Practice Class 8 Conjunctions: Key Concepts & Questions for 2025-26 Exam
In today’s lesson, we will discuss a vital topic of grammar, “conjunctions”. The words used to join two words, sentences, phrases or clauses together are called conjunctions. The types of conjunctions, coordinate and subordinate have been discussed in the article. Practice questions and solved examples are given throughout the article for better understanding and concept clarity. Let’s begin the journey on this great topic.
Grammar
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are words which connect words, phrases, clauses, and sentences.
They bring about a relationship between the things joined.
Examples of conjunctions include though, either, and, but, because, for, or, so, yet, and both.
For example, the dining hall's tables and chairs are there.
She was pretty and smart.
Conjunctions
Kinds of Conjunctions
There are three kinds of conjunctions which are
1. Coordinate Conjunction
2. Subordinate Conjunction
3. Correlative Conjunction
Examples of Conjunctions
1. Coordinate Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join clauses of equal ranks or grammatical units of the same kind together.
For example, the bat and ball are with me.
She was tired and exhausted because of the hectic day.
Kinds of Coordinate Conjunctions
Cumulative or Copulative Conjunctions.
Adversative Conjunctions.
Alternative or Distinctive Conjunctions.
Illative or Illustrative Conjunctions.
1.1 Cumulative or Copulative Conjunctions
If conjunctions add one statement or a fact to another, they are cumulative connections.
For example, Raju is not only poetic but also good in art.
It is both the chef’s and the waiter’s fault.
1.2 Adversative Conjunctions
The conjunctions show the contrast between two statements when joined, they are adversative conjunctions.
These include, however, whereas, while, only, still, but, yet. nevertheless.
For example, She ran fast but couldn’t win the race.
I was sleeping while she was talking.
1.3 Alternative or Distinctive Conjunctions
If conjunctions express a choice between statements, they are alternative conjunctions.
For example, Either the teacher or the principal has to make the decision.
Neither Ram nor Sita is present.
1.4 Illative or Illustrative Conjunctions
If conjunctions show that one fact or statement is inferred and proved from the other, they are illustrative conjunctions.
These include, therefore, then, so, for, consequently.
For example, She is a genius, thus, she scores well on all tests.
He is loyal, therefore, he is rewarded.
2. Subordinate Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions join one clause to another on which it depends for its whole meaning.
Subordinate conjunctions could denote time, cause or reason, purpose, result, condition, place, manner or extent, comparison, concession or contrast.
For example, I didn’t reach on time because of traffic.
It was raining heavily so I got wet.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
If conjunctions are used in pairs related to each other, then they are correlative conjunctions.
They relate two sentences that are equal in status.
These conjunctions are used with words as well as sentences.
These include either-or, neither-nor, both-and, not only-but also, whether-or, as-as, so-as though, although-yet, rather-than, such-as, so-that, such-that, hardly, scarcely- when/before etc.
For example, Either you or Andy has stolen my pen.
Neither Rachel nor Monica is cleaning the room.
Difficult Words with Meanings
Summary
In this chapter, we started with the definition of conjunction. Conjunction is joining words that join words, phrases, clauses, or sentences together. The kinds of conjunctions have been discussed in the article. We then discussed the examples of the concept in different scenarios and the tips to apply the same. Practice Questions, answers, and the meaning of the difficult words have been discussed in the end.
Practice Questions
Fill in the blanks
1. Sheels ran so fast ___ she was late to her class.
2. The books were on the table___ I didn’t notice them.
3. The grapes ___ oranges are in the basket.
4. You could use a pen ___ a pencil.
5. The cars were so close to each other ___ there were lots of space in the parking area.
6. The keys were present __ I left them.
7. The dance show was wonderful ___ of the young artists.
8. He is a genuine boy ___ everybody likes him.
9. I love cats ___ dogs.
10. I had such a heavy lunch ___ I didn’t feel hungry at night.
Answer:
Fill in the blanks
1. Sheels ran so fast as she was late to her class.
2. The books were on the table but I didn’t notice them.
3. The grapes and oranges are in the basket.
4. You could use a pen or a pencil.
5. The cars were so close to each other though there were lots of space in the parking area.
6. The keys were present where I left them.
7. The dance show was wonderful because of the young artists.
8. He is a genuine boy so everybody likes him.
9. I love cats and dogs.
10. I had such a heavy lunch that I didn’t feel hungry at night.
NCERT Solutions - Class 8 Conjunctions Grammar Solution
NCERT Solutions for English Grammar serves as a comprehensive solution book for the students of Class 8 Conjunctions who are willing to expertise in the English Grammar subject.
