Coordinating Conjunctions - Free Printable

Task: Coordinating Conjunctions

The goal is to choose the best coordinating conjunction for each sentence. Coordinating conjunctions include and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet. The instructions specify that when using two independent clauses, a comma should precede the conjunction. When using two phrases, only the conjunction is needed.

Solution:

#### 1. Would you like either Italian food _______ Mexican food for dinner?
- Answer: or
- Explanation: The sentence is asking about a choice between two options (Italian food and Mexican food). "Or" is used to present alternatives.

#### 2. We decided to get a new puppy _______ a new kitty!
- Answer: or
- Explanation: This sentence also presents a choice between two options (a new puppy or a new kitty). "Or" is appropriate here.

#### 3. Piper was selected as Student of the Month because she gets good grades, is always kind, uses good manners, _______ meets her reading goal.
- Answer: and
- Explanation: The sentence lists multiple reasons why Piper was selected as Student of the Month. "And" is used to connect these positive qualities in a list.

#### 4. I don't have much money right now, _______ I can either go skating _______ to the arcade, _______ not both.
- Answer: so, or, and
- Explanation:
- First blank: "so" connects the reason ("I don't have much money") to the result ("I can either go skating...").
- Second blank: "or" presents the choice between going skating or to the arcade.
- Third blank: "and" is used to clarify that the person cannot do both activities due to lack of money.

#### 5. She should have studied math _______ science last night since both tests are today.
- Answer: or
- Explanation: The sentence suggests a choice between studying math or science. "Or" is used to present the alternative.

#### 6. Lewis put on a sweater _______ it was cold outside.
- Answer: because
- Explanation: This sentence explains the reason why Lewis put on a sweater. "Because" introduces the cause (it was cold outside).

#### 7. Kelly ran fast, _______ he still came in last place.
- Answer: but
- Explanation: The sentence contrasts two ideas: Kelly ran fast, yet he still came in last place. "But" is used to show this contrast.

#### 8. Neither Kyle _______ Jake were at school today.
- Answer: nor
- Explanation: "Neither... nor" is a fixed phrase used to indicate that neither of the two people (Kyle or Jake) were at school.

#### 9. I can't decide if I should play checkers _______ chess.
- Answer: or
- Explanation: The sentence expresses indecision between two options (checkers or chess). "Or" is used to present the alternatives.

#### 10. She is a police officer _______ a volunteer at the school.
- Answer: and
- Explanation: The sentence states that she holds two roles simultaneously: being a police officer and a volunteer. "And" is used to connect these two roles.

#### 11. I have to get a new bike, _______ my old one is broken.
- Answer: because
- Explanation: This sentence explains the reason why the speaker needs a new bike. "Because" introduces the cause (the old bike is broken).

#### 12. I've got a watch, _______ I don't have a phone.
- Answer: but
- Explanation: The sentence contrasts having a watch with not having a phone. "But" is used to show this contrast.

#### 13. I had several dollars, _______ I spent most of it already.
- Answer: but
- Explanation: The sentence contrasts having several dollars with spending most of it. "But" is used to show this contrast.

Final Answers:

1. or
2. or
3. and
4. so, or, and
5. or
6. because
7. but
8. nor
9. or
10. and
11. because
12. but
13. but

Boxed Final Answer:

\boxed{1. or, 2. or, 3. and, 4. so, or, and, 5. or, 6. because, 7. but, 8. nor, 9. or, 10. and, 11. because, 12. but, 13. but}