Core ConceptRead this first — the foundation of the topic
Common ones include
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.
Exam PatternsWhat 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.
ShortcutsUse 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.
Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1
Identify the relationship between clauses. First clause: 'He studied hard' (positive action). Second clause: 'he failed' (negative result).
2
Step 2
Apply logic test. There's contrast between expectation and result.
3
Step 3
Find contrast conjunction. Among options, 'but' shows contrast.
4
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.
Exam TrapsCommon mistakes students make — avoid these
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 to Remember
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
Identify the error in the following sentence:
He neither likes coffee (A) / nor does he enjoy (B) / tea in the morning, (C) / and he prefers juice instead. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 2easy
Identify the error in the following sentence:
Neither the manager nor the employees (A) was willing to compromise, (B) yet they agreed (C) to attend the meeting together. (D) No error (E)
Practice 3easy
Identify the error in the following sentence:
Both the manager and the supervisor (A) / has agreed to attend (B) / the conference, (C) / but they will arrive separately. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 4easy
Choose the correct conjunction to fill in the blank: She was tired, _______ she continued to work until midnight.
Practice 5easy
Identify the error in the following sentence:
The teacher said that (A) the students must complete their assignments (B) and submit them on time, (C) or they will face consequences. (D) No error (E)
Practice 6easy
Identify the error in the following sentence:
The committee decided that either the finance department (A) / or the human resources team (B) / are responsible for (C) / submitting the annual budget. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 7easy
In the following sentence, one part is underlined. Identify the part that contains a grammatical error.
"She wanted to attend the meeting, (A) but she had no time, (B) so she decided to send her assistant (C) and also her colleague instead." (D) No error (E)
Practice 8easy
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Because she studied hard (A) / and prepared thoroughly, (B) / she passed the examination (C) / with flying colours. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 9easy
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Either you submit the assignment (A) / or your friend submits it, (B) / but both of you (C) / cannot avoid responsibility. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 10easy
Identify the error in the sentence below:
She wants to learn French (A) / as well as Spanish, (B) / so she enrolled (C) / in both language courses. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 11easy
In the following sentence, identify the part containing an error:
(A) She wanted to study hard / (B) and also work part-time, / (C) but she could not manage / (D) both the responsibilities. / No error
Practice 12easy
In the following sentence, identify the part containing an error:
(A) Although he was tired, / (B) but he continued / (C) to work on the project / (D) until midnight. / No error
Practice 13easy
In the following sentence, identify the part containing an error:
(A) The team members were divided / (B) because of the disagreement, / (C) yet they worked together / (D) and achieved the goal. / No error
Practice 14easy
In the following sentence, identify the part containing an error:
(A) She will attend the meeting / (B) if and only if / (C) her supervisor approves, / (D) or she will send a representative. / No error
Practice 15easy
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Although he was tired, (A) / but he continued working (B) / on the project (C) / until midnight. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 16easy
Identify the error in the sentence below. The underlined parts are marked (A), (B), (C), and (D).
"She wanted to study medicine, (A) yet / (B) her parents insisted that she become / (C) an engineer instead, (D) so she reluctantly agreed."
Which underlined part contains an error?
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Practice 17medium
Choose the correct conjunction to fill in the blank: She studied very hard, ________ she could not pass the examination.
Practice 18medium
Choose the option that contains an error in the use of conjunctions or related grammar:
(A) Although he was tired, yet he continued working on the project.
(B) Because the weather was bad, so we decided to postpone the event.
(C) He worked hard so that he could secure a good position in the company.
(D) No error
Practice 19medium
Identify the error in the sentence:
Neither the manager nor the employees (A) / was willing to compromise, (B) / and they decided to (C) / strike for better wages. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 20medium
Identify the error in the sentence below:
The committee decided that (A) / they would implement the new policy (B) / and that all employees must attend (C) / the mandatory training session. (D) / No error (E)
26 more practice questions in the Study Panel
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