
A conjunction is a word that connects two words, phrases, or clauses. Choosing the right conjunction depends on the relationship between the ideas.
|
Conjunction |
Use |
Example |
|
And |
Adds information |
Riya reads and writes every day. |
|
But |
Shows contrast |
I was tired, but I finished my work. |
|
Or |
Shows a choice |
Would you like tea or juice? |
|
Because |
Gives a reason |
I stayed home because I was unwell. |
|
So |
Shows a result |
It was raining, so we stayed inside. |
|
Although |
Shows contrast |
Although it was cold, we went outside. |
|
If |
Shows a condition |
If you study, you can improve. |
|
While |
Shows two actions or time |
I read while my brother played. |
Class 5 students commonly learn three main types of conjunctions.
Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses that have equal importance. The seven coordinating conjunctions are remembered using FANBOYS:
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
Examples:
I wanted to play, but I had homework.
She worked hard, so she completed the project.
Rahul likes cricket and football.
Subordinating conjunctions connect a main clause with a supporting clause. Common examples include because, although, if, unless, since, when, while, before, and after.
Examples:
We stayed inside because it was raining.
Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
Call me when you reach home.
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs.
Common pairs include:
either...or
neither...nor
both...and
not only...but also
Examples:
You can either read or draw.
Both Riya and Meera participated.
He is not only smart but also hardworking.
Choose a suitable conjunction to complete each sentence.
I like apples ___ oranges.
She was tired, ___ she completed her homework.
Would you like tea ___ coffee?
We stayed home ___ it was raining.
He studied hard, ___ he passed the test.
___ it was late, they continued working.
I will help you ___ you need me.
Wash your hands ___ you eat.
Answers:
and
but
or
because
so
Although
if
before
Read More - Direct and Indirect Speech English Worksheet Grade 5
The road was crowded, (but / because) we reached on time.
I carried an umbrella (because / or) it looked like rain.
You can take a pencil (or / so) a pen.
She practised daily, (so / but) she improved.
(Although / And) he was nervous, he gave the speech.
Answers:
but
because
or
so
Although
Combine each pair of sentences using a suitable conjunction.
I was hungry. I ate a sandwich.
Answer: I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.
Meera studied hard. She did not score well.
Answer: Meera studied hard, but she did not score well.
We stayed indoors. It was raining.
Answer: We stayed indoors because it was raining.
You can read a book. You can watch a movie.
Answer: You can either read a book or watch a movie.
He was tired. He continued playing.
Answer: Although he was tired, he continued playing.
Finish your homework. You can play outside.
Answer: You can play outside after you finish your homework.
Complete the following exercise.
Underline the conjunction in each sentence.
I wanted to go, but it was raining.
She sings and dances well.
We stayed home because it was cold.
You can take tea or juice.
He worked hard, so he finished early.
Answers:
but
and
because
or
so
Choose from and, but, because, so, although.
I was tired, ___ I went to bed early.
Riya likes singing ___ dancing.
He could not attend school ___ he was sick.
___ it was raining, we went outside.
The task was difficult, ___ she completed it.
Answers:
so
and
because
Although
but
Answer these questions by choosing the correct conjunction.
Which conjunction shows addition?
Answer: And
Which conjunction shows a choice?
Answer: Or
Which conjunction gives a reason?
Answer: Because
Which conjunction shows a result?
Answer: So
Which conjunction can show contrast?
Answer: But or although
Conjunctions are also called connecting or joining words because they connect related ideas.
Complete each sentence using a suitable connecting word.
Tina was hungry, ___ she ate lunch.
I wanted to go outside, ___ it was raining.
You can use a pencil ___ a pen.
We stayed inside ___ the weather was bad.
Rahul reads ___ writes every evening.
Answers:
so
but
or
because
and
Conjunctions help students connect ideas instead of writing several short sentences.
Without a conjunction:
The test was difficult. I completed it. I checked my answers.
With conjunctions:
The test was difficult, but I completed it and checked my answers.
When writing a story, paragraph, letter, or report, students should choose conjunctions according to the meaning they want to express. And adds an idea, but shows contrast, because gives a reason, and so shows a result.
A simple way to practise is to identify the relationship between two ideas before choosing a conjunction.
Addition → and
Contrast → but, yet, although
Choice → or
Reason → because, since
Result → so
Condition → if, unless
Time → when, while, before, after
Students can then create their own sentences using different conjunctions and check whether the joining word correctly connects the two ideas.
