Conjunctions — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
I wanted to play outside but it was raining hard.
Corrected: I wanted to play outside, but it was raining hard.
In Grade 4, FANBOYS conjunctions joining two independent clauses always need a comma before the conjunction.
2. Fix the sentence:
Maya likes apples or, oranges for her snack.
Corrected: Maya likes apples or oranges for her snack.
Grade 4 rule: when a coordinating conjunction joins just two words, no commas are needed around it.
3. Fix the sentence:
He studied hard so, he passed the test easily.
Corrected: He studied hard, so he passed the test easily.
Grade 4 students must remember: comma + conjunction (so), never conjunction + comma, when joining two complete thoughts.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. I wanted ice cream, but the shop was closed today.
Grade 4: 'but' is the FANBOYS conjunction that signals contrast between two clauses.
2. We can walk to school or ride our bikes today.
Grade 4: 'or' is the coordinating conjunction used to present alternatives or choices.
3. Liam packed sandwiches and juice boxes for the picnic.
Grade 4: 'and' is the most common coordinating conjunction; it joins similar or additional items.
4. It was very cold outside, so we wore thick coats.
Grade 4: 'so' is the coordinating conjunction that connects a cause to its result.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. What does the acronym FANBOYS stand for, and why is it useful for Grade 4 writers?
Sample answer: FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. These are the seven coordinating conjunctions. The acronym helps Grade 4 writers remember them so they can join equal words, phrases, or complete sentences correctly using a comma before the conjunction.
Grade 4 students use FANBOYS as a memory tool to identify coordinating conjunctions and apply the comma rule.
2. Write one sentence that uses the coordinating conjunction 'yet' to join two complete thoughts.
Sample answer: Sam practiced piano every day, yet he still felt nervous before the recital. The conjunction 'yet' joins two independent clauses and shows contrast, similar to 'but.' A comma comes before 'yet' because it joins two complete sentences.
Grade 4: 'yet' functions like 'but' to signal an unexpected contrast between two complete ideas.