conjunctions

Choose the correct FANBOYS conjunction to complete the sentence: I wanted to play outside, _____ it was pouring rain.

• so

• but

• or

• for

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'but' is used to show a contrast between two ideas. The desire to play outside contrasts with the fact that it was raining.

Which sentence correctly uses a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses?

• Sarah likes to draw, and she is very good at it.

• Sarah likes to draw and is very good at it.

• Sarah likes to draw, she is very good at it.

• Because Sarah likes to draw, she is very good at it.

Answer explanation

This sentence correctly uses a comma followed by the coordinating conjunction 'and' to connect two complete sentences ('Sarah likes to draw' and 'she is very good at it'). The other options contain punctuation errors or use a different type of conjunction.

Which sentence uses a coordinating conjunction that shows an incorrect or illogical relationship between the two ideas?

• He was tired, so he went to bed early.

• She studied for the test, yet she did not pass.

• We can go to the beach, or we can go to the mountains.

• The dog was friendly, for it wagged its tail.

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'for' means 'because', but it is used in a very formal and somewhat outdated way. In this context, 'so' or 'and' would create a more logical and natural-sounding connection. The relationship isn't strictly incorrect, but it's the most illogical choice for a 6th-grade context.

Choose the best option to combine these two sentences using a logical coordinating conjunction: The team played well. They did not win the game.

• The team played well, so they did not win the game.

• The team played well, but they did not win the game.

• The team played well, or they did not win the game.

• The team played well, and they did not win the game.

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'but' is the most logical choice because it shows a contrast between the two ideas: playing well and not winning. The other conjunctions create illogical relationships.

In the sentence, 'You need to finish your homework, or you will not be able to watch the movie,' what is the function of the conjunction 'or'?

• To show a contrast

• To add a similar idea

• To present a choice or alternative

• To show a result

Answer explanation

The coordinating conjunction 'or' is used to connect two options or choices. In this sentence, the choices are finishing homework or not watching the movie.

Find the sentence that has a punctuation error related to a coordinating conjunction.

• I wanted a new bike, so I saved my money.

• My brother likes video games but I prefer reading books.

• We can eat now, or we can wait until later.

• It was cold, yet he wore shorts.

Answer explanation

When a coordinating conjunction (like 'but') joins two independent clauses (complete sentences), a comma is required before the conjunction. The correct sentence would be: 'My brother likes video games, but I prefer reading books.'

Select the subordinating conjunction that best completes the sentence to show a condition: We will have a picnic on Saturday _____ it rains.

• because

• although

• unless

• while

Answer explanation

The word 'unless' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a condition that would change the outcome. The picnic will happen on the condition that it does not rain.

In the sentence, 'When the bell rang, the students quickly left the classroom,' which part is the dependent clause?

• the students quickly left the classroom

• When the bell rang

• quickly left

• the students

Answer explanation

A dependent clause starts with a subordinating conjunction (like 'When') and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. 'When the bell rang' needs the independent clause to make sense.

Choose the option that correctly rewrites the following sentence by moving the dependent clause to the beginning: The cat hissed at the dog because it was scared.

• Because it was scared the cat hissed at the dog.

• Because, it was scared, the cat hissed at the dog.

• Because it was scared, the cat hissed at the dog.

• The cat, because it was scared, hissed at the dog.

Answer explanation

When a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, it must be followed by a comma. This option correctly places the comma after the dependent clause 'Because it was scared'.

Which sentence uses a subordinating conjunction incorrectly, creating an illogical statement?

• Although he is very tall, he is not good at basketball.

• I will read my book while I wait for the bus.

• She was happy because she got a new puppy.

• He put on his jacket after he felt cold.

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'after' implies the action happened later. Logically, one would put on a jacket 'because' or 'when' they feel cold, not after the feeling has already occurred. The other sentences show correct logical relationships.