Conjunctions for SSC CGL
Complete Grammar Guide
1. What is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that joins two words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
Example: Ravi and Mohan are friends. I will go if it rains.
2. Types of Conjunctions
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
They connect equal rank words/clauses.
and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet
He is poor but honest
I worked hard, so I succeeded
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
They connect a dependent clause with a main clause.
because, although, if, since, when, unless, while, as, before, after
I will not go out because it is raining
He worked hard so that he might pass
3. Correlative Conjunctions
They are pairs of conjunctions used together.
either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, whether…or
He is either mad or foolish
She is not only intelligent but also hardworking
3. Important SSC Rules
Rule 1: Either/Neither takes Singular Verb
Either of the two pens is useful
Either of the two pens are useful
Rule 2: Double Negatives Not Allowed
I will not go unless you do not come
I will not go unless you come
Rule 3: Though–Yet
Though is followed by yet (optional in modern English, but SSC asks)
Though he is poor, yet he is honest
Rule 4: Until vs Unless
- Until → time
- Unless → condition
Wait here until I return
You cannot succeed unless you work hard
Rule 5: Both/And Usage
Both must be followed by and (not by also)
He is both intelligent and honest
He is both intelligent as well as honest
Rule 6: Not only–but also Placement
Verb form should agree correctly
He not only reads but also writes poems
He not only reads but also write poems
4. SSC CGL Previous Year Questions
Q1. He is not only my friend ___ also my guide.
Options: (a) or (b) and (c) but (d) yet
Answer: (c) but
Q2. Wait here ___ I return.
Options: (a) unless (b) until (c) before (d) when
Answer: (b) until
Q3. Neither of the two boys ___ guilty.
Options: (a) are (b) were (c) is (d) have
Answer: (c) is
5. Quick Recap
- Coordinating → joins equals (and, but, or)
- Subordinating → joins dependent clause (if, because, although)
- Correlative → paired (either…or, not only…but also)
- Key SSC traps: singular verb with either/neither, "though–yet" pair, wrong use of until/unless
6. Practice Questions
(Attempt yourself – answers hidden below)
Q1. He is poor ___ he is honest.
Q2. You cannot succeed ___ you work hard.
Q3. I don't know ___ he will come or not.
Q4. She is both beautiful ___ intelligent.
Q5. He will wait here ___ you return.
Click for Answers
1. but
2. unless
3. whether
4. and
5. until
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