Basic Subordinating Conjunctions

Introduction

A subordinating conjunction is a word which joins together a dependent clause and an independent clause. This page will explain the most common subordinating conjunctions and how to use them.

1. What is a dependent clause?

A clause is a unit which contains a subject and a verb. For example, “It was raining” is a clause; the subject is “it”, and the verb is “was raining”. A dependent clause is a clause which cannot exist on its own; it needs a main (or independent) clause to go with it. For example:

Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.

This sentence contains two clauses, “Because it was raining” and “I took my umbrella”. The first clause does not mean anything on its own. If you say “Because it was raining”, and nothing else, people will not be able to understand what you mean. However, “I took my umbrella” is an independent clause — we can understand what it means even if it is alone.

2. Joining clauses together with subordinating conjunctions

Examine the example sentence one more time:

Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.

The important word here is “because”. This is a subordinating conjunction. It is used to show the relationship between the two clauses. A subordinating conjunction usually comes at the beginning of the dependent clause, but the dependent clause itself can be before the main clause (usually followed by a comma) or after it (usually without a comma):

Although it was hot, he was wearing a coat.

He was wearing a coat although it was hot.

3. Important subordinating conjunctions

Some of the most important subordinating conjunctions fall into two groups: contrast, and cause and effect.

Conjunction	Function	Example
although (even) though whereas while	express contrast between ideas	Although she's small, she's very strong. John is short, whereas Mary is tall.
because as since	show a cause/effect relationship between ideas	I lost my job because I was often late. Since I have no money, I can't go to the movie.

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

Basic Subordinating Conjunctions 1

Choose the best conjunction for each sentence.

I will be late today ________ my car has broken down.

1. 1.   though
   2.   because
2. ________ Mei Li doesn't speak English, she can't go to university in Canada.
   1.   Whereas
   2.   Since
3. I don't drink coffee ________ it makes me nervous.
   1.   although
   2.   as
4. ________ my wife likes to travel abroad, I prefer to stay at home for my vacations.
   1.   Whereas
   2.   Since
5. Paula got the job ________ she had no experience.
   1.   as
   2.   even though
6. Jun couldn't buy any Christmas presents ________ he didn't have any money.
   1.   because
   2.   even though
7. Jerry passed the exam first time ________ I had to retake it three times.
   1.   as
   2.   while
8. ________ it was raining, I didn't get wet.
   1.   Although
   2.   Because

Basic Subordinating Conjunctions 2

Combine the sentences using the subordinating conjunction at the end of the sentence. For example: "I put my coat on. It was cold. (because)" becomes" I put my coat on because it was cold."

For each question, type your answer in the box, and then click on "Check". If you need help, click "Show a letter". 1 / 6

1. The boat could not move. There was no wind. (since)
   
   
   
2. Some apples are red. Others are green. (while)
   
   
   
3. Deer are cute. They eat all your flowers. (although)
   
   
   
4. Surfing is fun. It can be dangerous. (though)
   
   
   
5. You should stay away from bears. They are dangerous. (because)
   
   
   
6. I took my umbrella. It was raining. (as)
   
   

Basic Coordinating Conjunctions

Introduction

A coordinating conjunction is a word which joins together two clauses which are both equally important. This page will explain the most common coordinating conjunctions and how to use them.

1. What is a clause?

A clause is a unit which contains a subject and a verb. For example, “It was raining” is a clause; the subject is “it”, and the verb is “was raining”. Every sentence MUST contain at least one clause, but it may contain more than one. For example:

It was raining, so I took my umbrella.

This sentence contains two clauses, “It was raining” and “I took my umbrella”. They are independent clauses because each one would be a good sentence on its own — each one is a “complete thought”.

2. Joining clauses together with coordinating conjunctions

Examine the example sentence one more time:

It was raining, so I took my umbrella.

