Conjunctions Exercises

About Conjunctions exercises

Conjunctions join words, phrases and clauses. They show how ideas relate to each other, such as addition, contrast, choice, reason or result, and they let you write one connected sentence instead of two short ones. An A2 gap fill practises the coordinating conjunctions and, but, or and so. A B1 multiple-choice exercise practises the subordinating conjunctions because, although, unless and until.

Coordinating conjunctions join parts of equal rank. The seven in the FANBOYS list are for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so. When they join two full clauses, put a comma before them: I was tired, so I went to bed. Subordinating conjunctions add a clause that depends on the main clause: Although it was cold, we went swimming. A clause with because, although, unless or until cannot stand alone. Unless means if not, and it is followed by a present tense for a future meaning: We will stay in unless it stops raining. Choose the conjunction by the relationship between the ideas first: addition, contrast, choice, reason or result. If you are unsure, say the two ideas in your own words and ask how they relate.

A B2 multiple-choice set practises contrast and concession. Although and even though come before a clause: Although the shop was busy, the service was fast. Despite and in spite of come before a noun or an -ing form: Despite the long queue, we waited. Whereas compares two facts in one sentence. However and nevertheless usually start a new sentence and take a comma.

• And, but, or and so in simple sentences
• Commas before coordinating conjunctions
• Because for reason and so for result
• Although for contrast
• Unless meaning if not
• Until for the end point of a time