Conjunctions

Words that join two words or sentences together

📝 Question No. 9 ⭐ 3 Marks 🟢 Easy Level

📚 What are Conjunctions?

Conjunctions are words that are used to join two words or two sentences. They act as connecting bridges in our language.

Examples:

✓ Sita and Gita are sisters.

✓ He is poor but honest.

Here 'and' and 'but' are conjunctions.

🔍 Types of Conjunctions

There are two main types of conjunctions:

1. Co-ordinating Conjunctions

2. Sub-ordinating Conjunctions

1️⃣ Co-ordinating Conjunctions

When a conjunction joins together clauses of equal rank or importance, it is known as 'Co-ordinating conjunction'. These are used to combine two simple sentences into one compound sentence.

A. Cumulative Conjunctions

They join one idea to another and one statement to another.

Common words: both...and, and, not only...but also, as well as, no less than

📝 Examples with Both...and:

1. Amit is hardworking. Amit is intelligent.

→ Amit is both hardworking and intelligent.

2. The teacher praised Ravi. The teacher praised Mohan.

→ The teacher praised both Ravi and Mohan.

📝 Examples with Not only...but also:

1. Priya won the first prize. Priya won a scholarship.

→ Priya won not only the first prize but also a scholarship.

2. My father bought a car. My uncle bought a car.

→ Not only my father but also my uncle bought a car.

B. Alternative Conjunctions

They are used when one of the two things is to be chosen or a choice is offered.

Common words: either...or, neither...nor, or, otherwise, else

📝 Examples:

1. You can drink tea. You can drink coffee.

→ You can drink either tea or coffee.

2. The doctor did not come. The nurse did not come.

→ Neither the doctor nor the nurse came.

3. Study hard. You will fail.

→ Study hard otherwise/or/else you will fail.

C. Adversative Conjunctions

They join two opposite/contrasting statements.

Common words: but, yet, still, however, nevertheless, whereas, while

📝 Examples:

1. She is rich. She is not happy. → She is rich but she is not happy.

2. It was raining heavily. We went out. → It was raining heavily yet we went out.

3. He is sick. He came to office. → He is sick still he came to office.

4. Doctors save lives. Soldiers protect lives. → Doctors save lives whereas soldiers protect lives.

D. Illative Conjunctions

They show cause-and-effect relationship. One sentence is the result of another.

Common words: therefore, so, thus, hence, for

📝 Examples:

1. She worked hard. She passed with good marks.

→ She worked hard therefore she passed with good marks.

2. It is getting dark. We should go home.

→ It is getting dark so we should go home.

2️⃣ Sub-ordinating Conjunctions

Conjunctions which join a subordinate clause to the principal clause are called Sub-ordinating Conjunctions. These join two simple sentences into one complex sentence.

Common words: if, unless, because, as, since, although, though, when, while, where, that, so...that, too...to, lest

⚡ Important Usage Rules

1. So...that (इतना...कि)

Replace 'very' or 'quite' with 'so' and add 'that' before the second sentence.

✓ The question was very easy. Everyone solved it.

→ The question was so easy that everyone solved it.

2. Too...to (इतना...कि)

When same subject: Replace 'very/much' with 'too', replace 'cannot/could not' with 'to'.

When different subjects: Use 'for + object' before 'to'.

✓ The box is very heavy. I cannot lift it.

→ The box is too heavy to lift.

✓ The question is very difficult. She cannot solve it.

→ The question is too difficult for her to solve.

3. Though/Although...yet (यद्यपि...फिर भी)

Start sentence with 'Though/Although', put comma, then add second sentence (optionally with 'yet').

✓ He is poor. He is honest.

→ Though/Although he is poor, he is honest.

→ Although he is poor, yet he is honest.

4. If/Unless (यदि/जब तक नहीं)

'Unless' means 'if...not'. Remove 'not' when using 'unless'.

✓ Work hard. You will not pass.

→ If you work hard, you will pass.

→ Unless you work hard, you will not pass.

5. Because/As/Since (क्योंकि)

Used to show reason or cause.

✓ She was tired. She went to bed early.

→ Because/As/Since she was tired, she went to bed early.

6. While (जबकि/दौरान)

Shows two actions happening at the same time or contrast between two statements.

✓ I was studying. My brother was playing.

→ I was studying while my brother was playing.

7. Lest...should (ऐसा न हो कि)

Use 'lest' with 'should'. Never use 'not' with lest as it already has negative meaning.

✓ Walk carefully. You may fall.

→ Walk carefully lest you should fall.

