Conjunctions are words used to connect two clauses. Examples of common conjunctions are: and, but, or, for, because, as, since, though etc. Relative pronouns can also be used to connect clauses.
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate conjunction or relative pronoun. Choose your answers from the given options.
1. No sooner had the ship touched shore ………………… a soldier of the tenth legion leaped into the water.
Sooner is a comparative word. We use ‘than’ after it.
2. The boy went to school ……………… he had finished his meal.
We use 'as soon as' to suggest that something happens immediately after another.
3. ……………….. ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise.
Where is a place word. It is also a relative adverb that can connect two clauses.
4. There was one philosopher ……………… chose to live in a tub.
Only 'who' can be used to refer to people. Whom can refer to people but it acts as the object of the verb in the relative clause.
5. He must have done his duty …………….. he is a conscientious man.
For is a coordinating conjunction. It can mean because.
6. He trudged on ……………….. he was very tired.
As and because have similar meanings. We use 'though' to connect two contrasting ideas.
7. Your arguments are weighty; ………………. they do not convince me.
8. We must eat to live, ……………… we should not live to eat.
We use 'but' to connect contrasting ideas.
9. They serve God well ……………… serve his children.
Who refers to people and act as the subject of the verb in the relative clause.
10. Control your passions ……………. they will control you.
11. He came oftener ……………… we expected.
After comparative expressions we use 'than', not 'when'.
12. My heart leaps up …………….. I behold a rainbow in the sky.
When and whenever are possible here. Whenever is more emphatic.
Answers
1. No sooner had the ship touched shore than a soldier of the tenth legion leaped into the water.
2. The boy went to school as soon as he had finished his meal.
3. Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise.
4. There was one philosopher who chose to live in a tub.
5. He must have done his duty for he is a conscientious man.
6. He trudged on though he was very tired.
7. Your arguments are weighty; yet / still they do not convince me.
8. We must eat to live, but we should not live to eat.
9. They serve God well who serve his creatures.
10. Control your passions or they will control you.
11. He came oftener than we expected.
12. My heart leaps up when / whenever I behold a rainbow in the sky.
