Conjunctions
e t s
’
L arn!
Le
A coordinating conjunction joins parts of a sentence (for example
words or independent clauses) that are grammatically equal or
similar. A coordinating conjunction shows that the things
it joins are similar in importance and structure.
and : presents non-contrasting item(s) or idea(s)
but : presents a contrast or exception
so : presents a consequence
or : presents an alternative item or idea
Coordinating Conjunctions
Single word
Flora is beautiful and smart.
and Tom can fly a kite, and Shawn can swim.
Owen is studying and sleeping in his room.
Tracy likes dolls, but Doris doesn’t.
but
This story book is interesting but expensive.
I don’t feel well, so I stay at home.
so I don’t have enough time, so I can’t finish
my test.
Which do you like, oranges or apples?
or He can eat or drink.
Hurry up, or you’ll be late.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Conjunctions
Two or more than two words
Both Owen and Shawn are
both...and...
good at playing baseball.
not only...but Not only Owen but also
also... Shawn is hungry.
either...or... Either Owen or Shawn wants to play with Tom.
Neither Flora nor Doris
neither...nor
wants to go out with Tom.
Subordinate conjunctions are conjunctions that join an independent
clause and a dependent clause.
Subordinate Conjunctions
After Flora finished her homework, she went shopping.
after
Flora went shopping after she finished her homework.
Before I started to work, I had my dinner.
before
I had my dinner before I started to work.
When I’m walking, my cell phone is ringing.
when
My cell phone is ringing when I’m walking.
Whenever Joanna can’t find her doll, she cries.
whenever
Joanna cries whenever she can’t find her doll.
While the baby was crying on the bed, he fell asleep.
while
The baby fell asleep while he was crying on the bed.
If the weather is nice tomorrow, we will go out.
if
We will go out if the weather is nice tomorrow.
Although Hank can’t play the piano very well, he is not
afraid to play in front of people.
although
Though Hank can’t play the piano very well,
he is not afraid to play in front of people.
so that Doris starts to run so that she will be in class on time.
L e t s
’
Practice
Choose the appropriate word to complete
the sentence. Refer to the hint in parenthesis.
so and or but
1 Doris brings apples, bananas oranges.
(non-contrasting items)
2 Do you want to eat rice spaghetti for lunch? (alternative)
3 An orange is sweet, a lemon is sour. (contrast)
4 The water is cold, I can't swim. (consequence)
Choose the correct answers.
1 I see a cat a mouse.
A and B but C so D however
2 We'll eat ice cream you finish your homework.
A but B when C or
3 I am not happy, I cried.
A and B but C so D or
4 She was starving, there was no food left.
A but B so C or
Try More
Conjunctions
Complete the sentence with the correct answer.
1 Gordon and Shawn are good at playing computer games.
A And B Both C Nor
2 Either Joanna Doris knows how to do the homework.
A also B or C either
3 Not only Flora also Joanna is thirsty.
A and B but C neither
4 Penny nor Doris wants to stay inside.
A And B But C Neither
5 Neither Flora Doris are good at dancing.
A and B both C nor
6 Neither he she can open the door.
A and B both C nor
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunctions.
and although when neither
There are four people in the Onnie family. Mr. Onnie, Mrs. Onnie,
Benny Penny. Mr. Onnie is very busy, he is a very
good father. Mrs. Onnie likes to dance she is cooking. Benny
likes basketball nor soccer. He likes to play hockey. Penny
always laughs she talks to her friends. She is a happy girl.
