English Conjunctions Quiz
Do you know when to use and, but, although, neither…nor or so that? Test your knowledge of coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions across 20 multiple-choice items at B1–B2 level.
Start the Quiz →What This Quiz Covers
Conjunctions are the words and phrases that connect clauses, sentences, and ideas in English. Without them, writing and speech become disjointed lists of isolated statements. Mastering conjunctions means understanding not just which word to choose, but how that choice affects the grammatical structure of the entire sentence — including word order, verb form, and punctuation. This quiz targets the conjunction types most commonly tested at B1–B2 level in Cambridge and IELTS examinations.
The 20 questions cover all three major conjunction families. Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so — often remembered as FANBOYS) join grammatically equal elements. Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, unless, while, whenever, since, provided that) introduce dependent adverbial clauses and require careful attention to clause order and comma use. Correlative conjunctions (both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, whether…or) work in pairs and demand parallel grammatical structure in each element they connect.
Each question is set in a realistic sentence or short dialogue so that you practise choosing conjunctions in natural context, not in isolation. This is the skill that transfers directly to writing tasks, reading comprehension, and spoken fluency at B1–B2 level.
Topic Points Covered
- Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) joining independent clauses of equal grammatical rank.
- Subordinating conjunctions of contrast: although, even though, whereas, while — and the difference between placing the subordinate clause first or second.
- Subordinating conjunctions of cause and effect: because, since, as, so that, in order that — and when since means time vs reason.
- Subordinating conjunctions of condition: if, unless, provided that, as long as, in case — including tense patterns in conditional clauses.
- Subordinating conjunctions of time: when, while, as soon as, after, before, until, by the time — and the use of present simple in future time clauses.
- Correlative conjunctions in pairs: both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, whether…or — with attention to parallel structure.
- Choosing the correct conjunction based on logical meaning: addition, contrast, cause, result, condition, concession, and purpose.
- Punctuation rules: when to use a comma before a coordinating conjunction, and when a subordinate clause at the start of a sentence requires a comma.
How to Use This Quiz
Read each sentence carefully before selecting your answer. Pay attention to the meaning of the two clauses being connected — ask yourself whether the relationship is one of addition, contrast, cause, result, or condition. The conjunction must match that logical relationship, not merely sound natural in isolation.
For correlative conjunctions, check that both parts of the pair are present and that the items they connect are grammatically parallel (both nouns, both verb phrases, both adjective phrases, etc.). A mismatch in parallel structure is one of the most reliable ways to identify a wrong answer in multiple-choice conjunction questions.
For subordinating conjunctions, check whether the dependent clause comes before or after the main clause. When the subordinate clause opens the sentence, a comma is required between it and the main clause. When the main clause comes first, no comma is generally needed before the subordinating conjunction.
After completing all 20 questions, note which conjunction category caused the most errors. If coordinating conjunctions were difficult, focus on the logical meaning distinctions between for (reason), yet (unexpected contrast), and so (result). If subordinating conjunctions were a weak point, revisit the Conditionals guide and the Grammar Tenses guide on the blog. You can also build complex sentences in context with the Complete the Sentence exercise, or explore the full Grammar hub for structured topic reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions
English conjunctions fall into three main groups. Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so — FANBOYS) join two grammatically equal elements such as two independent clauses, two nouns, or two adjectives. Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, unless, when, if, since, while, etc.) introduce a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence. Correlative conjunctions work in fixed pairs (both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also) and connect parallel grammatical structures on each side.
Both express contrast, but they work differently. But is a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses of equal grammatical rank: It was raining, but we went out anyway. Although is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause: Although it was raining, we went out. Crucially, you cannot start a sentence with but in formal written English (though it is common informally), while although can freely open a sentence. The two words also cannot be combined — never write Although it was raining, but we went out.
Neither…nor is a correlative conjunction pair used to make a negative statement about two things simultaneously: She neither called nor sent a message. Both parts of the pair must connect grammatically parallel elements — if neither precedes a verb phrase, nor must also precede a verb phrase. Subject-verb agreement follows proximity: when both subjects are singular, use a singular verb; when one is plural, the verb agrees with the nearer subject: Neither the teacher nor the students were ready. Do not use not elsewhere in the clause, as neither…nor is already negative.
Because introduces the cause (reason), while so introduces the result (consequence). Compare: I stayed home because I was ill. (the illness is the reason) vs I was ill, so I stayed home. (staying home is the result). The information that follows each conjunction is different. Because is a subordinating conjunction, so the clause it introduces can move to the front of the sentence: Because I was ill, I stayed home. So is coordinating and cannot move to the front in the same way. In formal writing, prefer therefore or as a result over so at the start of a sentence.
Parallel structure means that the grammatical forms on each side of a correlative conjunction must match. If not only precedes a verb, but also must precede a verb. If either precedes a noun phrase, or must also precede a noun phrase. A common error is: She is not only talented but also works hard — here not only precedes an adjective but but also precedes a verb phrase. The correct form is: She is not only talented but also hard-working (both adjectives) or She not only has talent but also works hard (both verb phrases). Breaking parallel structure is one of the most penalised grammar errors in B2-level writing tasks.
Unless means "except if" or "on the condition that…not" and introduces the one exception to a general statement: I will come unless it rains = I will come if it does not rain. In most conditional sentences, unless and if…not are interchangeable. However, unless cannot be used in sentences expressing a surprising or unexpected outcome — in those cases, only if…not is possible: I'd be surprised if she didn't win (not unless she won). Like all subordinating conjunctions of condition, unless is followed by present simple in first conditional structures, not a future form.
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so, yet, nor) when it joins two complete independent clauses — each with its own subject and verb: She studied hard, and she passed the exam. Do not use a comma when the conjunction joins two words, two phrases, or two items in a short list where no ambiguity exists: He bought bread and milk. In British English, the "Oxford comma" (a comma before the final item in a list) is optional, while in American academic English it is generally recommended. A comma is always required before a conjunction when the sentence could be misread without it.
Both express contrast between two situations, but their register and meaning differ slightly. While is more versatile: it can express simultaneous time (She listened while he spoke) or contrast (While I enjoy jazz, my sister prefers classical music). Whereas is used exclusively for contrast and is more formal, often appearing in essays and reports: Sales increased in Q1, whereas they declined in Q2. When using either word for contrast, the items being contrasted should be genuinely parallel and comparable. Both can introduce the subordinate clause at the start or middle of a sentence, with a comma separating the clauses when the subordinate clause comes first.
Subordinating conjunctions can always begin a sentence, as the dependent clause they introduce is meant to precede the main clause: Although the film was long, I enjoyed every minute. Starting a sentence with a coordinating conjunction like and, but, or so is grammatically possible and widely accepted in modern English, including in quality journalism and literary prose. However, in formal academic writing (IELTS Task 2, Cambridge Writing) it is safer to use sentence adverbs instead: However (= but), Furthermore (= and), Therefore (= so). This demonstrates a wider range of cohesive devices, which examiners reward.
Conjunctions are a core component of the "grammatical range and accuracy" criterion in both IELTS Writing Band descriptors and Cambridge B2 First (FCE) marking schemes. Using a variety of conjunctions — coordinating, subordinating, and correlative — demonstrates the ability to construct complex sentences, which is required for a Band 7+ in IELTS or a Grade B/A in FCE. Common conjunction errors (double connectors such as Although…but, incorrect correlative pairs, or missing conjunctions) directly reduce scores. This quiz targets exactly the conjunction choices that appear in B1–B2 gap-fill and error-correction tasks.