GRAMMAR

COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
AND
COMPOUND SENTENCES
 What is wrong with these sentences?
Let me read this for you.
I woke up this morning. The time was 6.30. I brushed my
teeth. I had a bath. I went to the kitchen. I wanted to make
myself a cup of coffee. There was no milk. I went to the
shop. I bought milk. I bought bread.
I decided to take the bus back home. The bus did not come.
No cab came. I decided to walk back home. I reached home.
I found out that the newspapers had still not come.
Then I heard the doorbell ring. I opened the front door. I
brought the newspaper inside. I drank my coffee. I read the
newspaper. Rover barked at me. I took him for a walk. Rover
was happy. He wagged his tail. We were both tired. We both
had breakfast. I went to work.
How did the sentences sound?
"boring," "weird," "broken up," "irregular" ,"monotonous"

Why?
May be it is because the sentences are too short.
Or
All sentences are simple sentences.

Simple Sentences contain an independent clause (main

clause) that stands alone.
Compound Sentences contain two independent clauses joined
with a coordinating conjunction. It sometimes also has a
comma or is joined with a semicolon.
• My mother asked me to accompany her to the mall.- Simple
• My mother asked me to accompany her to the mall, but I do not
want to go. - Compound

Coordinating Conjunctions:
and, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, and
clauses.
 Why do I use conjunctions?
My dog Rambo is clever. Rambo runs fast.
I went for the movie. I went late.
• Do these sentence sound good? Why do you think so?
• How can you improve these sentences?
• Does this sound better?
My dog Rambo is clever and runs fast.
I went for the movie but I went late.
• Can you identify the conjunctions in these sentences?
 Shall we play a game?
Pair work
Link these words with the conjunctions to frame sentences.
E.g.: The movie theatre is clean but the tickets are expensive.
Place Features
The Marina serene crowded
beach
The movie comfortable seats expensive
theatre
The National beautiful plants no dustbins
Park and trees
Markets crowded noisy
Carnivals vibrant activity tasty food
counters
Popular plays limited seats book in
advance
 Shall we play a game?

Answers

• The Marina beach is serene but it is always crowded.

• The movie theatre has comfortable seats but is very expensive.

• The National Park has beautiful plants and trees but has no dustbins.

• Markets are crowded and are noisy.

• Carnivals have vibrant activity and also have tasty food counters.

• Popular plays have limited seats so we need to book in advance.

Now, can you recollect what conjunctions
are?
• Conjunctions are words which help us join two sentences.
• We use conjunctions to join two words, group of words or
sentences.
So, Because
• So – shows the cause and effect
e.g.: I don’t like crowds so I prefer going to the park.
• Because- gives a reason or explanation
e.g.: I don’t like to go to the beach because I don’t like
crowds.
Answer these questions, using the conjunction or.

E.g.:
Which are some places where we will see water?
Ans: We will see water at the Marina Beach or at the Carnival.
(Note: You may look at the table and ask questions.)

Where can we go to relax?

Which places are likely to be crowded?
Where can we enjoy nature?
What are some energetic places younger people might enjoy?
Which are some places we might get some food from?

Now frame your own question and quiz your partner.

 Activity
• Using the table, create a story about these places and share
it with your group. (Optionally, add more places to the list)
• Use the conjunctions : So, Because, And, But , Or
Place Features
Marina beach longest beach in serene crowded
India
Movie theatre comfortable seats clean expensive
National Park beautiful plants birds no dustbins
and trees
Religious peaceful traditional long queues
places eatables
nearby
Carnival/ vibrant activity/ tasty food noisy
Exhibition water rides
Concert lively music popular band no seats
 PRACTICE

Insert the right conjunction.

1. Baby Anuj started crying ___ no one paid any
attention.
2. The cave was dark ___ we had to use our torches.
3. I had my dinner ___ went for a walk.
4. You must study well ___ you will fail.
5. I love chocolates ___ I decided to make some at
home.
6. Do you want pencils ___ crayons?

Answers: 1. but 2.so 3.and 4. or 5. so 6. or