📝 Detailed Use of Conjunctions

Master all conjunction transformation rules with step-by-step instructions for RBSE exams:

1-2. Both...and & and

Type A (Same Subject):

  • Write the common part, then add 'both', then first sentence remainder
  • Add 'and' followed by the second sentence remainder

✓ His father is a teacher. He is a poet.

→ His father is both a teacher and a poet.

Type B (Different Subjects):

  • Start with 'Both', write first subject only
  • Add 'and', write second subject, make verb plural, complete sentence

✓ Rajesh was a student. Sita was a student.

→ Both Rajesh and Sita were students.

✓ Sita came to my house. She cooked food for me.

→ Sita came to my house and cooked food for me.

3-4. Not only...but also & Either...or

Same Subject: Write common part + 'not only/either' + first remainder + 'but also/or' + second remainder

Different Subjects: Start with 'Not only/Either' + first subject + 'but also/or' + complete second sentence

✓ Ram plays cricket. He plays hockey.

→ Ram plays not only cricket but also hockey.

✓ Hari must work hard. He must play some game.

→ Hari must either work hard or play some game.

5. Neither...nor

Important: Remove 'not/do not/does not/did not' from sentences as 'neither...nor' is already negative.

Follow same rules as Not only...but also / Either...or

✓ He does not play football. He does not play hockey.

→ He plays neither football nor hockey.

✓ The teachers did not play hockey. The students did not play hockey.

→ Neither the teachers nor the students played hockey.

8. as well as (और भी)

Steps:

  • Write first subject + 'as well as' + second subject
  • Write remaining part of first sentence
  • Note: Verb agrees with the subject BEFORE 'as well as'

✓ My sister is intelligent. Your sister is intelligent.

→ My sister as well as your sister is intelligent.

✓ He is poor. I am poor.

→ He as well as I is poor. (verb agrees with 'He')

15-16. Since/As/Because & As...as / So...as

Since/As/Because (क्योंकि): Use at beginning or between sentences to show reason

Note: Since/As typically start the sentence; because can be used anywhere

✓ I am ill. I can't take classes regularly.

→ Since/As I am ill, I can't take classes regularly.

→ I can't take classes regularly because I am ill.

As...as / So...as (Comparison):

  • Use 'as...as' in positive sentences
  • Use 'so...as' in negative sentences

✓ She is as beautiful as her mother.

✓ Saroj is not so wise as Narendra.

17. If, Unless, In case, Until, Supposing

Important Notes:

  • 'Unless' and 'Until' make sentences negative - DO NOT use 'not' with them
  • 'Unless' means 'if...not'
  • All show conditions

✓ You cannot pass. You work hard.

→ You cannot pass unless/until you work hard.

→ If he comes on time, I will help him.

→ Supposing you fail, what will you do?

19-21. Hardly/Scarcely...When, No sooner...than, As soon as

Hardly/Scarcely...When: Use 'had' + past participle before 'when'

✓ Hardly had I reached school when the peon rang the bell.

No sooner...than: Use 'did' + V1 OR 'had' + V3 before 'than'

✓ No sooner did I reach the station than the train departed.

✓ No sooner did Ravi arrive than he began his work.

As soon as: Use Past Indefinite or Present Indefinite in both clauses

✓ As soon as the thief saw the police, he ran away.

✓ As soon as the child sees the tiger, he begins to weep.

🎯 Want More Step-by-Step Examples?

View our comprehensive tutorial with additional examples and detailed transformations for all conjunction types!

📚 View Extended Tutorial →

📝 Test Exercise - Fill in the Blanks (35 MCQs)

Choose the most suitable conjunction from the given options:

