conjunctions

Choose the correct FANBOYS conjunction to complete the sentence: I wanted to play video games, _____ I had to finish my homework first.

• for

• and

• but

• so

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'but' is used to show a contrast. The sentence contrasts the desire to play games with the obligation to do homework.

Which sentence correctly uses a coordinating conjunction and a comma to form a compound sentence?

• The team practiced hard, so they won the championship.

• The team practiced hard so they won the championship.

• The team practiced hard, they won the championship.

• The team practiced hard and, they won the championship.

Answer explanation

To join two independent clauses (complete sentences) with a coordinating conjunction (like 'so'), you must place a comma before the conjunction.

In the sentence, "You can find the lost keys under the sofa or behind the bookshelf," what elements is the conjunction 'or' joining?

• two independent clauses

• two prepositional phrases

• two nouns

• two verbs

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'or' is connecting 'under the sofa' and 'behind the bookshelf,' which are both prepositional phrases that describe location.

True or False: The coordinating conjunction 'for' is used logically in the following sentence: "She was late for school, for she woke up early."

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'for' means 'because' and should introduce a reason. Waking up early is not a logical reason for being late, so the conjunction is used illogically.

In which of the following sentences does the coordinating conjunction's function differ from the other three?

• We need to buy milk and bread.

• He is smart but lazy.

• She ran quickly and jumped high.

• I studied for the test, so I feel confident.

Answer explanation

In the first three sentences, the conjunction joins words or phrases within a single clause. In the correct answer, the conjunction 'so' joins two complete independent clauses, forming a compound sentence.

Which option correctly revises the following sentence by choosing a more logical coordinating conjunction? "The movie was very long, or I enjoyed it."

• The movie was very long, but I enjoyed it.

• The movie was very long, for I enjoyed it.

• The movie was very long, so I enjoyed it.

• The movie was very long, nor I enjoyed it.

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'but' correctly shows the contrast between a potentially negative quality (being long) and a positive outcome (enjoying it). 'Or' presents an illogical choice.

Complete the sentence with the correct second part of the correlative conjunction: The new video game is not only fun to play _____ also has amazing graphics.

• and

• but

• or

• yet

Answer explanation

The standard correlative conjunction pair is 'not only... but also'. This pair is used to present two related pieces of information.

True or False: The following sentence uses correct parallel structure: "My goal is either to get an A on the test or improving my overall grade."

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This sentence violates parallel structure. The element after 'either' is an infinitive phrase ('to get'), so the element after 'or' must also be an infinitive phrase ('to improve'), not a gerund phrase ('improving').

Choose the correct correlative conjunction pair that best fits the meaning of the sentence: _____ my brother _____ I can help you with your project this weekend.

• Neither... but

• Both... and

• Whether... and

• Not only... or

Answer explanation

The pair 'both... and' is used to include two subjects equally. The other options are not valid correlative pairs or do not fit the sentence's meaning.

Which option best combines these two ideas into a single sentence using a correlative conjunction? Ideas: "Maria is good at soccer. She is also good at basketball."

• Maria is good at not only soccer, but also basketball.

• Maria is good at both soccer or basketball.

• Maria is good at either soccer and basketball.

• Maria is not only good at soccer, and also good at basketball.

Answer explanation

The pair 'not only... but also' correctly combines the two related ideas while maintaining parallel structure by connecting two nouns (soccer, basketball).