Conjunctions and Compound Sentences

A Today you'll learn

Define conjunctions as joining words that link words, phrases, and clauses
Master coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
Use subordinating conjunctions (because, although, if, when, while) to build complex ideas

B Let's understand

Conjunctions are connecting words that act as bridges in language. Instead of writing short, choppy sentences, we use conjunctions to weave thoughts together smoothly. Coordinating conjunctions join equal words or independent clauses — easily remembered with the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. "And" adds information; "but" shows contrast; "or" gives a choice; "so" shows a result. Subordinating conjunctions (because, since, although, while, if, unless) connect a main clause to a dependent clause, showing causes, conditions, and time relationships.

C See it step by step

Example 1: Combine into one compound sentence: "Rohan wanted to play cricket. It started to rain heavily."

Identify relationship: The second sentence presents a contrast/obstacle to the first.
Use the conjunction "but".
Combined: "Rohan wanted to play cricket, but it started to rain heavily."

Example 2: Choose the right conjunction: "We could not go to the park (because / so) the gates were locked."

The locked gates are the reason why we could not go.
"Because" introduces reasons and causes.
Correct: "We could not go to the park because the gates were locked."

D Your turn

Which conjunction shows a contrast or difference?

Look back at "Let's understand" above for a clue.

E Ready to practise?

Conjunctions link words

Conjunctions link words, phrases, and sentences together.

FANBOYS

FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So (Coordinating conjunctions).

Use "and" for addition

Use "and" for addition, "but" for contrast, "or" for choices, "so" for results.

Key idea 4

Use "because" and "since" to explain reasons.

Key idea 5

Use "if" and "unless" to express conditions.

Warm up

1. Combine using "and": She bought apples. She bought bananas.

2. Combine using "but": Amit ran very fast. He missed the school bus.

3. Combine using "because": We took an umbrella. It was raining.

Practise

4. Combine using "or": Would you like hot tea? Would you like cold juice?

5. Combine using "so": Priya studied hard for the test. She scored top marks.

6. Fill with although or because: _______ it was cold, he did not wear a sweater.

Challenge

7. Identify the conjunction: "You cannot enter the hall unless you have a ticket."

8. Is "and" a coordinating or subordinating conjunction?

Download worksheet (PDF)

Question 1: Combine using "and": She bought apples. She bought bananas.

Answer: She bought apples and bananas.

Question 2: Combine using "but": Amit ran very fast. He missed the school bus.

Answer: Amit ran very fast, but he missed the school bus.

Question 3: Combine using "because": We took an umbrella. It was raining.

Answer: We took an umbrella because it was raining.

Question 4: Combine using "or": Would you like hot tea? Would you like cold juice?

Answer: Would you like hot tea or cold juice?

Question 5: Combine using "so": Priya studied hard for the test. She scored top marks.

Answer: Priya studied hard for the test, so she scored top marks.

Question 6: Fill with although or because: _______ it was cold, he did not wear a sweater.

Answer: Although

Question 7: Identify the conjunction: "You cannot enter the hall unless you have a ticket."

Answer: unless

Question 8: Is "and" a coordinating or subordinating conjunction?

Answer: Coordinating conjunction