.]

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.

  1. Rafael wanted to join the team, but his mother thought it was dangerous.
  2. He borrowed a uniform so his mother could see the protective gear.
  3. They knew it could change her mind or convince her she was right.
  4. Rafael and his dad convinced his mother to go to a practice.
  5. The coaches supervised them well, yet she was still worried.
  6. She said he could join since he promised to be careful.
  7. Rafael didn’t know whether to jump for joy or nod seriously.
  8. Rafael’s mother and father went to every game.
[Image Description: An illustration of a boy, Rafael, wearing a football uniform and holding a helmet.He looks happy. In the background, his parents are watching from the sidelines,looking supportive. The scene depicts the theme of the sentences in Exercise 1.]

Exercise 2: Coordinate or Subordinate?

Read the sentences. Identify if the underlined conjunction is Coordinating (C) or Subordinating (S).

  1. I want to finish my homework, but I’d rather go to the mall. ______
  2. Whether we go to the fair or stay home depends on the rain. ______
  3. You can go if you finish your homework in time. ______
  4. I was late because I overslept. ______
  5. Kevin heard the weather report and packed his gear. ______
  6. We left as soon as the concert ended. ______
  7. Do not eat the bananas before they are ripe. ______
  8. The story is unbelievable, yet supposedly true. ______

Exercise 3: Choosing the Right Word

Select the correct conjunction to complete the sentence.

  1. The ducklings are brown, (but / or) the adult ducks are white.
  2. We brought bread with us, (so / because) we fed the ducks.
  3. The ducks might have gone to a nest, (and / or) they could have swum to shore.
  4. (Although / Or) television prices seem high, they have hardly risen.
  5. I cooked dinner (while / unless) she set the table.
  6. The team will play baseball (because / unless)it rains.
  7. (Since / But) you weren’t here yesterday, we presented without you.
  8. 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.

although    until    and    so    if    or    but    because
  1. I searched for Gautam everywhere ______ I did not find him.
  2. ______ Mehul sawhis father, he jumped with joy.
  3. Sheena ______ her mother went to the market.
  4. It is raining outside ______ you must take an umbrella.
  5. The baby was crying ______ it did not see its mother.
  6. We must wait here ______ our parents arrive.
  7. You will not get on the team ______ you practice harder.
  8. Do you prefer tea ______ coffee?

Exercise 5: Sentence Combining

Combine the pair of sentences into one using the conjunction in parentheses.

  1. The weather was cold. It was the middle of winter.(because)
  2. We left the classroom. The bell began to ring. (when)
  3. I swept the floor. Tom set the table. (while)
  4. Our teacher will not help. You try hard. (unless)
  5. Let’s sit on the verandah. The sun sets. (until)
  6. We won the match. We were two players short. (although)
  7. We must go indoors. It begins to rain. (if)
  8. 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.

  1. I wanted to go to the football game, but…    A. …he wanted to buy amotorbike.
  2. My parents were angry because…    B. …I didn’t have any money.
  3. The thief stole the money because…    C. …I was two hours late.
  4. Sally swept the floor while…    D. …I did the washing up.
  5. You cannot leave unless…    E. …it was raining heavily.
  6. The match was still played although…    F. …your room is tidy.
  7. He said I could have it if…    G. …I gave him ten dollars.
  8. We saw the bully coming so…    H. …we began to run.
Bài trướcBài sau