🟥ESOL: Conjunctions

Grammar Lesson: Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect phrases, clauses, or sentences. They help combine ideas and make sentences more complex. Conjunctions can show relationships like time, cause, contrast, and choice.

Types of Conjunctions:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS): For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
2. Subordinating Conjunctions: Because, Although, Since, If, When, While, Unless, etc.
3. Correlative Conjunctions: Either...or, Neither...nor, Not only...but also

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A0 Level (Beginner)

Explanation:

• Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) are introduced at this level. They are used to connect words or short phrases.

Example Sentences:

1. I like apples and bananas.
2. I want tea but not coffee.
3. Do you want cake or pie?

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Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with and, but, or or.

1. I like cats ______ dogs.
2. She is tall ______ not very strong.
3. Do you want to play soccer ______ basketball?
4. He is tired ______ happy.
5. I don’t like pizza ______ pasta.
6. I have a dog ______ a cat.
7. They want to watch TV ______ play a game.
8. I want tea ______ coffee.
9. She is my friend ______ not my sister.
10. I am hungry ______ tired.
11. You can buy the red shirt ______ the blue one.
12. He is very kind ______ shy.
13. I like reading books ______ watching movies.
14. She likes singing ______ dancing.
15. Do you prefer coffee ______ tea?
16. I want to go swimming ______ the weather is nice.
17. I don’t like vegetables ______ they are healthy.
18. We can go to the park ______ we can stay home.
19. He likes apples ______ oranges.
20. I can play the guitar ______ the piano.

Answer Key:

1. and
2. but
3. or
4. but
5. or
6. and
7. or
8. or
9. but
10. or
11. or
12. but
13. or
14. or
15. or
16. if
17. because
18. or
19. and
20. or

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A1 Level (Elementary)

Explanation:

• Subordinating conjunctions like because, so, and but connect ideas and explain reasons or results.

Example Sentences:

1. I eat breakfast because I am hungry.
2. It is raining, so I will stay inside.
3. I want to go to the park, but I am too tired.

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Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with because, so, or but.

1. She went to bed early ______ she was tired.
2. I like ice cream ______ it is very sweet.
3. I want to go swimming ______ the weather is warm.
4. I don’t have a pencil ______ I left it at home.
5. He didn’t come to school ______ he was sick.
6. I am happy ______ I passed the test.
7. He is tired ______ he didn’t sleep well.
8. We should leave now ______ we don’t miss the train.
9. She was late ______ her car broke down.
10. He was happy ______ he got a new job.
11. I can’t go to the party ______ I have an exam tomorrow.
12. She is wearing a jacket ______ it is cold outside.
13. I went to the store ______ I needed some milk.
14. I like to run ______ it helps me feel good.
15. I will take a nap ______ I am really tired.
16. I enjoy reading books ______ I learn new things.
17. He is studying hard ______ he wants to pass the test.
18. I don’t like this song ______ it’s too loud.
19. I like this movie ______ it’s funny.
20. She smiled ______ she was happy.

Answer Key:

1. because
2. because
3. because
4. because
5. because
6. because
7. because
8. so
9. because
10. because
11. because
12. because
13. because
14. because
15. because
16. because
17. because
18. because
19. because
20. because

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A2 Level (Pre-Intermediate)

Explanation:

• Conjunctions like although, since, and if are used to connect clauses and show contrast or condition.

Example Sentences:

1. I like swimming although I don’t know how to swim well.
2. Since you are here, we can start the meeting.
3. I will go to the park if it stops raining.

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Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks with although, since, or if.

