Conjuctions for class 5 English
Concept : Join Sentences Using Conjunctions: 'and', 'but', 'or', & 'because'
This concept will teach students to join sentences using conjunctions such as and, but, and or. They will also learn about the different types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions.
In this concept, students will learn:
- To identify coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions.
- To join two sentences by using the correct conjunction.
Every concept is taught to class 5 English students with the help of examples, illustrations, and concept maps. Once you go through a concept, assess your learning by solving the two printable join sentences using conjunction worksheets given at the end of the page.
Download the worksheets and check your answers with the worksheet solutions for the concept conjunction provided in PDF format.
Conjunction Definition:
A conjunction is a word used to join a group of words, phrases, or sentences. It is also called linking words or joining words.
The most commonly used conjunctions are ‘and’, ‘or’, ‘but’ and ‘because’.
Example:
The conjunction ‘but’ is linking two complete sentences expressing opposite ideas. Therefore, ‘but’ is the conjunction used to join the two sentences.
There are mainly three types of conjunctions we will learn.
Let’s look at the correct usage of each conjunction. In this lesson, we’ll learn about only coordinating conjunction and subordinating conjunction.
1. Coordinating Conjunction:
- The coordinating conjunctions link two words or simple sentences, or independent sentences.
- Coordinating conjunction can be used to equally emphasize a pair of words or simple sentences.
a) Use of ‘and’:
The conjunction ‘and’ is a coordinating conjunction. It is used to combine two words or simple sentences expressing similar ideas. It is used to add more information to a sentence.
Example:
- The first and the second part of the sentence are both complete sentences.
- The conjunction ‘and’ is used to only join two complete sentences. The second part of the sentence adds more information to the first one. Therefore, we linked two sentences with the conjunction ‘and’.
b) Use of ‘but’:
Another coordinating conjunction is ‘but’. We use ‘but’ to join two words or simple sentences expressing two opposite ideas.
Example:
In the above sentence, the conjunction ‘but’ is joining two independent sentence that expresses two opposite ideas.
c) Use of ‘or’:
- A coordinating conjunction that is used similar to ‘and’ is ‘or’. It is used to combine two words, or simple sentences offering two or more options.
- The conjunction’ or is used to when you are giving an alternative in the sentence.
Example:
We use ‘or’ to link two simple sentences that give two different options.
2. Subordinating Conjunction
- A subordinating conjunction joins an independent sentence with a dependent sentence.
- It helps to provide a transition in a sentence. This transition shows a relationship with place, cause, time, result, etc.
a) Use of ‘because’:
The subordinating conjunction ‘Because’ is used to join two sentences where one part of a sentence tells the result, and another gives a reason for it.
Example:
In the example, the conjunction ‘because’ is joining two independent sentences. The first part of the sentence shows the result and the second part of it gives the reason for the action.
Common Mistakes:
1. Don’t confuse the conjunction ‘and’ with ‘or’. Remember the purpose of using the conjunction.
And= to add
Or = to give option
Example:
- Kevin should go to school on time, or he will be called a lazy boy.
- Jenny goes home at 1:30 pm, and she makes some fruit juice by 2 pm.
- Kevin should go to school on time and he will be called a lazy boy.
- Jenny goes home at 1:30 pm or she makes some fruit juice by 2 pm.
- 2. Avoid using two conjunctions to join two sentences.
Example:
- Because he was crying, his mother bought him a toy.
- Because he was crying and his mother bought him a toy.
Concept : Subordinating Conjunctions for Class 5 English
The students will study subordinating conjunctions and their usage in English. They will learn how subordinating conjunction joins one complete sentence with an incomplete sentence. There are some subordinating conjunction examples and common mistakes shared in this concept.
In this learning concept, the students will learn the following:
- To identify subordinating conjunction.
- To use subordinating conjunctions in sentences.
Every concept is taught to class 5 English students with the help of examples, illustrations, and concept maps. Once you go through a concept, assess your learning by solving the two printable subordinating conjunction worksheets given at the end of the page.
Download the worksheets and check your answers with the worksheet solutions for the concept subordinating conjunction provided in PDF format.
Conjunction Definition:
- Conjunctions are those words that join words, phrases, or clauses and to make one sentence.
- There are three types of conjunctions. They are coordinating conjunction, subordinating conjunction, and correlative conjunction.
We will learn about subordinating conjunctions today.
Subordinating Conjunctions Definition:
- A subordinating conjunction helps to join one complete sentence with an incomplete sentence. An incomplete sentence cannot stand alone nor can it give meaning like a complete sentence.
Examples:
- The subordinating conjunction adds more details to the incomplete sentence.
- Usually, there is no comma before a subordinating conjunction.
Example:
Now let us study some of the subordinating conjunctions.
A. If
‘If’ usually used to show some condition.
Examples:
Seema can write the story if you ask her.
In the sentence above, the first part of the sentence ‘She can write the story’ is a complete sentence. This complete sentence is joined with an incomplete sentence ‘if you ask her’. A conjunction ‘if’ is used to show the condition that Seema can write a story only if someone were to ask her to do so. Hence the word ‘if’ shows condition in a sentence.
B. Where
The conjunction ‘where’ is used to show a place or location.
Examples:
I don’t know where he has gone.
Here ‘where’ is the subordinating conjunction that connects the incomplete sentence ‘I don’t know’ with the complete sentence ‘where he has gone’.
C. Unless
‘Unless’ is a conjunction that shows the result on not fulfilling a condition.
Examples:
He may miss the train unless he runs fast.
