Coordinating Conjunctions

A coordinating conjunction joins together all the following except

• clauses

• clues

• phrases

• sentences

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

Choose the correct coordinating conjunctions to complete the sentences.

I wanted to play outside, _____ it started to rain

• and

• but

• or

• for

Answer explanation

The correct conjunction is 'but' because it indicates a contrast between wanting to play outside and the fact that it started to rain, which prevented that action.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

Would you like pizza _____ pasta for dinner?

• but

• so

• or

• and

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'or' because the question presents a choice between two options: pizza and pasta. 'Or' is used to indicate alternatives, while 'but', 'so', and 'and' do not fit this context.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

She was tired, _____ she finished her work.

• yet

• or

• nor

• and

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'yet' because it indicates a contrast between being tired and still finishing work. 'Yet' effectively shows that despite her fatigue, she accomplished her task.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

My brother likes apples _____ bananas.

• or

• so

• and

• yet

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'and' because it indicates that my brother likes both apples and bananas, showing a preference for both fruits. 'Or' suggests a choice, 'so' implies a consequence, and 'yet' indicates contrast.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

We must leave now, _____ we will miss the bus.

• or

• but

• yet

• and

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'or' because it presents an alternative: if we don't leave now, we will miss the bus. The other options do not fit the conditional structure of the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

Fill in the blanks using the correct coordinating conjunctions.

I studied hard, (a)   I got a good grade.

Answer explanation

The correct conjunction is 'so' because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship: I studied hard, and as a result, I got a good grade.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

She doesn't eat fish, (a)   does she eat meat.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'nor' because it connects two negative statements. The sentence means she neither eats fish nor meat, making 'nor' the appropriate conjunction to use.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

She wanted to buy the red dress, (a)   it was too expensive.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'but' because it introduces a contrast. The sentence indicates she wanted to buy the dress, yet it was too expensive, highlighting the conflict between desire and affordability.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

We can go to the zoo (a)   the museum.

Answer explanation

The correct word to fill in the blank is 'or', as it presents an alternative choice between going to the zoo and the museum.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E