GCE (O/L) EXAM ORIENTED ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR CONJUNCTIONS

Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word that is used to connect words, phrases, and clauses.
There are many conjunctions in the English language.
Some common ones include and, or, but, because, for, if, and when.

Because the popstar caught a terrible cold, her upcoming performances in Boston and Chicago were
indefinitely postponed. The tour organizers provided neither rescheduled dates nor refunds for the
tickets, causing much discontent among the fans.

There are three basic types of conjunctions:

Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions
This type of conjunction is used to connect items that are grammatically equal:
two words
two phrases
two independent clauses.

There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English, and you can remember them using the mnemonic
device FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

A conjunction of this type is placed between the items that it links together.

Words
Coordinating conjunctions can join two nouns, verbs, adjectives, or other types of word.
The data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews.
I don’t like to run or swim.
He was clever but lazy.

Phrases
They can also join different types of phrases.
The dog wagged his tail and panted excitedly.
The results were undeniably intriguing yet ultimately inconclusive.
She usually studies in the library or at a cafe.

Independent clauses
A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand
on its own as a full sentence, expressing a complete thought.
Today Jane Austen is one of the most widely read English novelists, but she achieved little fame
during her lifetime.
In the sentence above, the coordinating conjunction but creates a relationship between two independent
clauses. Notice that the two clauses also work as sentences on their own.
Today Jane Austen is one of the most widely read English novelists. She achieved little fame
during her lifetime.

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GCE (O/L) EXAM ORIENTED ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR CONJUNCTIONS

Punctuating Coordinating Conjunctions

When joining two words or phrases with a coordinating conjunction, do not use a comma.
Comma error
Data was gathered through questionnaires, and interviews.
She usually studies in the library, or at a cafe.
Correction
Data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews.
She usually studies in the library or at a cafe.

In these examples, the conjunction joins two words or phrases that are connected to a single verb
(gathered and studies), so no comma should separate them.

When joining two independent clauses, however, use a comma before the conjunction.
Comma error
Data was gathered through questionnaires and selected respondents participated in interviews.
She usually studies in the library but when it is too busy she goes to a cafe.
Correction
Data was gathered through questionnaires, and selected respondents participated in interviews.
She usually studies in the library, but when it is too busy she goes to a cafe.

In these examples, the clauses before and after the conjunction could both stand as full sentences on
their own, so a comma is required.

Subordinating Conjunctions
This type of conjunction includes words like because, if, although, since, until, and while.
A subordinating conjunction is used to introduce a dependent clause.

In contrast to an independent clause, a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) is a group
of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand as a complete sentence on its own. A
dependent clause does not express a complete idea, so it must always be attached to an independent
clause.
Because I woke up late this morning. I went to school without eating breakfast. (wrong)
Because I woke up late this morning, I went to school without eating breakfast. (correct)
I went to school without eating breakfast because I woke up late this morning. (correct)

woke up late this morning is an independent clause, but the subordinating conjunction because turns it
into a dependent clause: Because I woke up late this morning does not finish a complete thought. It must
be joined to an independent clause to form a grammatically correct sentence.

The subordinating conjunction defines the relationship between the clauses. The table below shows
some common subordinating conjunctions and the relationships they express, but note that this is not a
complete list.

Relationship Common subordinating conjunctions

Cause and effect because, since, as
Time when, before, after, once, until, whenever, since, while
Place where, wherever
Condition if, unless, in case
Contrast although, though, whereas

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GCE (O/L) EXAM ORIENTED ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR CONJUNCTIONS

Punctuating Subordinating Conjunctions

When a subordinating conjunction follows an independent clause, a comma is often not necessary.
In general, when the dependent clause contains essential information about the independent clause, don’t
use a comma.
Comma error
She will receive a major bonus, if she succeeds in closing the corporate partnership deal.
John’s friends snuck into his apartment to set up a surprise party, while he was at work.
Correction
She will receive a major bonus if she succeeds in closing the corporate partnership deal.
John’s friends snuck into his apartment to set up a surprise party while he was at work.

When the subordinating conjunction comes at the beginning of the sentence, use a comma at the end of
the dependent clause.
Comma error
If she succeeds in closing the corporate partnership deal she will receive a major bonus.
While John was at work his friends snuck into his apartment to set up a surprise party.
Correction
If she succeeds in closing the corporate partnership deal, she will receive a major bonus.
While John was at work, his friends snuck into his apartment to set up a surprise party.