The two clauses in the sentence are joined together with the word “so”. This is a coordinating conjunction. It is used to join two independent clauses which are equally important. A coordinating conjunction usually comes in the middle of a sentence, and it usually follows a comma (unless both clauses are very short). These are the most important coordinating conjunctions:

Conjunction	Function	Example
and	joins two similar ideas together	He lives in Victoria, and he studies at UVic.
but	joins two contrasting ideas	John is Canadian, but Sally is English.
or	joins two alternative ideas	I could cook some supper, or we could order a pizza.
so	shows that the second idea is the result of the first	She was sick, so she went to the doctor.

These conjunctions are also used:

nor (joining two negative alternatives)
for (meaning “because”)
yet (meaning “but”)

3. Using coordinating conjunctions

There are three things to remember when using coordinating conjunctions:

1. Coordinating conjunctions join independent clauses. Each clause must be a “complete thought” which could be a sentence on its own.
2. With coordinating conjunctions, put the conjunction in the middle. You may see some sentences starting with “but” or “and”, but this is usually wrong, so it's best to avoid it.
3. With coordinating conjunctions, use a comma unless both clauses are very short.

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

Basic Coordinating Conjunctions

Complete the sentences by choosing the best coordinating conjunction for each space.

Type in all of your answers using the word list below and then click on "Check answers". If you need help, click "Show a letter".

   and      but      or      so   

1. Jaewon was cold, he put on a coat.
2. Maria tried to read a novel in French, it was too difficult.
3. To get from Vancouver to Victoria, you can fly, you can ride the ferry.
4. I bought a bottle of wine, we drank it together.
5. The waiter was not very nice, the food was delicious.
6. I went to buy a Rolling Stones CD, the shop didn't have it.
7. Anna needed some money, she took a part-time job.
8. There's so much rain lately! Maybe it's because of El Nino, maybe it's just coincidence.
9. Julie has a guitar, she plays it really well.
10. The concert was cancelled, we went to a nightclub instead.

First Conditional

Introduction

The first conditional (also called conditional type 1) is a structure used for talking about possibilities in the present or in the future. This page will explain how the first conditional is formed, and when to use it.

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1. The structure of a first conditional sentence

A first conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an "if" clause and a main clause:

if clause	main clause
If you study hard,	you will pass the test.

If the "if" clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the "if" clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:

main clause	if clause
You will pass the test	if you study hard.

We use different verb forms in each part of a first conditional:

main clause	if clause
You will pass the test	if you study hard.

2. Using the first conditional

The first conditional is used to talk about things which are possible in the present or the future — things which may happen:

Example	Explanation
If it's sunny, we'll go to the park.	Maybe it will be sunny — that's possible.
Paula will be sad if Juan leaves.	Maybe Juan will leave — that's possible.
If you cook the supper, I'll wash the dishes.	Maybe you will cook the supper — that's possible.

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

First Conditional

Choose the correct form of each verb to complete each sentence.

Click on the correct answer.

1. If we don't protect the elephant, it ________ extinct.
   1.   becomes
   2.   will become
2. You ________ heart disease if you eat too much meat.
   1.   will get
   2.   get
3. If you don't put so much sugar in your coffee, you ________ so much weight!
   1.   don't put on
   2.   won't put on
4. You won't pass the course if you ________.
   1.   don't study
   2.   won't study
5. She ________ completely different if she cuts her hair.
   1.   looks
   2.   will look
6. You ________ better if you turn on the lamp.
   1.   are able to see
   2.   will be able to see
7. If I ________ some eggs, how many ________?
   1.   will cook / do you eat
   2.   cook / will you eat
8. If you ________ an apple every day, you'll be very healthy.
   1.   will eat
   2.   eat
9. You'll pay higher insurance if you ________ a sports car.
   1.   buy
   2.   will buy
10. If a deer ________ into your garden, it ________ all your plants.
    1.   will get / eats
    2.   gets / will eat

First Conditional

Put the correct form of each verb in brackets into the box.

