Writing with Subordinating Conjunctions | 3rd Grade Conjunction - 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, so, but, yet

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. Here’s a quick guide to help choose the right one:

- and: adds information
- or: presents alternatives
- for: gives a reason (often formal)
- nor: used with "neither" or negative statements
- so: shows result/consequence
- but: shows contrast
- yet: shows contrast (more formal than "but")

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Now let's go through each sentence:

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1. I know the answer, ______ I can't tell you.
→ There's a contrast: knowing the answer but not being able to say it.
✔ but

2. Should we go by train, ______ take the bus?
→ Two options are presented.
✔ or

3. I am allergic to cats, ______ I have two of them.
→ This is a contradiction — allergic but owns cats.
✔ but (or possibly yet, but but is more common here)

4. She did not study, ______ she failed the test.
→ One action leads to another (cause and effect).
✔ so

5. I will be late for the party, ______ I will be having dinner with my parents first.
→ Explaining the reason for being late.
✔ for (formal reason) – or because, but since only coordinating conjunctions are allowed, for is best.

6. Can you stay here ______ wait for him?
→ Two choices: stay or wait. But “stay” and “wait” are both actions; likely meaning “stay or wait?”
✔ or

7. She does not like apples, ______ does she like oranges.
→ Double negative structure. "Neither...nor" pattern.
✔ nor

8. He has a small house, ______ it feels very spacious.
→ Contrast between size and feeling.
✔ but (or yet, but but is more natural)

9. You can pay with cash, ______ you can use your credit card.
→ Two options for payment.
✔ or

10. He was driving too fast, ______ he missed the turn.
→ Cause and effect: driving fast caused missing the turn.
✔ so

11. We bathed the dog, ______ we could not get clean.
→ Unexpected result despite bathing.
✔ but

12. He was supposed to study, ______ he played games instead.
→ Expected action vs. what actually happened.
✔ but

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✔ Final Answers:

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

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Explanation Summary:

- Use but for contrast.
- Use or for alternatives.
- Use so for results.
- Use for to give a reason (more formal).
- Use nor after a negative statement.
- Use yet for contrast (less common in these contexts).

This worksheet helps students practice choosing the correct conjunction based on sentence meaning and logical connection.