conjunctions

Choose the correct FANBOYS conjunction to logically complete the sentence: I wanted to go to the park, _____ it started to rain heavily.

• but

• so

• or

• for

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'but' is used to show a contrast between two ideas. The desire to go to the park contrasts with the fact that it was raining. 'So' would imply a result, which doesn't fit the logic.

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

• He finished his homework so he could play video games.

• She is very smart, and popular.

• We can go to the movies, or we can stay home and watch a DVD.

• I was tired but I finished the race.

Answer explanation

This sentence correctly uses a comma followed by the coordinating conjunction 'or' to connect two complete independent clauses. The other options either incorrectly use a comma or do not connect two full clauses.

In the sentence, 'The team practiced hard and played with great enthusiasm,' what is the coordinating conjunction 'and' joining?

• two independent clauses

• two verbs

• two prepositional phrases

• two nouns

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'and' connects the two verbs 'practiced' and 'played'. Both verbs share the same subject, 'The team', so they are not two separate independent clauses.

Identify the sentence that uses a coordinating conjunction in an illogical way.

• I have a test tomorrow, so I need to study tonight.

• She doesn't like broccoli, nor does she like carrots.

• He is a talented musician, for he practices every day.

• The sun was shining, but it was a beautiful day.

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'but' indicates a contrast. A sunny day and a beautiful day are similar ideas, not contrasting ones. A conjunction like 'and' would be more logical here.

In which of the following sentences does the coordinating conjunction 'for' have a different function than in the other three?

• I am looking for my keys.

• We must get to the shelter, for a storm is coming.

• He was happy, for he had won the prize.

• She stayed up late, for she had a big project due.

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'for' is a preposition indicating the object of the search. In the other three sentences, 'for' is a coordinating conjunction that means 'because' and introduces a reason.

The sentence 'Maria likes to read, so she dislikes watching movies' contains an inappropriate coordinating conjunction. Which option correctly revises it for better logic?

• Maria likes to read, and she dislikes watching movies.

• Maria likes to read, for she dislikes watching movies.

• Maria likes to read, or she dislikes watching movies.

• Maria likes to read, yet she dislikes watching movies.

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'and' is the best choice as it simply connects two related facts about Maria's preferences. 'So' implies a cause-and-effect relationship that doesn't exist here.

Complete the sentence with the correct second part of the correlative conjunction: Not only did he finish his math homework, _____ he also studied for the science test.

• and

• or

• but

• so

Answer explanation

The correlative conjunction pair is 'not only... but also'. The word 'but' correctly completes this pair to connect the two related actions.

Which sentence violates the rule of parallel structure when using correlative conjunctions?

• You can either wait for the bus or walk with me.

• The movie was both exciting and had a lot of suspense.

• Neither the teacher nor the students knew the answer.

• I will have either the chicken salad or the vegetable soup.

Answer explanation

This sentence violates parallel structure. 'Both' is followed by an adjective ('exciting'), but 'and' is followed by a phrase ('had a lot of suspense'). To be parallel, it should be 'both exciting and suspenseful'.

Choose the correct correlative conjunction pair that best fits the meaning of the sentence: _____ you finish your chores _____ you clean your room, you can't go out.

• Whether / or

• Either / or

• Neither / nor

• Both / and

Answer explanation

The pair 'Either / or' is used to present two choices or conditions. In this negative context, it means if you don't do one of these two things, the consequence applies. 'Neither/nor' would imply you can't go out if you do *neither* task, which changes the meaning.

Which option correctly combines the ideas 'He is a great singer' and 'He is a talented dancer' using a correlative conjunction pair?

• He is a great singer, and he is a talented dancer.

• He is not only a great singer but also a talented dancer.

• He is either a great singer or a talented dancer.

• He is a great singer, but also a talented dancer.

Answer explanation

The pair 'not only... but also' is perfect for adding one positive quality to another. This option correctly combines the two ideas into a single, grammatically sound sentence.