Type all of your answers in the spaces and the and click on "Check answers". If you need help, click "Show a letter".

1. If you (not study), you (fail) the test.
2. We (die) if we (not get) help soon!
3. If you (look) in the fridge, you (find) some cold drinks.
4. If there (be) no oil in the engine, the car (break) down.
5. I (lend) you my umbrella if you (need) it.
6. The sea level (rise) if the planet (get) hotter.
7. If you (eat) your sandwiches now, you (not have) anything for lunch!
8. You (be) safe in an accident if you (wear) your seatbelt.
9. If he (save) all his money, he (be able to go) on holiday to Canada.
10. I (not come) with you if you (not bring) John!

Zero Conditional

Introduction

The zero conditional is a structure used for talking about general truths — things which always happen under certain conditions. This page will explain how the zero conditional is formed, and when to use it.

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1. The structure of a zero conditional sentence

A zero conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an “if” clause and a main clause (In most zero conditional sentences you can use when or if and the meaning will stay the same.):

“if” clause	main clause
If you heat water to 100 degrees,	it boils.

If the “if” clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the “if” clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:

main clause	“if” clause
Water boils	if you heat it to 100 degrees,

We use the same verb form in each part of a zero conditional: the simple present tense:

“if” clause	if + subject + simple present verb
main clause	subject + simple present verb

2. Using the zero conditional

The zero conditional is used to talk about things which are always true — such as scientific facts and general truths:

Example	Explanation
If you cross an international date line, the time changes.	This always happens — every time you cross a date line.
If it rains, the grass gets wet.	This is basically always true — the rain makes the grass wet.
Wood doesn't burn if there is no air.	This is a scientific fact — wood needs air in order to burn. No air = no fire.

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

Zero Conditional

Make a zero conditional sentence using the words.
For example: "water / boil / heat / to 100 degrees" becomes "Water boils if you heat it to 100 degrees."

For each question, type your answers in the box, and then click on "Check".

1 / 5

1. you / not / eat / you / die
   
   
   
2. my daughter / eat / too much chocolate / she /get / sick
   
   
   
3. ice / float / you / drop / it / in water
   
   
   
4. iron / rust / it / get / wet
   
   
   
5. if / no / rain / the grass / not / grow
   
   

Adverbs of Manner

Introduction

Adverbs describe the time when something happens, the place where something happens or how something happens. They tell us more about verbs. We can ask these questions:

Question	Answer	Type
When?	yesterday, today, now, later...	adverbs of time
Where?	here, there, everywhere, home, away, ...	adverbs of place
How?	slowly, happily, well...	adverbs of manner

Adverbs of Manner

Let's work on adverbs of manner!
Read this example:

Tom drove carefully along the narrow road.

How did Tom drive? Carefully!
In what way did Tom drive? Carefully!
Compare:

Tom is a careful driver.         

Here, careful is an adjective and gives more information about what kind of driver Tom is. Adjectives usually follow the verb “to be” and come before a noun.

How can we make adverbs?

Usually, we make adverbs by adding “ly” to the end of an adjective.
Examples:

nice nicely
clear clearly

Sometimes, we must change the “y” at the end of the adjective and add “ily” to make the adverb.
Examples:

heavy heavily
lazy lazily

Be careful! Some adjectives end in “ly” and are NOT adverbs.
Examples:

She is a lovely woman.
They are very friendly, aren't they?

Now we know how to use adverbs of manner to describe more about the way we do things. Let's look at three more examples. Can you find the adverbs?

My mother sings beautifully, but my father sings very badly.
When I was a child, I couldn't swim very quickly, but now I can!
They don't like the teacher because she speaks so loudly.

Be careful! There are some very common exceptions!!
“Good” is an adjective.

Your pronunciation is very good.

“Well” is an adverb.

You speak very well.
He can't play tennis well.

The words “fast,” “late,” and “hard” are adjectives and adverbs.

