Conjunctions Exercise
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate conjunction.
1. I will not oppose your design. I cannot, ……………., approve it.
but
however
thus
therefore
However expresses a contrast between one sentence and the other.
2. He was obstinate; …………………., he was punished.
however
therefore
but
We use ‘therefore’ to join sentences in which one statement is inferred from the other.
3. He failed, ………………., he persevered.
therefore
nevertheless
thus
Nevertheless expresses a contrast between one sentence and the other.
4. ……………… a borrower nor a lender be.
Neither
Either
Or
Note the pattern neither…nor.
5. I was annoyed ………………. I kept quiet.
still
yet
but
All of the above
All of these sentences can be used to express a contrast between one sentence and the
other.
6. Make hay ……………… the sun shines.
while
until
unless
We can use while to say that two actions or situations go on at the same time.
7. Tired ………….. he was, I decided not to disturb him.
though
as
Either could be used here
As can mean because in this construction.
8. Bravely ……………….. they fought, they had no chance of winning.
as
though
Either could be used here
As and though can both mean ‘although’ in a special structure after an adjective or adverb.
9. If A is equal to B and B is equal to C, …………….. A is equal to C.
than
then
so
We can use ‘then’ to indicate a logical conclusion.
10. I’m off on holiday, ……………… I won’t be seeing you for a while.
so
then
than
So and then can both be used to mean ‘since that is so’. There is an important difference.
Then is used when one speaker replies to another. Then is not normally used when the same
speaker connects two ideas.
11. ‘I will need the car.’ ‘………………. I suppose I will have to take a taxi.’
So
Then
Either could be used here
So and then can both be used to mean ‘since that is so’. There is an important difference.
Then is used when one speaker replies to another. Then is not normally used when the same
speaker connects two ideas. So can be used in both situations.
12. I have come early …………….. I can talk to you.
so
so that
Either could be used here
In an informal style, that can be dropped after so.
PLAY AGAIN !
Answers
1. I will not oppose your design. I cannot, however, approve it.
2. He was obstinate; therefore, he was punished.
3. He failed, nevertheless, he persevered.
4. Neither a borrower nor a lender be.
5. I was annoyed but / yet / still I kept quiet.
6. Make hay while the sun shines.
7. Tired as he was, I decided not to disturb him.
8. Bravely as/though they fought, they had no chance of winning.
9. If A is equal to B and B is equal to C, then A is equal to C.
10. I’m off on holiday, so I won’t be seeing you for a while.
11. ‘I will need the car.’ ‘So/then I suppose I will have to take a taxi.’
12. I have come early so / so that I can talk to you.