Definitions & Basics
What is a conjunction?
A word that joins words, phrases, or clauses.
Explanation:
Conjunctions connect ideas so sentences are smoother and clearer.
What does FANBOYS stand for?
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Explanation:
These are the seven coordinating conjunctions.
Name one subordinating conjunction.
Because / although / when / if / since (any one).
Explanation:
These words introduce dependent clauses.
Complete the pair:
either … ___
or
Explanation:
Correlative conjunctions must be used in matching pairs.
Explain the difference between but and although.
But is a coordinating conjunction, while although is a subordinating conjunction. Explanation:
But joins two independent clauses.
Although introduces a dependent clause that needs a main clause.
How many main types of conjunctions are commonly taught in English?
Three.
Explanation:
The three main types are coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions.
Which FANBOYS conjunction shows contrast?
But (also yet).
Explanation:
But and yet introduce an opposing idea.
Which subordinating conjunction shows cause or reason?
Because.
Explanation:
Because explains why something happens.
Which correlative conjunction shows two negative choices?
Neither…nor.
Explanation:
It connects two negative alternatives.
Correct the sentence:
Although she was tired, but she finished her homework.
Although she was tired, she finished her homework. Explanation: You cannot use although and but together.
Although is a subordinating conjunction and already shows contrast.
But is a coordinating conjunction, so it is unnecessary here.
Which type of conjunction joins two equal ideas?
Coordinating conjunctions.
Explanation:
They connect elements with the same grammatical importance, such as two independent clauses.
Choose the correct conjunction:
I was tired, ___ I finished my homework.
but
Explanation:
But shows contrast between being tired and still finishing work.
dentify the subordinating conjunction:
We stayed inside because it was raining.
because
Explanation:
It introduces the reason for staying inside.
Choose the correct sentence:
A. Both math or science is fun.
B. Both math and science are fun.
B
Explanation:
Both must be paired with and, and the verb must agree with a plural subject.
Identify the type of conjunction in the sentence:
We stayed inside because it was raining.
Subordinating conjunction.
Explanation:
Because introduces a dependent clause that explains the reason for the action.
Which conjunction type always works in pairs?
Correlative conjunctions.
Explanation:
Examples include both…and, either…or, and neither…nor.
Which FANBOYS conjunction shows result?
So.
Explanation:
So connects a cause to its result.
Which sentence is correct?
A. Because it was late. We left.
B. Because it was late, we left.
B
Explanation:
A dependent clause must be connected to an independent clause.
Fill in the blanks:
___ the teacher ___ the students were late.
Neither … nor
Explanation:
This pair shows that no one mentioned was late.
Choose the correct sentence and explain why:
A. She likes both reading or writing.
B. She likes both reading and writing.
B
Explanation:
Both must always be paired with and, not or.
Also, correlative conjunctions must connect parallel structures (both are gerunds).
Why can’t a subordinating conjunction stand alone as a complete sentence?
Because it creates a dependent clause.
Explanation:
Subordinating conjunctions introduce ideas that depend on an independent clause to make sense.
Why is a comma often used before FANBOYS?
Because they often join two independent clauses. Explanation:
A comma helps separate two complete ideas joined by a coordinating conjunction.
What happens to the comma when a subordinating clause comes at the beginning?
A comma is used after the dependent clause.
Explanation:
The comma separates the dependent clause from the main clause.
Why must correlative conjunctions be balanced?
Because they join equal grammatical elements.
Explanation:
Both parts of the pair must connect similar words, phrases, or clauses.
Combine the sentences using an appropriate conjunction:
He was late. He did not miss the test.
He was late, but he did not miss the test.
Explanation:
But is a coordinating conjunction used to show contrast between two independent clauses.