Adjective	Adverb
Mary was a fast runner in high school.	Mary could run very fast.        (not fastly)
The bus was late.	The bus arrived late today.     (not lately*)
John is a hard worker.	John works hard every day.    (not hardly**)

*Lately is an adverb, but it means “recently”.

I have been feeling tired lately.

**Hardly is an adverb, but it means “almost not at all.”

She hardly ate anything today.

Now, we need to know how to compare how things are done. You can follow the same rules that we use with adjectives!

Example:

Ann speaks French fluently. Jack can't speak French fluently.

Ann speaks French more fluently than Jack, OR
Jack speaks French less fluently than Ann, OR
Jack doesn't speak French as fluently as Ann.

Ann speaks French the most fluently in the whole office.

This is the “superlative”. It compares three or more people/things.
Example:

Bob studies seriously.
Dan doesn't study seriously.

Bob studies more seriously than Dan, or...
Dan studies less seriously than Bob, or...
Dan doesn't study as seriously as Bob.

Bob studies the most seriously of all the students in his class.

Do you remember those exceptions above? (fast/late/hard/well)
Let's see how to compare ideas with these!
Examples:

Margaret runs faster than me, but Bob runs the fastest on our team.
Joe arrives home later than his children. His wife arrives home the latest in the family.
Sally works much harder than her sister in the family business, but her brother works the hardest.
My mother sings better than my father. In fact, my mother sings the best in our whole family!

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

Adverbs of Manner 1

Choose the best answer for each sentence.

Click on the box beside the best answer. 1 / 12

1. Do you think you speak English ____________? Yes, of course!
   1.   well
   2.   good
   3.   goodly
2. The girls had to finish their work ____________ because the teacher told them to stop.
   1.   quickly
   2.   quick
3. My teacher said that Warren works ____________ in our class.
   1.   the hardest
   2.   hardly
   3.   harder than
4. Megan is a very ____________ athlete. She loves sports.
   1.   serious
   2.   seriously
5. Barbara swims ____________ than Anna because she has stronger arms.
   1.   fastlier
   2.   fast
   3.   faster
6. The group found their hotel ____________ after they bought the map of the city.
   1.   easy
   2.   easily
   3.   easly
7. Angelina is a ____________ student. She is kind and pleasant.
   1.   love
   2.   lovely
8. When they heard the bad news, they were very ____________.
   1.   sadder
   2.   sadly
   3.   sad
9. I want my children to behave ____________ to every person that they meet.
   1.   nicily
   2.   nice
   3.   nicely
10. I wish that I could explain things ____________ my teacher. I always understand what he says in class.
    1.   as clearly as
    2.   clear
    3.   clearly
11. When he was a child, Tony spoke very ____________ and his friends couldn't understand him.
    1.   quietly
    2.   quieter
    3.   quiet
12. Do you think men drive ____________ women in your country?
    1.   more dangerously than
    2.   dangerously
    3.   more dangerously

Adverbs of Manner 2

For each space, type in the best adverb from the list.

Choose all of your answers and then click on "Check answers".

   badly      hard      heavily      late      later      loudly      quietly      seriously      silently      slowly      successfully      well   

1. I think I am a good singer and I like to sing. When people say that I sing , it makes me happy.
2. We asked our teacher to speak more because she always spoke too and we couldn't hear her at all.
3. It's very important to work when studying another language. Don't give up!
4. The robber lifted the window so nobody could hear him as he entered the house.
5. Sara completed her Master's Degree in Business. Isn't that great?
6. A: Did her airplane arrive last night? B: Yes, it did. It arrived much than she expected.
7. It was raining so this morning that we cancelled the picnic.
8. A: How do you think you did on the test today? B: Oh, terrible! I think I did quite . I didn't study and I don't really understand the grammar.
9. Darren is a slow eater. He eats so that he's always the last one at the dinner table.
10. The dog was injured in the accident, but it recovered and is healthy now.