Correlative Conjunctions
This type of conjunction always comes in a pair and is used to join grammatically equal elements in a
sentence.
Common pairs include either … or, neither … nor, not only … but also, and both … and.
In most cases, no comma should be used between the two elements.
Her book on the Vietnam War drew not only from interviews with other survivors but also from her own
experiences in the conflict.

Correlative conjunctions must use parallel structure, which means the two elements should take the
same grammatical form.
She planned to collect data by either using an online survey or phone interviews. (wrong)
She planned to collect data by either using an online survey or conducting phone interviews. (correct)

Starting a sentence with a conjunction

Beginner writers are often taught that sentences should not begin with a coordinating conjunction.
However, it is not strictly incorrect to begin a sentence with a conjunction, and you may find it used
effectively by skilled writers to create emphasis.
Governments often seek to gain favour from voters by prioritising economic development over
environmental sustainability. But at what cost to the planet and future generations?
While such usage has become acceptable in popular and literary language, it is generally best avoided in
academic writing where possible.

A subordinating conjunction can come at the start of a sentence, but only if the dependent clause is
followed by an independent clause.
Until the company reaches a satisfactory agreement with the union, the workers will remain on strike.
A dependent clause on its own is known as a sentence fragment.
How long will the strike go on for? Until the company reaches a satisfactory agreement with the union.
Although fragments are often used in speech and informal writing, they should generally be avoided in
academic writing.

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GCE (O/L) EXAM ORIENTED ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR CONJUNCTIONS

Extended Learning & Activities

Grade 6 Pupil’s Book Page No. 46
Let‟s join these two sentences using 'And'.
1. i) It was 10 p.m. (sentence one) ii) I went to bed. (sentence two)
It was 10 p.m. and I went to bed.
2. i) It was too late. ii) Nipun ran to school.
It was too late and Nipun ran to school.
3. i) The dog ran fast. ii) The dog jumped over the fence.
The dog ran fast and jumped over the fence.
4. i) Radha opened the book. ii) She started reading.
Radha opened the book and started reading.

Grade 6 Pupil’s Book Page No. 47 (Activity 7)

Join the given sentences using “and”.
1. Poorni is tall. She is fat.
2. Abdul is a good child. Murali is an intelligent child.
3. I went to the canteen. I ate a bun.
4. Darren brushed his teeth. He washed his face.
5. Sherine did her homework. She packed her bag.
6. Aunt cut a cake. She served it to all.
7. Thamal ran in the race. He won the race.
8. Kokila brought flowers. Radha went to the temple.
9. Rahal worshipped his mother. Rahal worshipped his father.
10. Punsara drew a picture. Punsara painted the picture.

Grade 6 Pupil’s Book Page No. 47 (Activity 8)

Insert “and” where necessary.
1. Raj speaks loudly fast.
2. Shane likes dancing music.
3. Senara fell broke her leg.
4. Please put the milk the eggs in the refrigerator.
5. I have a hat three caps .
6. There are oranges bananas on the table.
7. Vikum likes milk ice cream .
8. Orange juice is sweet sour.
9. The police lights are blue red.
10. Please give me a red pen a blue pen

Grade 6 Pupil’s Book Page No. 48 (Activity 9)

Join A and B using the conjunction “ and”.
A B
● We will visit Anuradhapura rice for lunch.
● The bus stopped sing.
● Pramodi got up in the morning worship Sri Maha Bodhi.
● Jayana wrote a letter to a friend her food is tasty too.
● I had chicken for lunch the saucer.
● Mother bought a new dress pasted a sticker on it.
● My grandmother can cook fast a bag.
● Himaya washed the cup the man got off.
● Punsara put a cover to her book made her bed.
● Poorni likes to dance posted it.
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GCE (O/L) EXAM ORIENTED ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR CONJUNCTIONS

Grade 6 Work Book Page No. 60 (Activity 4)

Connect with “and” or “but”.
Eg:- i. The teacher was kind.
The teacher was helpful too.
The teacher was kind and helpful.
ii. My mother went shopping.
She bought a saree.
My mother went shopping and bought a saree.
ii. It was dark and windy.
It didn’t rain.
It was dark and windy, but it didn’t rain.

i. Sandali bought a new dress.

Hiruni bought a new dress too.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
ii. We had soup for dinner
We had noodles too.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
iii. I ran to the bus stop.
I missed the bus.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
iv. I saw Manjula.
He didn’t see me.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
v. The city was crowded.
The city was noisy.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
vi. The children wanted to play outside.
It was raining.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
vii. The policeman ran after the thief.
He caught him.

and/ but/or
Grade 7 Pupil’s Book Page No. 53
We can combine sentences using and / but / or.
The earth cooled down. The earth cooled down and hardened.
The earth hardened.
Early humans hunted. Early humans hunted and gathered food.
They gathered food.
The land, sea and atmosphere The land, sea and atmosphere began
began to form. to form but there was no life on Earth.
There was no life on Earth.
You can read the book. You can read the book or watch the
You can watch the DVD. DVD.

