Let's solve this worksheet step by step. The task is to
complete each sentence with a coordinating conjunction from the list provided:
Coordinating conjunctions:
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
These conjunctions join two independent clauses (ideas that could stand alone as sentences) and show relationships like contrast, addition, cause/effect, etc.
---
1. We don't have much time ________ hurry up!
-
"We don't have much time" and
"hurry up!" are related — the second is a result of the first.
- Best choice:
so
>
✔ so
---
2. Either we are going to win ________ they are going to win.
- This is a choice between two possibilities.
- "Either... or..." is a common pair.
>
✔ or
---
3. Jim had a cat, ________ he lost it.
- Two ideas: he had a cat, then he lost it. There’s a contrast or unexpected turn.
- The best fit is
but (shows contrast).
>
✔ but
---
4. They didn't want to be late, ________ they hurried.
- The second part is a result of the first.
- "So" shows cause and effect.
>
✔ so
---
5. Denise wants to go fishing, ________ I want to go swimming.
- Two different preferences; both are valid, but not the same.
- This shows contrast or difference in opinion.
>
✔ but
---
6. I can smell the skunk, ________ I can't see where it is.
- Sensory contradiction: you can smell it, but not see it.
- This is a contrast.
>
✔ but
---
7. We couldn't see the meteor shower. ________ the clouds blocked the sky.
- The reason we couldn’t see the shower is because of the clouds.
- "For" explains the reason (like "because").
>
✔ for
---
8. Mrs. Brown left her wallet at home ________ couldn't buy the bread.
- She left her wallet → couldn’t buy bread. Cause and effect.
>
✔ so
---
9. The dog started to walk ________ then refused to move.
- Two actions: started walking, then stopped.
- A contrast: began, but stopped.
>
✔ but
---
10. The boss shouted, ________ the workers stopped.
- The shout caused them to stop.
- Cause and effect.
>
✔ so
---
11. Lisa ________ Matt are coming with us.
- Two people joining together — need a conjunction to connect them.
- "And" joins two subjects.
>
✔ and
---
12. I looked everywhere, ________ I couldn't find my other sock.
- Expected to find it, but didn’t — contrast.
>
✔ but
---
Final Answers:
1.
so
2.
or
3.
but
4.
so
5.
but
6.
but
7.
for
8.
so
9.
but
10.
so
11.
and
12.
but
---
Summary:
This exercise tests your understanding of how coordinating conjunctions link ideas logically. Each answer depends on the relationship between the two parts of the sentence:
-
and: addition
-
but: contrast
-
so: result
-
for: reason (less common)
-
or: choice
-
yet: contrast (similar to but, more formal)
-
nor: negative addition
✔ All answers are based on logical flow and grammatical correctness.
Let me know if you'd like a printable version or explanation for any specific sentence!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of conjunction worksheet for 3rd grade.