The Class 8th English Grammar syllabus is comprehensively mentioned in this NCERT Solutions. Exhaustive Class 8 Grammar topics are present in the NCERT Solutions. Also, this is to ensure that students from any board can refer to the NCERT Solutions for English Grammar Class 8 Conjunctions.
FAQs on Class 8 English Grammar: Complete Guide to Conjunctions (2025-26)
1. What are the most important types of questions on Conjunctions for the CBSE Class 8 English exam for the 2025-26 session?
For the Class 8 English exam, the important question formats for Conjunctions typically include:
Fill in the blanks: Choosing the correct conjunction to complete a sentence.
Joining Sentences: Combining two simple sentences into one complex or compound sentence using an appropriate conjunction.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Selecting the right conjunction from a set of options.
Error Correction: Identifying and correcting the misuse of a conjunction in a given sentence.
2. How are questions on identifying and using coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) framed in exams?
Questions on coordinating conjunctions (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) are foundational and frequently asked. They usually appear as 1-mark questions where you must either join two independent clauses or fill in a blank. For example, you might be asked to combine "She studied hard. She did not score well." using 'but' or 'yet' to show contrast.
3. Which subordinating conjunctions are considered important for Class 8 exam preparation?
Students should focus on understanding the use of common subordinating conjunctions that show time, reason, condition, and contrast. The most frequently tested ones include: although, because, since, if, unless, while, as, before, and after. These are often used in questions that require joining a main clause with a dependent clause to test conceptual clarity.
4. What is an expected HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking Skills) question on Conjunctions for Class 8?
A typical HOTS question would move beyond a single sentence. You might be given a short paragraph with missing conjunctions and asked to fill them in to create a coherent and logical narrative. This tests your understanding of how conjunctions like 'however', 'therefore', and 'meanwhile' connect ideas across sentences, which is a crucial skill for writing.
5. Why is the distinction between 'although' and 'because' so important for scoring well in exams?
This distinction is critical because these words signal opposite relationships. 'Although' is a conjunction of contrast, used to connect two opposing ideas (e.g., "Although it was raining, we played outside."). 'Because' is a conjunction of reason, showing a cause-and-effect link (e.g., "We stayed inside because it was raining."). Using the wrong one completely changes the sentence's meaning, a common error that examiners specifically look for.
6. How do correlative conjunctions (e.g., 'not only...but also') test a student's attention to detail?
Correlative conjunctions are important because they test the concept of parallel structure. This means the grammatical form of the words or phrases following each part of the conjunction must be the same. For example, in "He is not only a good singer but also an excellent dancer," both parts are followed by a noun phrase. Exam questions often create an error by breaking this parallel structure, and correctly identifying or forming these sentences shows an advanced understanding of sentence construction.
7. What is a common mistake students make with the conjunction 'unless' in exams and how can it be avoided?
A very common error is using a double negative with 'unless'. Students often write, "Unless you do not hurry, you will miss the train." This is incorrect because 'unless' already implies a negative condition (it means 'if...not'). The correct sentence is, "Unless you hurry, you will miss the train." To avoid this, remember that the clause following 'unless' should almost always be positive.
8. Beyond joining words, how does mastering conjunctions contribute to better answer-writing in other subjects?
Mastering conjunctions is not just a grammar rule; it's a critical thinking tool. Using conjunctions correctly allows you to structure your answers logically in subjects like Science and Social Studies. For instance, using 'therefore' shows a conclusion, 'furthermore' adds a point, and 'on the other hand' presents a counter-argument. This helps create well-reasoned, high-scoring answers that are easy for an examiner to follow.