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GCE (O/L) EXAM ORIENTED ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR CONJUNCTIONS

Grade 7 Pupil’s Book Page No. 53 (Activity 3)

Combine the sentences using and / but / or.
1. Early people lived in caves.
They painted pictures on the walls.
2. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876.
It was very different from the phones we use today.
3. In the Stone Age people didn’t build houses.
They did not use metal tools.

Grade 7 Pupil’s Book Page No. 53 & 54 (Activity 4)

Speak in groups about the journey of human civilization. Take turns and speak at least one
sentence. Make use of the given facts. You may combine sentences.
• Began to walk on two legs
• Started to use simple stone tools, began to use fire
• Built a shelter from large bones of animals
• Lived in groups
• Did not farm. Hunted and gathered food
• Started using bows and arrows
• Started to live in one place longer
• Discovered metal, started to make tools
• Started agriculture and rearing animals
• Started to live in villages, built houses of wattle and daub
• Had free time after harvesting, began to engage in dancing, music

When/while
Grade 7 Pupil’s Book Page No. 56
Read these sentences.
• There were no humans on Earth when dinosaurs lived on it.
• While dinosaurs were living on Earth, a huge meteorite crashed into it.

Grade 7 Pupil’s Book Page No. 56 (Activity 3)

Join these sentences with “when.”
1. I visited the museum.
I saw a skeleton of a whale.
2. Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas.
He thought he was near China
Combine these sentences using “while.”
1. I was looking at the sky.
I saw a shooting star.
2. The Earth revolves around the sun.
It rotates around itself.

Before and After

Grade 7 Pupil’s Book Page No. 68
Read these examples.
 I have my breakfast. I go to school.
I have my breakfast before I go to school.
 My father returns home from work. He does some exercises.
My father does some exercises after he returns home from work.

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GCE (O/L) EXAM ORIENTED ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR CONJUNCTIONS

Grade 7 Pupil’s Book Page No. 69 (Activity 10)

Use this table and construct sentences using “before” or “after.”
Please brush your teeth you go out to play.
You must clean your room you go to bed.
before/after
I will leave only you finish your homework.
You can play I finish my work.

Grade 7 Work Book Page No. 36 (Activity 1)

Fill in the blanks with “and, but” or “or”.
1. The train stopped …………. a lot of people got off.
2. I would like to buy a new bicycle ……………. I don’t have enough money.
3. Rashmi didn’t go to the musical show. She stayed at home ………………. read a novel.
4. We can go by bus …………… we can walk.
5. He has a lot of money …………. he doesn’t spend much.
6. I have seen that girl ……………. I don’t know her name.

Grade 7 Work Book Page No. 36 & 37 (Activity 2)

Combine the sentences using and/but/or.
1. Turn to page 24.
Read the first paragraph.
......................................................................................................
2. I phoned you last evening.
You didn’t answer the phone.
.....................................................................................................
3. Do you want to study at my house?
Shall I come to yours?
.....................................................................................................
4. She knocked at the door.
Nobody answered.
.....................................................................................................
5. Please pick up that book.
Put it in the shelf.
.....................................................................................................
6. Would you like a glass of orange juice?
Shall I make some tea?
.....................................................................................................

Grade 7 Work Book Page No. 37 (Activity 3)

Combine these sentences with “and, but” or “or.”
1. I don’t have a lot of money. I’m happy.
..............................................................................................................
2. Mahen is tall. His sister is short.
..............................................................................................................
3. He sat on the bench. He looked at the sky.
..............................................................................................................
4. We can play cricket./ We can watch a cartoon.
..............................................................................................................
5. Praveen can play the flute. He can’t play the violin.
..............................................................................................................

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GCE (O/L) EXAM ORIENTED ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR CONJUNCTIONS

6. I saw you at the park yesterday. You didn’t see me.

..............................................................................................................
7. Maya can sing. She can dance.
..............................................................................................................
8. During the holidays we will visit our uncle. / Go on a trip to Jaffna.
..............................................................................................................
9. Please be quiet. Leave this the room.
..............................................................................................................
10. The saree was beautiful. It was expensive.
..............................................................................................................

