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
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.
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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 (12) · Showing 3
Q 1easy
In the following sentence, identify the error (if any):
He wanted to study hard (A) / and pass the examination (B) / but he could not concentrate (C) / on his studies. (D) / No error (E)
Q 2easy
In the following sentence, identify the error (if any):
Because he was ill, (A) / so he decided (B) / to stay at home (C) / and rest. (D) / No error (E)
Q 3easy
In the following sentence, identify the error (if any):
The manager asked the team members (A) / whether they could complete (B) / the project on time, and if (C) / they needed any assistance. (D) / No error (E)