Conjunctions Worksheet
A conjunction is a connecting word. Some conjunctions connect two clauses of equal rank whereas others connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Some commonly used conjunctions and their correct use are explained below.
If
We use if to express a condition. Using if we can express both real and imaginary situations.
If I get a raise, I will move to a bigger home. (= I am likely to get a raise and then I will move to a bigger home. This is a real and possible situation.)
If I got a raise, I would move to a bigger home. (= I didn’t get the raise and hence I couldn’t move to a bigger home. But if I got a raise, I would move. This is an imaginary situation.)
Since
The conjunction since is similar to as or because. It shows reason.
- Since we hadn’t reserved a table, we had to wait for an hour. OR As we hadn’t reserved a table, we had to wait for an hour.
Since can also show time.
- He has been staying with his parents since he lost his job.
Whether
The conjunction whether is used to introduce an indirect Yes/No question.
- ‘Will you help me?’ the girl asked.
- The girl asked whether I would help her.
We can use if instead of whether.
While and whereas
Both these conjunctions can be used to connect two contrasting ideas.
- Whereas/While some people opine that education should be free for all, others oppose that view.
- She works hard whereas/while her husband doesn’t do anything.
While can also show time. Whereas cannot be used with this meaning.
- While you were holidaying in France, I was working on my project.
Unless
Unless can mean if…not…
- Unless you improve your English, you cannot get a good job. (= If you do not improve your English, you cannot get a good job.)
Worksheet
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate conjunction.
Choose your answers from the options given below. The same option can be used more than once.
(as soon as, if, since, until, whether, whereas, while, unless, when)
1. ……………………. she is getting married in March, she is planning to do a lot of shopping this month.
2. …………………….. he has not finished his job, his leave of absence application cannot be approved.
3. ……………………. you skip breakfast, you will not be able to focus on your work or studies.
4. His parents took care of him ………………………. he found a good job.
5. ……………………… he arrived, he started creating trouble.
6. She asked me …………………………. I had any letters for her.
7. I will tell him ……………………… he arrives.
8. Arranged marriage is very common in India, ……………………….. in the west it is unusual.
9. Make hay ………………………. the sun shines.
10. I will not pay you ………………………. you finish the job.
Answers
1. As, 2. Since, 3. If, 4. until, 5. As soon as, 6. if / whether, 7. when / as soon as, 8. whereas, 9. while, 10. until
See also