Grade 7 Work Book Page No. 38 (Activity 5)

Use “when” or “while” to combine the sentences.
1. I was having dinner when my father arrived.
2. ………….. my mother was cooking, I did my science homework.
3. Can you buy the newspaper …………….. you go to town?
4. Be careful ……………. you cross the road.
5. The lights went out…………. Madhu was watching TV.
6. ………….. I was having lunch, the telephone rang.

Grade 7 Work Book Page No. 45 & 46 (Activity 5)

Construct sentences.
Rukshan always feeds his dog it gets dark.
I will call you before I come to meet you.
Birds fly to their nests he goes to school in the morning.
My big brother will start working it stops raining.
Let’s play outside after he finishes his training.
Father will take us to the zoo he finishes his work.
Nilan passed the test it was too expensive.
Lilani didn’t buy the dress it’s a holiday.
We scheduled the trip for the 18th because his family lives there.
Mr. Perera has applied for a he studied hard.
transfer to Anuradhapura

Grade 8 Pupil’s Book Page No. 25

Read the following sentences.
• We are going to the hospital since my father was admitted there a few days ago.
• I’m going there too as I have to see a doctor.
• Rusiru, ring the bell and move forward, so we could get off quickly.
The highlighted words are called conjunctions.

Grade 8 Pupil’s Book Page No. 25 (Activity 3.3)

a) Join two sentences using „since‟ and „as‟
A B
1. Bobby couldn’t take the book a. It rained heavily the night before.
from the shelf.
2. He didn’t go to school. b. It was too hot.
3. The match was postponed. c. I woke up late.
4. My aunt couldn’t drink the tea. d. He was not well.
5. I missed the school bus. e. It was too high.

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e.g. : 1. Bobby couldn’t take the book from the shelf as it was too high.
2. Since the book shelf was too high Bobby couldn’t take the book.

Grade 8 Pupil’s Book Page No. 26 (Activity 3.3)

b) Join two sentences using „so‟. Do not forget to put a comma before the conjunction.
A B
1. One of the boys hurt himself a. My friends helped me to carry them.
in the cricket match.
2. The bags were heavy. b. She did well in school.
3. Manu was hard working. c. The plants grow well here.
4. The soil is rich. d. We could cross the road.
5. The policeman stopped the traffic. e. He was taken to the hospital.
e.g. : One of the boys hurt himself in the cricket match, so he was taken to the hospital.

Grade 9 Pupil’s Book Page No. 16

either….. or / neither …nor
either..or is used:
• to talk about a choice between two possibilities
e. g. :- You can either walk or take the bus.
Goods are either made or grown.
Either you or Ganesh has to bring the register of attendance. (singular)
Either my father or my uncles organize our annual family trip. (plural)

neither… nor is used

• to join two negative ideas.
e.g. :- Neither Ravi nor Abdul plays football.
Raj was sick last week. He neither came to school nor joined us on the trip.
Neither my sister nor my brothers know how to swim. (plural)
Neither Romani nor her parents eat meat. (plural)
Neither the students nor the teacher has to come tomorrow. (singular)

Grade 9 Pupil’s Book Page No. 16 & 17 (Activity 11)

Complete the sentences with either ..or/ neither .. nor.
• .........my mother …… . my sister will prepare the lunch. One of them has to go to the bank.
• ……… Rashi ……… Ameen knows how to play chess. You’ll have to teach them.
• We can have classes ………….. in the morning ………. in the afternoon. Which is easier for you?
• Mr. Jinadasa drinks …………… tea ………… coffee. He prefers water.
• A: What are you doing this evening?
B: I haven’t decided yet. I will …………. read a novel ………. watch a film.

Grade 9 Work Book Page No. 8 (Activity 5)

Fill in the blanks using either … or /neither…nor.
• Where is Suraj?
I’m not sure. I think he’s ……………….. at the gym ……… at the stadium.
• Who will deliver the vote of thanks?
I think ….............… our principal …....… the president of our English Literary Association will do that.
• Did you buy the groceries?
No. …........……….. the supermarket ….… the grocery store was open.
• Would you like to take part in the concert?
No. I can ………………… sing …… dance.

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GCE (O/L) EXAM ORIENTED ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR CONJUNCTIONS

Grade 9 Work Book Page No. 66, 67 & 68 (Activity 8)

Read the following sentences taken from the short text „They brought the sun down‟.
• The villages of Rjukan, Norway, and Viganella, Italy, are both situated in deep valleys.
The village Rjukan is situated in a deep valley.
The village Viganella is situated in a deep valley.
• Therefore, neither Rjukan nor Viganella enjoys the luxury of sunshine like we do.
Rjukan does not enjoy the luxury of sunshine like we do.
Viganella also does not enjoy the luxury of sunshine like we do.