1. They were playing their part .............. they were on a theater stage.
(a) so (b) and (c) if (d) as if
2. People with large families are in trouble ............ we are quite happy.
(a) but (b) and (c) so (d) as
3. The penny is heavier ............ the paper.
(a) as (b) then (c) but (d) than
4. He would often put a few questions to the soldiers ...... name he thought he had forgotten.
(a) who (b) whose (c) whom (d) which
5. The boy ............. you saw in the morning is my friend.
(a) who (b) whose (c) which (d) whom
6. I cannot buy this book ................... it is very expensive
(a) so (b) because (c) although (d) yet
7. Sheela is not only a good writer .......... also a good singer.
(a) but (b) and (c) yet (d) or
8. I don't mind sitting on the floor ........ it is clean.
(a) so (b) that (c) and (d) because
9. She is ............... wise that she cannot be cheated.
(a) such (b) as (c) so (d) that
10. She worked hard ............ she got first division.
(a) as (b) so (c) that (d) and
11. Sohan was not ........... brave as Ram.
(a) as (b) so (c) such (d) that
12. People say .............. donkeys are stupid creatures.
(a) and (b) but (c) that (d) so that
13. But do you know .............. to ride a bicycle.
(a) when (b) who (c) where (d) how
14. No sooner did she reach the station ............. the train left for Delhi.
(a) than (b) and (c) but (d) then
15. As you sow ............ shall you reap.
(a) so (b) than (c) as (d) but
16. Though she is poor .............. honest.
(a) yet (b) and (c) as (d) so
17. Make haste lest you .............. miss the plane.
(a) should (b) that (c) as (d) so
18. I don't care ........ you come or not.
(a) if (b) so (c) whether (d) that
19. ............... she was tired she did not stop working.
(a) yet (b) but (c) although (d) so
20. People moved aside ............. they saw the police.
(a) When (b) because (c) therefore (d) but
21. She could ......... read nor speak Urdu.
(a) either (b) neither (c) so (d) and
22. This feature film is not only amusing ................. instructive.
(a) so (b) both (c) nor (d) but also
23. He purchased .......... new books but also new shoes
(a) not only (b) either (c) neither (d) nor
24. Jyoti ........ Tara are teachers.
(a) but (b) both (c) and (d) yet
25. She is intelligent .............. her brother is dull.
(a) and (b) but (c) or (d) either
26. ................... the earth and the moon are heavenly bodies.
(a) both (b) but (c) and (d) either
27. Although he is poor ................. he is honest.
(a) but (b) yet (c) and (d) so
28. Bacteria are so tiny .......... we cannot see with naked eyes.
(a) that (b) but (c) and (d) or
29. The tea is too hot ........ drink
(a) but (b) to (c) so (d) that
30. She speaks ...... fast to understand.
(a) too (b) may (c) that (d) but
31. The stone is .................. heavy that he cannot lift it.
(a) or (b) nor (c) so (d) yet
32. No sooner did I take a cup of tea .............. my friend came there.
(a) but (b) than (c) then (d) that
33. Hardly had I met her ......... she began to laugh at me.
(a) too (b) may (c) that (d) when
34. Be quick lest you ................. miss the train.
(a) should (b) may (c) that (d) but
35. I will telephone you ................... I reach there.
(a) both (b) unless (c) and (d) until

Answers - Test Exercise:

1. (d) as if | 2. (a) but | 3. (d) than | 4. (b) whose | 5. (d) whom

6. (b) because | 7. (a) but | 8. (d) because | 9. (c) so | 10. (b) so

11. (b) so | 12. (c) that | 13. (d) how | 14. (a) than | 15. (a) so

16. (a) yet | 17. (a) should | 18. (c) whether | 19. (c) although | 20. (a) When

21. (b) neither | 22. (d) but also | 23. (a) not only | 24. (c) and | 25. (b) but

26. (a) both | 27. (b) yet | 28. (a) that | 29. (b) to | 30. (a) too

31. (c) so | 32. (b) than | 33. (d) when | 34. (a) should | 35. (b) unless

🔄 Rewrite Exercise - Sentence Transformation (18 Questions)

Rewrite the following sentences using the conjunctions given in brackets:

1. He comes of a good family. He has no manners. (although)
2. Lalita is a scientist. Lalita is a good artist. (not only-but also)
3. You should work hard. You should leave the job. (either-or)
4. Nehru was a renowned politician. Gandhiji was a renowned politician. (both-and)
5. Mohan is very intelligent. Mohan is a good player. (not only-but also)
6. Vijay does not like ice-cream. He does not like coffee. (neither-nor)
7. The room is very small. We cannot hold a meeting in it. (too-to)
8. Reeta has taken my pen. Geeta has taken my pen. (either-or)
9. Ram was invited. His brothers were invited. (not only-but also)
10. The paper of maths was very difficult. I could not solve it. (too-to)
11. Gandhi was a great leader of India. Nehru was also a great leader. (both-and)
12. The box is very heavy. He cannot lift it. (too-to)
13. He is an artist. He is a musician. (both-and)
14. Rahul is very weak. He cannot pass this year. (so-that)
15. Sachin is a good player. Dhoni is a good player. (and)
16. An old woman is standing at the gate. Her son is standing at the gate. (as well as)
17. Neha worked very hard. She did not pass P.M.T. (yet)
18. Hitesh is very short. He cannot reach the shelf. (so-that)

Answers - Rewrite Exercise:

