Conjunction Exercise with Answer
Supply the missing coordinating conjunction.
- I went downstairs ____ opened the door.
Answer: and (The speaker did two things, which were in sequence.)
- Mickey _____ Angela were standing outside.
Answer: and (Both people were there.)
- Mickey did not have a coat, _____ did Angela.
Answer: nor (Two negative statements are linked.)
- I asked them to come in, _____ they would not.
Answer: but (The second clause contrasts with the first.)
- You must wear a coat in the winter _____ you will freeze.
Answer: or (Two alternative actions are presented.)
- I enjoy Mr. Allen’s classes _____ he respects all his students.
Answer: because (The second clause explains why the speaker enjoys this teacher’s classes.)
- We will have to wait _____ the bus arrives.
Answer: until (The bus will arrive at an unspecified point in the future; the speakers must wait up to that point.)
- You must buy a ticket _____ you can ride the roller coaster.
Answer: before (The action in the first clause must take place prior to the action in the second clause. It would also be acceptable to use so or so that, although this would change the meaning of the sentence slightly.)
- The governor will raise taxes _____ budget cuts can save enough money.
Answer: Unless (Saving enough money would prevent the need to raise taxes.)
- The mayor supported the plan _____ he had serious reservations about it.
Answer: Even though or although (The mayor supported the plan despite his reservations about it.)
- I will do my homework _____ my favorite TV show is over.
Answer: After (The two actions will take place in sequence. When or as soon as would also be acceptable answers.)
- Miguel is younger _____ I am by three days.
Answer: Than (Two things are being compared.)
- You can have a pet _____ you promise to take care of it.
Answer: If (Having a pet is conditional on your agreeing to take care of it.)
- Fortunately, the soccer game was over _____ the rain began.
Answer: Before or when (The two actions took place in sequence.)
- My best friend is never home _____ I try to call him.
Answer: When or whenever (Every time I call, he is not there.)
- Everyone likes Julia _____ she is friendly and easygoing.
Answer: Because (The conditions in the second clause caused the conditions in the first clause.)
- He must be rich _____ he drives such an expensive car.
Answer: Since (The conditions in the second clause are giving evidence of the condition in the first clause. Because would also be correct.)
- The actor kept auditioning ____ he finally got a role.
Answer: Until (The action in the first clause took place up to the point specified in the second clause.)
Combine the two sentences into one sentence using a conjunctive adverb.
- I like seafood. I am allergic to shellfish.
Answer: I like seafood; however, I am allergic to shellfish. (The second sentence is showing a contrast or exception to the first. Notice that a semicolon comes before the conjunctive adverb and a comma comes after it.)
- They spent the entire day fishing. They fried their catch for dinner.
Answer: They spent the entire day fishing; afterwards, they fried their catch for dinner. (Later would also be an acceptable answer. The action in the second sentence follows the action in the first sentence.)