These conjunction exercises focus on using coordinating, subordinating and correlative conjunctions like and, but, or, so, because, although, when, if, while, and since in sentences.
Exercise 1: Coordinating conjunctions in sentences
Choose the correct conjunction to complete each sentence.
1. I like tea, I don't like coffee.
I like tea, but I don't like coffee. The correct answer is “but” as the two independent clauses contrast with each other.
2. You can have pizza pasta for lunch.
You can have pizza or pasta for lunch. We are offering a choice here. Thus, the correct conjunction is "or".
3. He is tired, he is going to bed early.
He is tired, so he is going to bed early. The action of going to bed is the result of his tiredness. In this case, we use the conjunction 'so'.
4. I like apples bananas.
I like apples and bananas. In this example, we are listing the food that the speaker likes.
5. She wanted to go out, it was raining.
She wanted to go out, but it was raining. The conjunction “but” is used when the second part of the sentence contrasts with the first. She had a plan, but something happened that prevented it.
6. He studied all night, he passed the exam.
He studied all night, so he passed the exam. “So” introduces the outcome of an action. He studied, and the result is that he passed.
7. We bought bread cheese for the picnic.
We bought bread and cheese for the picnic. This sentence lists the names of the food that was bought for the picnic.
8. Do you want to walk take the bus?
Do you want to walk or take the bus? In this sentence, we give the listener a choice between two options.
9. He wanted to play soccer, his leg was hurt.
He wanted to play soccer, but his leg was hurt. We use “but” to show that something unexpected prevents the first action from happening.
10. I read a book, then I went to bed.
I read a book, and then I went to bed. There are two actions that happen in order here.
Exercise 2: Correlative conjunctions (either ...or - neither ... nor)
Fill in the blanks with 'either ... or' or 'neither ... nor'.
1. you leave now I will call the security.
Either you leave now or I will call the security.
2. you open the door I will break it.
Either you open the door or I will break it.
3. dogs cats fly.
Neither dogs nor cats fly.
4. You have two options. You may talk to the secretary send your request by email.
You may either talk to the secretary or send your request by email.
5. you stop drinking I will break up with you.
Either you stop drinking or I will break up with you.
6. God is always present. He is silent absent.
God is always present. He is neither silent nor absent.
7. I don’t need this laptop anymore. You can sell it give it to somebody else.
I don’t need this laptop anymore. You can either sell it or give it to somebody else.
8. I’m not a religious person. I pray at home go to the church.
I’m not a religious person. I neither pray nor go to the church.
9. I like cats dogs. I don’t like pets at all.
I neither like cats nor dogs. I don’t like pets at all.
10. My son spends too much time on the screen. He watches cartoons plays video games when he is at home.
My son spends too much time on the screen. He either watches cartoons or plays video games when he is at home.
Exercise 3: Sentence rewriting
Rewrite each sentence using the given words.
1. I brought my gun because I might need it.
in case
I brought my gun in case I need it.
2. The flight got cancelled because the weather was bad.
because of
The flight got cancelled because of bad weather.
3. He took a break because he was tired.
so
He was tired, so he took a break.
4. I want to buy a car, so I have started to save money.
because
I have started to save money because I want to buy a car.
5. Donald Trump increased tariffs on foreign goods because he wanted Americans to buy more products from domestic companies.
so that
Donald Trump increased tariffs on foreign goods so that Americans would buy more products from domestic companies.
6. He did not go because he was sick.
so
He was sick, so he did not go.
7. Remind me tomorrow because I might forget it.
in case
Remind me tomorrow in case I forget it.
8. They broke up because he had a bad habit of gambling.
because of
They broke up because of his bad habit of gambling.
9. I left the meeting early because I wanted to catch my flight.
so
I wanted to catch my flight, so I left the meeting early.
10. Bring your jacket because it might get cold.
in case
Bring your jacket in case it get cold.
Exercise 4: Cause and addition
Which conjunction best completes each sentence?
1. We had an argument again yesterday, _____ I decided to break up with him.
2. _____ the soldiers were exhausted, the commander cancelled the mission.
3. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it, _____ in it he rested from all his works which he had created and made.
4. _____ it was getting late, I decided to take a taxi.
5. He loves reading, _____ he often goes to the library.
6. Take your reusable bag _____ plastic is banned here.
7. We must recycle more _____ landfills are overflowing.
8. Finish your vegetables _____ you won’t get dessert.
9. The fire spread quickly _____ the wind was strong.
10. _____ that’s what he told you?
Conjunctions worksheet
Click the link below to download a PDF worksheet for more exercises; the answers are provided on this page.
I’m not rich, but I’m happy.
Either you are with us or you are with them.
He went to the supermarket and bought fruits.
So many problems and yet no solutions.
He couldn't say a word for he was too weak.
Why don’t you resign and find yourself a new job?
Kylian Mbappé left Paris Saint-Germain and joined Real Madrid in 2024.
I love classical music, but I hate jazz.
Neither France nor Germany made it to the quarterfinals.
You should talk to her and apologise.
Let’s leave now or we’ll be late.
I'll continue fighting for my country as long as I breathe.
I can’t go with you unless I talk to my father.
I’ll give your money back when I get my salary.
Jack used to be an alcoholic until he met his wife.
You either respect me or leave me alone.
Don’t forget to close the door when you leave.
I used to practice Kung Fu when I was young.
