Coordinating conjunctions worksheet

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses. Such clauses are called coordinate clauses.

We use a special kind of conjunctions known as coordinating conjunctions to connect two coordinate clauses. Here is a list of common coordinating conjunctions. They are grouped according to their meanings.

Addition

Use the following conjunctions to add some new ideas to what has already been said.

And, both…and, as well as, not only…but also etc.

Contrast

Use the following conjunctions to express ideas that contrast or contradict one another.

But, yet, otherwise, however, still

Choice / alternative

Use the following conjunctions to express a choice or alternative.

Or, either….or, neither…nor

Result

So, therefore, for

Coordinating conjunctions exercise

Complete the following sentences using an appropriate coordinating conjunction.

1. Peter was ill ……………….. he did not go to school.

2. You should pay your fee before the due date …………………. you will have to pay the fine.

3. There is no demand for this kind of cameras, ………………… we can’t place an order now.

4. He was angry ……………….. he said nothing.

5. We can ……………… walk ……………… take a bus.

6. He ……………… wrote ………………… called.

7. I am very tired ………………. I have been working all day.

8. He ………………… bought us a drink ………………. gave us a lift in his car.

9. They ………………. looted the shop ………………. set fire to it.

10. She owns …………… a car ……………. a motorbike.

Answers

1. Peter was ill so he did not go to school.

2. You should pay your fee before the due date or else you will have to pay the fine.

3. There is no demand for this kind of cameras, so we can’t place an order now.

4. He was angry yet/still he said nothing.

5. We can either walk or take a bus.

6. He neither wrote nor called.

7. I am very tired for I have been working all day.

8. He not only bought us a drink but also gave us a lift in his car.

9. They not only looted the shop but also set fire to it.

10. She owns both a car and a motorbike.