Now use any one of the following conjunctions to join the sets of sentences.
not only… but also
both
either… or
neither… nor
1. You can post this application before the 30th.
You can handover it to the class teacher.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
2. Shakya does not like Art.
Anupama also does not like Art.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. Vignesh can select Information Technology as an optional subject.
He can select Music as an optional subject.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
4. Maleesha likes reading cartoons during her free time.
Nethmi likes reading cartoons during her free time.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
5. The teacher did not like the new arrangement of the classroom.
The students also did not like it.
……………………………………………………………..………………………………

Grade 11 Pupil’s Book Page No. 101

Conjunctions are words used to connect clauses or sentences.
because, after, and, unless, but, until, or, when, while

Grade 11 Pupil’s Book Page No. 101 (Activity 10)

Fill in the blanks with a suitable conjunction.
(but, while, and, or, because)
1. Crusoe considered the threats that could come from man………………beast.
2. He didn’t decide to stay near the sea ……………………… there wasn’t any fresh water.
3. They heard the cry, louder ………………….. nearer.
4. Holmes were after him at a close distance …………………. the shadows were thick.
5. ……………….they were in the hut, a scream was heard.

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GCE (O/L) EXAM ORIENTED ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR CONJUNCTIONS

Connectives
Grade 10 Pupil’s Book Page No. 87 (Activity 10)
Study the sentences given below. Note how the connectives in bold are used to join two ideas.
1) Singithi likes to have rice for breakfast while her brother likes string hoppers.
While Singithi's brother likes to have string hoppers for breakfast, she likes to have rice.
2) Breakfast is the most important meal of the day although many people skip it.
Although many people skip breakfast, it is the most important meal of the day.
3) Mrs. Perera enjoys preparing pittu even though it takes time.
Even though it takes time, Mrs. Perera enjoys preparing pittu.
4) I do not know how to prepare laddu though I have tasted it.
Though I have tasted laddu, I do not know how to prepare it.
5) Some people still prefer to eat fast food in spite of its health risks.
In spite of its health risks some people still prefer to eat fast food.
6) Whenever Riyaza goes to the market with her mother, she likes to buy manioc.
Riyaza likes to buy manioc, whenever she goes to the market with her mother.

Grade 10 Pupil’s Book Page No. 87 & 88 (Activity 8)

Fill in the blanks with a suitable connective from the given list.
in spite of, although, even though, whenever, while
1. I could not find the tin opener ………………….. I searched everywhere in the kitchen.
2. Mrs. Perera visits the nearby fair to buy vegetables…………………………. she has time to spare.
3. Everyone enjoyed the meal …………………… the bad cooking.
4.………………… I have heard about Italian food, I have not tasted it yet.
5. Kumaran ordered dosai ……………………… Thanusha decided to have noodles.

Grade 10 Pupil’s Book Page No. 88 (Activity 9)

Join the following pairs of sentences using a suitable connective. Make any changes that are
necessary.
1. It is difficult to prepare watalappan.
Most people enjoy eating it.
..................................................................................................................................
2. Some people still prefer to eat it.
There is little nutritional value in fast food.
..................................................................................................................................
3. Mother prepared dinner.
Father laid the table.
..................................................................................................................................
4. We enjoyed our food.
We were not hungry.
..................................................................................................................................
5. My mother prepares food using finger millet.
She has some free time.
..................................................................................................................................

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Grade 10 Work Book Page No. 51 (Activity 7)

Fill in the blanks with a suitable conjunction from the given list.
though, although, in spite of, even though, whenever, however, while
1. It is very hot these days ………………… the rain.
2. ………………… Devin was doing the presentation, Inura took the photographs.
3. Kamalini could not catch the bus ………………. she left home very early.
4. Mrs. Rathnayake visits my mother ……………………. she comes to the town.
5. ……………. I am a good dancer, I selected Music as my aesthetic subject.

Grade 10 Work Book Page No. 51 (Activity 8)

Join the following pairs of sentences using a suitable connective. Make any changes that are
necessary.
1. Saleem is a very good boy.
He quarrels with others.
..................................................................................................................................
2. I write poems.
I have free time.
..................................................................................................................................
3. The teacher was absent.
The students behaved very well.
..................................................................................................................................
4. I ran very fast.
I could not win the race.
..................................................................................................................................
5. The patient died.
Attempts were taken by the doctors to save his life.
..................................................................................................................................

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