1. I went to bed late ______ I had to wake up early.
2. You can go to the party ______ you finish your homework.
3. ______ it is cold, I will go for a walk.
4. We have to leave early ______ it is a long drive.
5. He is happy ______ he passed the exam.
6. She couldn’t come to the meeting ______ she was sick.
7. I will be there ______ I finish work.
8. ______ you like pizza, you should try this restaurant.
9. I’ll go to the park ______ the weather is nice.
10. ______ I have time, I will call you.
11. I cannot go to the concert ______ I don’t have a ticket.
12. You should exercise regularly ______ it’s good for your health.
13. We’re going to the beach ______ the weather is sunny.
14. He studied hard ______ he wanted to pass the exam.
15. I stayed home ______ it was raining outside.
16. ______ you need help,

Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks with although, since, or if.

17. We will have a picnic ______ the weather is good.
18. He didn’t go to the game ______ he was feeling sick.
19. ______ you are finished, please hand in your assignment.
20. ______ it’s expensive, I want to buy that dress.

Answer Key:

1. although
2. if
3. Although
4. since
5. since
6. because
7. if
8. Since
9. if
10. If
11. because
12. since
13. if
14. because
15. since
16. If
17. if
18. because
19. If
20. Although

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B1 Level (Intermediate)

Explanation:

• At this level, correlative conjunctions like either...or, neither...nor, and not only...but also are introduced. These are used to link two parts of a sentence in a balanced way.

Example Sentences:

1. Either you come with us, or you stay here.
2. He is not only smart but also hardworking.
3. Neither the teacher nor the students were happy with the results.

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Exercise 4: Fill in the blanks with either...or, neither...nor, or not only...but also.

1. She is ______ tall ______ beautiful.
2. You can ______ call me later ______ send an email.
3. He is ______ going to the party ______ staying at home.
4. I like ______ chocolate ______ vanilla ice cream.
5. She is ______ the president ______ a member of the board.
6. I will ______ go to the gym ______ go for a run.
7. He enjoys ______ playing the guitar ______ singing.
8. They are ______ coming to the meeting ______ sending a report.
9. She is ______ busy with work ______ studying for exams.
10. ______ you finish your work, ______ you can leave.
11. He is ______ in the office ______ at home right now.
12. ______ we finish the project, ______ we can relax.
13. I have ______ a dog ______ a cat.
14. ______ you want to go to the movies, ______ you can stay at home.
15. He has ______ the skills ______ the attitude needed for the job.
16. ______ you want to walk, ______ you can take the bus.
17. ______ she went to the party, ______ she had to leave early.
18. I will eat ______ pizza ______ pasta tonight.
19. He is ______ talented ______ modest.
20. You should ______ call me ______ send a message.

Answer Key:

1. not only...but also
2. either...or
3. either...or
4. either...or
5. not only...but also
6. either...or
7. not only...but also
8. either...or
9. either...or
10. Once...then
11. either...or
12. Once...then
13. either...or
14. either...or
15. not only...but also
16. either...or
17. Although...still
18. either...or
19. not only...but also
20. either...or

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B2 Level (Upper-Intermediate)

Explanation:

• Complex subordinating conjunctions like unless, provided that, and as long as are used to show condition or limitation.

Example Sentences:

1. I will go to the party unless it rains.
2. You can join us provided that you arrive on time.
3. We will stay outdoors as long as the weather is good.

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Exercise 5: Fill in the blanks with unless, provided that, or as long as.

1. You can go to the concert ______ you finish your homework.
2. I will come to the meeting ______ I don’t have another appointment.
3. We can play soccer ______ it’s not raining.
4. You are welcome to join us ______ you bring some snacks.
5. I will agree to this plan ______ everyone is in favor.
6. You can leave the office early ______ you complete your work.
7. I’ll go to the gym ______ I’m feeling well enough.
8. They can come to the party ______ they bring their invitations.
9. We will have a picnic ______ the weather is nice.
10. You won’t pass the test ______ you study hard.
11. You can take a break ______ you finish the task.
12. We will leave the house ______ it’s not too late.
13. I’ll support you ______ you stay focused.
14. We’ll go hiking ______ we find a good trail.
15. I’ll buy the tickets ______ I find a good deal.
16. The game will start ______ we get to the stadium on time.
17. You can drive my car ______ you return it on time.
18. We will continue with the project ______ we receive the funding.
19. I will approve the request ______ it meets all conditions.
20. You can stay out late ______ you’re back before midnight.