1. Although he comes of a good family, he has no manners.

2. Lalita is not only a scientist but also a good artist.

3. You should either work hard or leave the job.

4. Both Nehru and Gandhiji were renowned politicians.

5. Mohan is not only very intelligent but also a good player.

6. Vijay likes neither ice-cream nor coffee.

7. The room is too small for us to hold a meeting.

8. Either Reeta or Geeta has taken my pen.

9. Not only Ram but also his brothers were invited.

10. The paper of maths was too difficult for me to solve.

11. Both Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru were great leaders of India.

12. The box is too heavy for him to lift.

13. He is both an artist and a musician.

14. Rahul is so weak that he cannot pass this year.

15. Sachin and Dhoni are good players.

16. An old woman as well as her son is standing at the gate.

17. Neha worked very hard, yet she did not pass P.M.T.

18. Hitesh is so short that he cannot reach the shelf.

📋 Additional Fill-in Exercise (35 Questions with Exam Questions)

Choose the correct conjunction from the brackets:

1. .................. he is very old, he enjoys good health. (Although/While)
2. Get me ............... coffee................Tea. (either...or/too..to)
3. Mohit killed a dog............he was driving his car. (while/as soon as)
4. ................he.............I am teaching English. (Not only.....but also/So.........that)
5. .......... teachers ................ my friend has taken food. (Either.......or/Both.......and)
6. Rohit doesnot play well................... he has been selectedin the team. (yet/and)
7. You .............. I were absent. (as well as/or)
8. Tanisha drove ............ fast ............. slowly. (neither.....nor/both......and)
9. The bag is ............. heavy ..........I cannot lift it. (so......that/too......to)
10. .............. Ravi worked hard, he failed in the examination. (Although/As)
11. ..........you.............. she worked hard. (Neither.....nor/though......yet)
12. The tree is.............high for me .......... climb. (too.....to/either......or)
13. He is... old .................. he cannot walk. (so......that/neither.....nor)
14. He is rich ................. he is not happy. (yet/when)
15. He worked hard ........his health broke broke down. (therfore/because)
16. Saroj likes mangoes ............ Arnav likes bananas. (while/as)
17. ..............the river was in flood, he crossed it. (Although/Either)
18. Naresh is going ............. to Jaipur ............ to Jodhpur. (either.......or/too.......to)
19. She bought .......... books .......... answer books. (neither.......nor/so.......that)
20. I worked hard............ I won the prize. (so / but)
21. She is sad ............... hopeful. (and / but)
22. King Bruce failed again and again .......... he did not lose heart. (and / but)
23. ...................you nor he is guilty. (Either/ Neither)
24. I got not only the prize ................ the job. (both /but also)
25. ..............Minu or Chinu has sent me this gift. (Either /Neither)
26. He was ................. accused but also convicted. (but /not only)
27. My grandmother is too old .................learn new things. (that/to)
28. Both Rajesh ................ Umesh obey their parents. (and / yet)
29. Though Vinod was late .................. the teacher did not punish him. (but/ yet)
30. Sarla is ..............beautiful .................... Sita. (as....as/ so....as)
31. Arpit .......... Archana jointly scored the top marks. (S.S. Exam-2024) (And /so)
32. The reporter asked me ........... I was comfortable. (S.S.Exam-2025) (that/if)
33. Birds Fly ......... Fish swim. (S.S.Exam-2025) (So / and)
34. He was sleeping......... I was reading a book. (S.S.Exam-2025) (While /as)
35. Raju is ....... an intelligent boy ........ A good player. (S.S.Exam-2025) (as -as / not only but also)

Answers - Additional Fill-in Exercise:

1. Although | 2. either...or | 3. while | 4. Not only.....but also | 5. Either.......or

6. yet | 7. as well as | 8. neither.....nor | 9. so......that | 10. Although

11. Neither.....nor | 12. too.....to | 13. so......that | 14. yet | 15. therfore

16. while | 17. Although | 18. either.......or | 19. neither.......nor | 20. so

21. but | 22. but | 23. Neither | 24. but also | 25. Either

26. not only | 27. to | 28. and | 29. yet | 30. as....as

31. And | 32. if | 33. and | 34. While | 35. not only but also

📋 Previous Year RBSE Questions (2024-2025)

All recent RBSE examination questions on Conjunctions are included in Exercise 3 above (Questions 31-35). Practice them thoroughly for exam preparation!

Quick Review - Recent Exam Questions:

2024: Arpit and Archana jointly scored the top marks.

2025: The reporter asked me if I was comfortable.

2025: Birds fly and fish swim.

2025: He was sleeping while I was reading a book.

2025: Raju is not only an intelligent boy but also a good player.

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