because, since, although, while, if, when, where, unless, until, after, before. These show relationships like cause-effect, time, condition, or contrast
→Correlative Conjunctions work in pairs
either...or, neither...nor, both...and, not only...but also, whether...or. These must be used together and maintain parallel structure.
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Exam Patterns
What examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs
SSC CGL frequently tests conjunctions in three ways: 1) Error detection where wrong conjunctions are used, 2) Fill-in-the-blanks requiring appropriate conjunction choice, 3) Sentence improvement asking for better conjunction usage. Questions often test logical relationships between clauses and parallel structure.
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Shortcuts
Use these to save 30–60 seconds per question
Use the 'Logic Test' - read the sentence and identify the relationship between parts. If showing addition, use 'and'. If showing contrast, use 'but' or 'however'.
If showing cause-effect, use 'because' or 'since'. If showing choice, use 'or'. This eliminates wrong options quickly.
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Worked Example
Solve this step-by-step before moving on
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Step 1
Identify the relationship between clauses. First clause: 'He studied hard' (positive action). Second clause: 'he failed' (negative result).
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Step 2
Apply logic test. There's contrast between expectation and result.
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Step 3
Find contrast conjunction. Among options, 'but' shows contrast.
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Step 4
Verify by substitution. 'He studied hard but he failed the exam' - makes logical sense.
Answer: (b) but
Another Shortcut: For correlative conjunctions, check if both parts maintain parallel structure. 'He likes not only cricket but also football' - both parts after conjunctions are nouns (cricket, football), so it's correct.
Common Mistake: Students often confuse 'because' and 'since'. While both show cause-effect, 'because' gives direct reason, 'since' gives known/obvious reason. Also, using 'and' everywhere is wrong - match the conjunction to the logical relationship between clauses.
🔑 Key Points
FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) are the seven coordinating conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs: either...or, neither...nor, both...and
Use 'and' for addition, 'but' for contrast, 'or' for choice, 'because' for cause-effect
Logic test helps identify correct conjunction based on relationship between clauses
Parallel structure must be maintained with correlative conjunctions
Both...and always takes plural verb regardless of individual subject number
Conjunctive adverbs like however, therefore, moreover are not true conjunctions
💪 Practice Questions (7) · Showing 3
Q 1medium
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Although he was tired, (A) yet he continued working (B) because he wanted to complete the project (C) and impress his manager. (D) No error (E)
Q 2medium
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Neither the manager nor the employees (A) was willing to accept the new policy, (B) so they decided to meet (C) and discuss the matter further. (D) No error (E)
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Q 3medium
Identify the error in the sentence below:
She worked hard not only to earn money (A) but also for gaining (B) recognition in her field. (C) No error (D)
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