Olympiad Notes: Conjunctions | English Olympiad class 5 PDF Download

Introduction

Conjunctions are words that join two or more words, phrases, or sentences. They help us connect ideas and make sentences flow smoothly. Without conjunctions, our speech and writing would sound choppy. Learning to use conjunctions correctly helps in forming complete and meaningful sentences.

What Are Conjunctions?

Conjunctions are words that connect different parts of a sentence. They link words, phrases, or entire sentences to show relationships such as addition, contrast, or cause and effect.
Example:

• "I wanted to play, but it started raining."
  In this sentence, "but" connects two ideas and highlights a contrast.

Types of Conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect two parts of a sentence that have equal importance or similar structure. These include words like for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so — easy to remember with the acronym FANBOYS.

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions in Sentences

• "She likes apples and oranges."
• "He was tired, but he kept working."

Q. Practice Question:
Choose the correct conjunction:
"I wanted to go swimming, _____ the pool was closed."

Ans: but

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause (which cannot stand alone) to an independent clause, showing relationships like time, cause, or condition.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions:
Because, if, when, although, since, while, unless
Examples in Sentences:

• "She stayed home because it was raining."
• "We will leave when the bell rings."

Practice Question:
Q. Fill in the blank:
"I will finish my homework _____ I watch TV."

Ans: before

3. Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to link two ideas that are equally important.
Examples of Correlative Conjunctions:
Both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also
Examples in Sentences:

• "She is both smart and kind."
• "You can have either cake or ice cream."

Practice Question:
Q. "Choose the correct pair:
She is _____ hardworking _____ dedicated to her studies."
Ans: not only...but also

Why Are Conjunctions Important?

Conjunctions help make writing smooth and coherent by connecting ideas and allowing sentences to flow naturally. Without them, we would rely on short, choppy sentences that feel disconnected.

• Without Conjunctions: "I want to go outside. It is raining. I cannot play."
• With Conjunctions: "I want to go outside, but it is raining, so I cannot play."

Using conjunctions makes writing more engaging and helps ideas connect seamlessly.

Common Mistakes with Conjunctions

• Overusing Coordinating Conjunctions: Using too many conjunctions like and or but in one sentence can make writing long-winded and hard to follow. Try to keep sentences clear and concise.
• Subject-Verb Agreement with Correlative Conjunctions:
  When using correlative conjunctions (like either...or and neither...nor), ensure the subject and verb agree. The verb should match the subject that is closer to it.
  Correct: "Neither Ravi nor his friends are here."
  Incorrect: "Neither Ravi nor his friends is here."

Practice Questions

Q1: Choose the correct conjunction:
"He did not come to school today, _____ he was sick."

Ans: because

Q2. Fill in the blanks with correlative conjunctions:
"She wants to study _____ mathematics _____ science."

Ans: both...and

Q3. Identify the conjunction:
"Although it was raining, we still went for a walk."

Ans: Although

How to Practice Conjunctions

• Write sentences: Use different types of conjunctions to join ideas.
• Spot conjunctions: Try to find conjunctions in stories or books you read.
• Practice exercises: Do fill-in-the-blank exercises to test your knowledge.

Conclusion

Conjunctions help sentences sound natural by connecting ideas smoothly. Whether you are writing a story, an essay, or simply talking with friends, conjunctions will always make your sentences clearer and more meaningful.