conjunctions

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Conjunctions: The Bridge of Language

Language is like a road, and words are the vehicles moving on it. But what connects these words, phrases, and sentences together? That job is done by conjunctions. They are like bridges that join ideas and help us express our thoughts clearly.

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What is a Conjunction?

A conjunction is a word that connects words, groups of words, or sentences together.

Examples:

• Ramesh and Suresh are best friends.

• I want to go, but it is raining.

• We will stay here until you come.

Here, the words and, but, until are conjunctions.

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Types of Conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

They join words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance.

Common coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet

Examples:

• He is tall and strong.

• She was tired, yet she completed her homework.

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2. Subordinating Conjunctions

They connect a dependent clause (incomplete idea) to an independent clause (complete idea).

Common subordinating conjunctions: because, although, since, until, if, when, unless

Examples:

• I did not go to school because I was ill.

• You cannot leave until the bell rings.

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3. Correlative Conjunctions

They always work in pairs.

Common pairs: either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, both…and, whether…or

Examples:

• Either Rina or Mina will come.

• He is not only intelligent but also hardworking.

Common Conjunctions

Some of the most useful conjunctions in English are:

and, but, or, so, yet, for, because, since, although, though, until, unless, if, when, while, after, before, as, as soon as, once, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, both…and, whether…or

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Why Are Conjunctions Important?

• They make writing smoother.

• They help us avoid short, broken sentences.

• They allow us to express complex ideas easily.

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Exercise

A. Fill in the blanks with suitable conjunctions.

1. He worked hard ___ he did not succeed.

2. I stayed at home ___ it was raining.

3. You can have tea ___ coffee.

4. She is poor ___ honest.

5. ___ he is rich, he is not happy.

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B. Identify the conjunctions in the following sentences.

1. I like apples and mangoes.

2. She will not come unless you invite her.

3. Both Rahul and Rohan are playing cricket.

4. We waited, but he did not arrive.

5. He left early because he had an appointment.

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C. Rewrite the following sentences using the given conjunction.

1. He is very tired. He will finish the work. (yet)

2. You must run fast. You will miss the bus. (or)

3. I will call you. I will message you. (either…or)

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Answer Key

A.

1. but

2. because

3. or

4. but

5. Although

B.

1. and

2. unless

3. both…and

4. but

5. because

C.

1. He is very tired, yet he will finish the work.

2. You must run fast, or you will miss the bus.

3. I will either call you or message you.

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Quick Tip for Students

Remember:

• Use and to add ideas.

• Use but/yet to show contrast.

• Use because/since to show reason.

• Use if/unless to show condition.

• Use either…or / neither…nor for choices.

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Conjunctions may look small, but they play a big role in making your sentences meaningful and well-connected. Practice using them in your writing, and soon your language will flow like a smooth river!

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Happy Learning! ✨