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, choice, etc.
---
1. We don't have much time ________ hurry up!
-
"We don't have much time" and
"hurry up!" are connected by cause and effect.
- The second part is a result of the first.
- Best fit:
so
✔ Answer: so
---
2. Either we are going to win ________ they are going to win.
- This presents two possible outcomes — a choice.
- "Either...or" is a common pair.
✔ Answer: or
---
3. Jim had a cat, ________ he lost it.
- Two independent ideas: having a cat and losing it.
- There’s a contrast between ownership and loss.
- Best fit:
but
✔ Answer: but
---
4. They didn't want to be late, ________ they hurried.
- The second clause explains the reason for their action.
- Cause and effect: not wanting to be late → they hurried.
- Best fit:
so
✔ Answer: so
---
5. Denise wants to go fishing, ________ I want to go swimming.
- Two people want different things — a contrast in preferences.
- Best fit:
but
✔ Answer: but
---
6. I can smell the skunk, ________ I can't see where it is.
- Contradiction: you can smell it, but not see it.
- Best fit:
but
✔ Answer: but
---
7. We couldn't see the meteor shower. ________ the clouds blocked the sky.
- The second sentence gives a reason for the first.
- "For" is used to give a reason (less common than "because", but fits here).
- "For" is a coordinating conjunction that shows cause.
✔ Answer: for
---
8. Mrs. Brown left her wallet at home ________ couldn't buy the bread.
- First event causes the second.
- She didn’t have money → couldn’t buy bread.
- Best fit:
so
✔ Answer: so
---
9. The dog started to walk ________ then refused to move.
- Two actions in sequence: started walking, then stopped.
- But there’s a contrast — she began, then changed behavior.
- Best fit:
but
✔ Answer: but
---
10. The boss shouted, ________ the workers stopped.
- The shout caused the workers to stop.
- Best fit:
so
✔ Answer: so
---
11. Lisa ________ Matt are coming with us.
- Two people are mentioned together — joining them.
- Best fit:
and
✔ Answer: and
---
12. I looked everywhere, ________ I couldn't find my other sock.
- Despite looking everywhere, no success.
- Contrast: effort vs. result.
- Best fit:
but
✔ Answer: 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
---
📝 Explanation Summary:
-
and: adds ideas (e.g., #11)
-
but: shows contrast (e.g., #3, #5, #6, #9, #12)
-
so: shows result/causal relationship (e.g., #1, #4, #8, #10)
-
or: presents choices (e.g., #2)
-
for: gives reason (e.g., #7)
-
yet: also shows contrast, but less common; not needed here
-
nor: used in negative contexts (e.g., "not...nor"), not applicable here
All answers use appropriate coordinating conjunctions based on the logical relationship between the clauses.
Let me know if you'd like a printable version or explanation in simpler terms!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of conjunction worksheet for grade 3.