Imperatives

Introduction

Imperative sentences are used for many reasons:

Reason	Example
to give advice or suggestions	Exercise four times a week. Don’t eat too much chocolate.
to give directions	Turn right at the bank and walk three blocks.
to give instructions	Cut the onions into small pieces and fry in oil. Save your document and put it in a new folder.
to give orders or commands	(Please) be quiet! Do your homework.
to give warnings	Watch out! Don’t drive after drinking.
to make a polite request	Please turn off the light, Mary. Close the window please, Janice.
to offer an informal invitation	Bring a friend to the party if you like. Join us for dessert, Cathy!

Notice that the subject of these sentences (you) is not written or spoken. It is the same for singular and plural subjects.

(You) turn left at the corner and drive two kilometers.
Sally and Mark, stand up please.

In order to make the negative form, simply say:
“Do not + simple verb...” or “Don’t + simple verb...”

Do not run across the road, children.
Don’t smoke in the airport please.

Be careful! Do not use the imperative in formal situations with an employer or a teacher. The imperative is too direct.

Come to lunch Mrs. Rivers.    Wrong!
Would you like to join us at lunch, Mrs. Rivers?    Good!

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

Imperatives 1

Choose the best imperative for each sentence.

Click on the box beside the best answer. 1 / 8

1. __________ careful! You almost spilled your coffee.
   1.   You be
   2.   Don't be
   3.   Be
2. Wife: __________ me when I am speaking.
   Husband: Sorry, honey.
   1.   You don't interrupt
   2.   Please don't interrupt
   3.   Interrupt
3. __________ after you eat a big meal. It's not a good idea.
   1.   Don't exercise
   2.   Exercise
4. __________ warmly so you don't get cold outside. It's snowing!
   1.   Dressing
   2.   Don't dress
   3.   Dress
5. A: Could you tell me how to find the bookstore?
   B: Sure. __________ two blocks and __________ left at the corner. It's right there!
   1.   Walks / turns
   2.   Walk / turn
   3.   Don't walk / turn
6. Boss: Always __________ your documents as soon as you finish writing them.
   Employee: OK, I will.
   1.   don't save
   2.   save
   3.   you save
7. Doctor: __________ this medicine before you go to bed, okay?
   Patient: All right, doctor. Thanks.
   1.   You take
   2.   Take
8. Teacher: Jerry, __________ please. I'm ready to begin teaching.
   1.   you sit down
   2.   sit down

Imperatives 2

For each space, click on the box and choose the best imperative.

Choose all of your answers and then click on "Check answers".

1. How to improve your health: Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk a lot of fruits and vegetables. Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk too much fat or sugar. Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk regularly. Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk too much alcohol or coffee. Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk smoke; it's very bad for you!
Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk your doctor every year and Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk stressed out! Enjoy your life!

2. How to help the Earth: Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk glass, metal and paper. Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk them in the garbage can! Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk your car just a few blocks. Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk instead! Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk short showers and Do notDon't driveDon't eatdon't getDon't throwEatExerciseRecycleTry not to drinkTry to taketurn offVisitWalk the lights and the TV when you leave the room. All of these things will help the Earth.

Imperatives 3

For each space, click on the box and choose the best imperative.

Choose all of your answers and then click on "Check answers".

1. How to improve your English skills: answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch your notes from class every day. answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch your first language after class. answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch the language that you learned in class. answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch your teacher questions if you don't understand. answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch shy; just ask! answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch to English radio and music and answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch English TV and movies. They can help you with your listening skills. You can do it!

2. How to have a successful job interview: answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch some ideas before you go. answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch on time and answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch to dress nicely. answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch polite and answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch the interviewer's questions clearly and completely. answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch too loudly or too quietly. Above all, answerArriveAskBeDon't bedon't forgetDon't speakDon't useListenPrepareReadsmileUsewatch! It will make you seem friendly and kind. Good luck!