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 sentence:
Neither the manager nor the employees (A) was satisfied with the decision, (B) so they decided to meet (C) and discuss the matter further. (D) No error (E)
Practice 2medium
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 impress his manager. (D) No error (E)
Practice 3medium
Identify the error in the sentence:
She not only excels in mathematics (A) but also in science, (B) and she is determined to pursue (C) a career in engineering. (D) No error (E)
Practice 4medium
Identify the error in the sentence:
Because the weather was bad, (A) and the roads were flooded, (B) the authorities decided to postpone (C) the event indefinitely. (D) No error (E)
Practice 5hard
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)