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, four parts are underlined. Identify the part that contains a grammatical error.
Although he was tired, (A) yet he decided to complete the project, (B) because his manager insisted (C) and he wanted to prove his dedication. (D) No error (E)
Practice 2easy
Identify the error in the sentence below:
She will attend the meeting (A) / if and only if (B) / the agenda is finalised (C) / before next week. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 3easy
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Both the manager and the supervisor (A) / has decided (B) / that they will implement (C) / the new policy together. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 4easy
Identify the error in the sentence below:
The committee members agreed (A) / that they would submit their report (B) / and that they will also present (C) / their findings at the conference. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 5easy
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Either the accountant or the auditors (A) / is responsible (B) / for verifying the financial statements (C) / before submission to the board. (D) / No error (E)
Practice 6medium
Identify the error in the sentence:
Although he was tired, (A) yet he continued working (B) because he wanted to complete the project (C) and his supervisor had asked him to finish it by evening. (D) No error (E)
Practice 7medium
Identify the error in the sentence:
Neither the manager nor the employees (A) was satisfied with the new policy, (B) so they decided to meet the director (C) and discuss their concerns. (D) No error (E)
Practice 8medium
Identify the error in the sentence:
The report states that (A) both the government and the private sector (B) has invested significantly in infrastructure, (C) yet the results are not visible in rural areas. (D) No error (E)
Practice 9medium
Identify the error in the sentence below. The underlined parts are marked A, B, C, and D.
Although he was tired, (A) yet he continued working (B) because he wanted to complete the project (C) and he was determined to succeed. (D)
A) Although he was tired
B) yet he continued working
C) because he wanted to complete the project
D) and he was determined to succeed
Choose the correct option:
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Practice 10hard
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Because the weather was severe, (A) and the roads were flooded, (B) the authorities decided that (C) all schools would remain closed until the situation improved. (D) No error (E)
Practice 11hard
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Neither the manager nor the employees (A) was willing to compromise, (B) so they decided that (C) neither option was acceptable to them. (D) No error (E)
Practice 12hard
Identify the error in the sentence below:
Although he was exhausted, (A) yet he continued working (B) because he wanted to complete the project (C) before the deadline arrived. (D) No error (E)
Practice 13hard
Identify the error in the sentence below:
The committee decided that (A) not only should the budget be increased (B) but also the staff must be expanded (C) so that efficiency could improve. (D) No error (E)