English Unite - Coordinating Conjunctions Worksheet - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step. The task is to complete each sentence with the correct coordinating conjunction from the list:
and, or, for, nor, yet, so, but

We’ll go through each sentence, analyze the relationship between the two clauses, and choose the most appropriate conjunction.

---

1. I know the answer, ________ I can't tell you.

- First clause: "I know the answer" (positive)
- Second clause: "I can't tell you" (negative/contradictory)
→ This shows a contrast.
✔ but
👉 *I know the answer, but I can't tell you.*

---

2. Should we go by train ________ take the bus?

- Two options being presented (choice)
→ Use or for alternatives
✔ or
👉 *Should we go by train or take the bus?*

---

3. I am allergic to cats, ________ I have two of them.

- First part: allergic → should avoid cats
- Second part: owns two cats → contradiction
→ Contrast again
✔ but
👉 *I am allergic to cats, but I have two of them.*

---

4. She did not study, ________ she failed the test.

- Cause and effect: not studying → failing
→ Resulting consequence
✔ so
👉 *She did not study, so she failed the test.*

---

5. I will be late for the party, ________ I will be having dinner with my parents first.

- Reason for being late: having dinner
→ Explanation
✔ for
👉 *I will be late for the party, for I will be having dinner with my parents first.*
> Note: "for" is used here as a formal reason (less common in spoken English, but correct).

---

6. Can you stay here ________ wait for him?

- Two actions that could happen together
→ Parallel actions
✔ and
👉 *Can you stay here and wait for him?*

---

7. She does not like apples, ________ does she like oranges.

- Negative statement about apples
- Then asks if she likes oranges — also negative
→ Double negative, using nor after "not"
✔ nor
👉 *She does not like apples, nor does she like oranges.*
> "Nor" is used with negative statements to continue the negation.

---

8. He has a small house, ________ it feels very spacious.

- Small size vs. feeling spacious → contrast
✔ yet
👉 *He has a small house, yet it feels very spacious.*
> "Yet" is used for contrast, often with unexpected results.

---

9. You can pay with cash, ________ you can use your credit card.

- Two options (either one is acceptable)
→ Choice
✔ or
👉 *You can pay with cash, or you can use your credit card.*

---

10. He was driving too fast, ________ he missed the turn.

- Cause and effect: driving fast → missed turn
→ Result
✔ so
👉 *He was driving too fast, so he missed the turn.*

---

11. We bathed the dog, ________ we could not get him clean.

- Action taken: bathed dog
- Result: couldn’t get clean → unexpected outcome
→ Contrast
✔ but
👉 *We bathed the dog, but we could not get him clean.*

---

12. He was supposed to study, ________ he played games instead.

- Expected action: study
- Actual action: played games → opposite
→ Contrast / unexpected behavior
✔ but
👉 *He was supposed to study, but he played games instead.*

---

✔ Final Answers:

1. but
2. or
3. but
4. so
5. for
6. and
7. nor
8. yet
9. or
10. so
11. but
12. but

---

🔍 Summary of Conjunctions:

- and: adds information (joining similar ideas)
- or: presents choices
- but: shows contrast
- so: shows result/consequence
- yet: contrast, often with surprise
- nor: continues a negative idea
- for: gives reason (more formal)

This exercise helps reinforce how context determines which coordinating conjunction to use. Great practice! 😊