Answer Key:

1. provided that
2. unless
3. as long as
4. provided that
5. as long as
6. provided that
7. as long as
8. unless
9. as long as
10. unless
11. unless
12. unless
13. as long as
14. as long as
15. provided that
16. as long as
17. provided that
18. as long as
19. provided that
20. as long as

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C1 Level (Advanced)

Explanation:

• At this level, students use advanced subordinating conjunctions like in case, despite, although, and provided that in more complex sentence structures.

Example Sentences:

1. I brought an umbrella in case it rains.
2. Despite being tired, he finished the race.
3. Although it was raining, they went hiking.

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Exercise 6: Fill in the blanks with in case, despite, or although.

1. She came to the meeting ______ she had other plans.
2. I will take a coat ______ it’s cold outside.
3. ______ the challenges, they continued to work hard.
4. He was able to attend the seminar ______ being very busy.
5. I don’t like the restaurant ______ it’s famous for good food.
6. ______ you don’t have a ticket, you cannot enter the concert.
7. He completed the project ______ his personal issues.
8. I studied for the test ______ I already knew the material.
9. We need to leave early ______ we don’t miss the flight.
10. ______ the difficulties, they managed to succeed.
11. You should bring sunscreen ______ the weather is sunny.
12. The company did well ______ the economic downturn.
13. ______ she tried, she couldn’t finish the race.
14. He called his parents ______ they were worried about him.
15. ______ the bad reviews, she went to see the movie.
16. They moved the event indoors ______ it rained heavily.
17. She gave a great speech ______ the nervousness.
18. He decided to attend the conference ______ he had other commitments.
19. ______ the long journey, they arrived on time.
20. She accepted the job offer ______ the low salary.

Answer Key:

1. although
2. in case
3. Despite
4. although
5. despite
6. unless
7. despite
8. although
9. in case
10. Despite
11. in case
12. despite
13. Although
14. in case
15. Despite
16. in case
17. despite
18. although
19. Despite
20. despite

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C2 Level (Proficient)

Explanation:

• At this level, students are introduced to more complex conjunctions like not only...but also, as though, and unless to connect ideas with greater precision.

Example Sentences:

1. He acted as though he didn’t care about the situation.
2. Not only did she graduate from university, but also she started her own business.
3. You will fail the test unless you study hard.

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Exercise 7: Fill in the blanks with not only...but also, as though, or unless.

1. She spoke ______ she had been practicing for years.
2. ______ you bring the document, we cannot proceed with the meeting.
3. They treated me ______ I was an outsider.
4. He worked very hard, ______ he was exhausted.
5. I will not go to the event ______ I am invited.
6. They studied together ______ they could help each other.
7. The project was completed successfully, ______ we faced many obstacles.
8. She looked at him ______ she didn’t understand the question.
9. ______ you go to the meeting, you will miss important information.
10. They argued about the details ______ they were good friends.
11. She acted ______ she knew everything.
12. He showed up at the party, ______ he hadn’t been invited.
13. The book was long, ______ it was very interesting.
14. He didn’t attend the conference, ______ he was sick.
15. The team worked together ______ they could finish the project on time.
16. He spoke in a way ______ he had been to every country in the world.
17. The task was difficult, ______ they managed to complete it.
18. ______ she tried hard, she couldn’t solve the problem.
19. The professor was kind ______ she was demanding in class.
20. ______ you are prepared, you cannot present your idea effectively.

Answer Key:

1. as though
2. unless
3. as though
4. not only...but also
5. unless
6. so that
7. although
8. as though
9. unless
10. although
11. as though
12. even though
13. although
14. because
15. so that
16. as though
17. although
18. although
19. although
20. unless

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