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
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)
Practice 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)
Practice 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)
Practice 4easy
In the following sentence, identify the error (if any):
Although the weather was bad, (A) / yet the children played (B) / in the garden (C) / without any fear. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 5easy
In the following sentence, four parts are underlined. Identify the part that contains a grammatical error.
"She wanted to study hard (A) and pass the examination, (B) but she could not concentrate (C) because of the noise outside. (D) No error (E)"
Practice 6medium
Identify the error in the following sentence:
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)
Practice 7medium
Identify the error in the following sentence:
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)
Practice 8medium
Identify the error in the following sentence:
The manager insisted that (A) all employees attend the meeting, (B) yet many of them were reluctant (C) because they had other commitments (D) / No error (E)
Practice 9hard
Identify the error in the sentence:
Although (A) / he was highly qualified, (B) / yet he could not secure (C) / the position because of his poor communication skills. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 10hard
Identify the error in the sentence:
Neither the manager nor the employees (A) / was willing to compromise, (B) / so they decided to escalate (C) / the matter to the board of directors. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 11hard
Identify the error in the sentence:
The committee has decided that (A) / not only the budget will be increased (B) / but also the staff strength should be enhanced (C) / to meet the growing demands. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 12hard
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Although he was exhausted, (A) he insisted on completing the project (B) because he wanted to prove his competence, (C) yet he eventually abandoned it when the deadline passed. (D) No error (E)