Here the subordinating conjunction ‘unless’ shows the possible result of not running fast. It is joining the incomplete sentence ‘he may miss the train’ with the subordinate clause unless he runs fast.
D. Since
‘Since’ shows the duration of a certain time in the past until the present time. It is used to mention time.
Examples:
Ravi couldn’t come to school since last week.
In the above sentence, it shows that the duration of his absence from school has been mentioned starting from last week until today.
E. While
The conjunction while is usually used to join two actions at the same time.
Examples:
Somali was watching television while her mom was cooking.
In this example above ‘while’ is joining the incomplete sentence ‘her mom was cooking’ with the complete sentence ‘Somali was watching television’.
Common Mistake
For subordinating conjunctions, do not use a comma before the conjunction.
Examples:
- Sheetal will get to eat the cake if she helps her mother to bake it.
- Sheetal will get to eat the cake, if she helps her mother to bake it.
Concept : Correlative Conjunctions for Class 5 English
Correlative conjunctions are one of the three types of conjunctions in English. It is used to reduce fragments in a sentence and create a smooth flow. This chapter will inform students about the correlative conjunctions definition , its uses, exceptions and common mistakes that could occur while using these words.
In this learning concept, students will learn the following:
- Uses of Correlative Conjunctions.
- Correlative conjunctions list with examples.
- Usage of each of the correlative conjunction in sentences
All the learning concepts covered for Class 5 have illustrations, mind maps, and examples. Students can check their understanding by solving the two printable PDF correlative conjunctions worksheets. The solutions to these correlative conjunctions exercises are also available in PDF format.
Definition:
A correlative conjunction functions as a pair of conjunctions, with both words working together to balance or connect parts of a sentence. Words like ‘either/or’ or ‘neither/nor’, ‘both/and’, ‘but/only’ are few examples of correlative conjunctions.
Uses of Correlative Conjunctions
- Correlative conjunctions link various parts of speech to form complex sentences.
- Correlative conjunctions are used to show choices or options.
Examples:
- I’m thinking to visit either Shillong or Sikkim for a vacation.
- She would rather practise music than watch a movie.
- The conjunction ‘as’ is used twice in the sentence to make a comparison. The first ‘as’ is usually followed by a noun and then it is followed by ‘as’ again.
Examples:
- Correlative conjunctions connect parts of speech of equal importance.
Example:
Reeta likes both dancing and singing.
These conjunctions help to compare, contrast and even connect two concepts.
List of Correlative Conjunctions and its Usage
Let us have a look at the common correlative conjunctions and how they are used in a sentence.
| Correlative Conjunction Pairs | Examples |
|---|---|
| a) rather…than | I would rather travel by bus than travel by taxi. |
| b) either…or | Either you take this green dress or the pink saree. |
| c) hardly…when or scarcely…when | Hardly had Nisha begun to feel uneasy when the doctor was called. |
| d) Just as / so | Just as I was scared of it, so was he. |
| e) rather / or | Would you rather watch a movie or walk in the park. |
| f) as…many as | You do not have as many pens as I have. |
| g) both…and | Today we can both watch a movie and a restaurant. |
| h) no sooner…than | No sooner had he finished one task, than he started the next. |
| i) neither…nor | I neither know driving nor am I interested to learn it. |
| j) if / then | If she likes to eat prawns, then she could easily order that. |
| k) not only / but also | The vehicle is not only economical but also feels comfortable to drive. |
| l) whether / or | It is doubtful whether he will attend the function or not. |
| m) such…that | The circumstances were such that we had to move out. |
Common Mistakes
- In sentences that use correlative conjunction, the same part of speech should go after each pair of the conjunction. For example, if you use a noun is used after ‘neither’, then you have to use a noun after ‘nor’ too. If an adjective is used after neither, then an adjective has to be used after ‘nor’.
If a pronoun is used after neither, then a pronoun must be used after nor.
Examples:
Neither Shamita is hardworking nor ambitious. ❌
- Either / or is used in a sentence in the positive sense when denoting a choice between two possibilities.
Examples:
We can either go now or after lunch. ✅
Either my parents or I attended the function. ❌
- Neither / nor is used in a sentence in the negative sense or when two or more things are false.
Examples:
Neither my parents nor I attended the function. ✅
We can neither go now nor after lunch. ❌
- When correlative conjunctions are being used, they do not require a comma.
Example:
Either the pink top or the red shirt will look good with white pants.✅
Either the pink top, or the red shirt will look good with white pants. ❌
- Double negative words should not be used while using neither/nor.
Example:
She didn’t find neither the phone nor the charger. ❌
The above sentence is a double negative because ‘didn't’ is a negative term and the correlative conjunction pair ‘neither/nor’, also means negative.
- Pair the proper preposition when using a correlative conjunction.
Example:
The cupboard was made not only for storing clothes but also for storing important documents. ✅
The cupboard was made not only for storing clothes but also storing important documents. ❌
Exceptions
- There are certain exceptions to the rule regarding no commas between correlative conjunctions.
A comma can be used if it serves another grammar rule in the sentence.
Example:
Neither this cotton saree, which was comfortable, nor the elegant silk saree, interested the woman. ✅
Note that the correlative conjunction pair ‘neither . . . nor’ is divided by the two commas to balance the phrase ‘which was comfortable.’
- Commas may also separate correlative conjunction pairs when a coordinating conjunction is used between two independent sentences. This is done with the correlative conjunction pairs ‘not only . . . but also.’
Example:
Not only did Aakash need money, but he also needed a house to stay. ✅
Note that when part of a correlative conjunction pair is also coordinating conjunction, a comma is used before it. The word ‘but’ is a coordinating conjunction. Hence a comma can be used.
