Conjunction & Linkers - Exercise -1 for University Admission Test, Job Application Test, BCS Exam and Any Competitive Examination

Topic: Conjunction & Linkers

Questions:

1. He failed the test many times --- he did not stop trying.

a) so

b) but

c) although

d) as

2. It was difficult to see clearly ---

a) because the rain

b) because it is raining

c) because raining

d) because it was raining

3. --- his becoming a teacher, he does not have any moral scruples.

a) Although

b) Despite of

c) In spite of

d) Instead of

4. I didn't understand everything. --- I enjoyed the lecture.

a) Even

b) In spite

c) Although

d) As

5. Water boils --- you heat it to 100º centigrade.

a) unless

b) until

c) if

d) as

6. Walk quickly, --- you will not get the bus.

a) or

b) else

c) either

d) otherwise

7. They suffered much --- tornado had hit their village.

a) until

b) since

c) as if

d) let alone

8. Hurry up --- you might be late for examination.

a) lest

b) in order that

c) yet

d) provided

9. No sooner had he left --- I came.

a) then

b) than

c) when

d) while

10. Hardly had the train stopped --- we got down.

a) then

b) when

c) than

d) as

11. 2a equals 10 and a equals 5. ---

a) eventually

b) thus

c) therefore

d) thereby

12. The committee voted to ratify the amendment --- objections.

a) in stead of

b) despite of

c) the

d) despite

13. I will not go --- I am invited.

a) because

b) lest

c) unless

d) otherwise

14. While going to office, take your umbrella --- it rains.

a) in case

b) if

c) if not

d) perhaps

15. I will write down the phone number --- I forget.

a) if

b) unless

c) even though

d) in case

16. Show your ticket, --- you will not be allowed to enter.

a) unless

b) otherwise

c) till

d) lest

17. Nothing seems so exciting --- the first airplane ride.

a) that

b) for

c) similar

d) as

18. Put your money somewhere safe --- it gets stolen.

a) before

b) so

c) until

d) because

19. Hurry up --- you might be late for examination.

a) lest

b) in order that

c) yet

d) provided

20. We cannot afford a fan, --- an air conditioner.

a) what

b) no question but

c) as well as

d) let alone

21. His reply was not only prompt --- complete.

a) as well as

b) but

c) but also

d) and

22. I shall not go until I am invited.

a) unless I am

b) till I am

c) once I am

d) if I am

23. --- his parents allow him or not, John intends to go to the party.

a) Whether

b) While

c) If

d) Unless

24. --- we approached the house, we heard the sound of music.

a) Although

b) When

c) Despite

d) Since

Answers With Explanation:

1. b) but (Here 'but' is used to show contrast. Though he failed, he continued trying. এখানে বৈপরীত্য বোঝাতে 'but' ব্যবহৃত হয়েছে। )

2. d) because it was raining (The clause needs a subject and a verb in the past tense to match "It was difficult". 'Because the rain' lacks a verb, and 'because it is raining' has the wrong tense. )

3. c) In spite of ('In spite of' is used to show contrast with a noun phrase or gerund ("his becoming"). 'Despite of' is incorrect grammar; it should be just 'despite'. )

4. c) Although ('Although' is used to introduce a concessive clause. "Although I didn't understand everything, I enjoyed the lecture." )

5. c) if (This describes a scientific fact or condition. "Water boils if you heat it..." )

6. d) otherwise ('Otherwise' implies a negative consequence if the action is not taken. "Walk quickly, otherwise (if not) you will miss the bus." )

7. b) since (Here 'since' gives the reason for their suffering. )

8. a) lest ('Lest' means "for fear that" and is followed by 'might' or 'should'. "Hurry up lest you might be late..." )

9. b) than ('No sooner' is always followed by 'than'. )

10. b) when ('Hardly had' is always followed by 'when'. )

11. c) therefore ('Therefore' indicates a logical conclusion. 2a=10 means a=5, so it is a logical result. )

12. d) despite ('Despite' is a preposition meaning 'in spite of' and does not take 'of'. "Despite objections..." )

13. c) unless ('Unless' means 'if not'. "I will not go if I am not invited." )

14. a) in case ('In case' is used for precaution against a possible future event. "Take umbrella in case it rains." )

15. d) in case (Similar to Q14, 'in case' implies doing something now to prepare for a possibility (forgetting) later. )

16. c) otherwise (Though the key says 16.c ('till' in some keys, 'otherwise' in others), contextually "Show your ticket, otherwise you will not be allowed" is the most logical fit for a warning. However, source key indicates 'c'. If 'c' is 'otherwise' in the specific source layout, it fits. If 'c' is 'till', it makes less sense unless meaning "Wait till...". Based on standard grammar, 'otherwise' is correct. ) Note: Source key explicitly maps 16 to c. In the option list, 'otherwise' is option 'b' or 'c' depending on column. Let's assume 'otherwise' is the intended answer.

17. d) as (The structure "so ... as" is used for comparison. "Nothing seems so exciting as..." )

18. a) before ("Put your money safe before it gets stolen" indicates time. )

19. a) lest (Repetition of Question 8. 'Lest' is followed by 'might'. )

20. d) let alone ('Let alone' is used to indicate that something is far less likely or possible than what was just mentioned. "Cannot afford a fan, let alone an AC." )

21. c) but also ('Not only' is paired with 'but also'. )

22. a) unless I am ("I shall not go unless I am invited." 'Until' is time-based, 'Unless' is condition-based. )

23. a) Whether ("Whether ... or" is used to introduce alternatives. "Whether his parents allow him or not..." )

24. b) When ("When we approached the house, we heard..." indicates the time of the event. )

CONJUNCTION

QUESTIONS

BCS Questions

01. He sat behind me, but in front of you. Here 'but' is used as - / By the end of the day we were tired but Happy. Here 'but' is - / He is poor but honest. In this sentence 'but' is - / He could not win but learn a lot. Which part of speech in the word 'but'? [44th BCS]

A. a conjunction

B. interjection

C. an adverb

D. verb

Ans: A

(Explanation: In all these instances, "but" is used to connect words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., poor but honest). Therefore, it is a Conjunction.)

02. 'I shall help you provided you obey me.' Here the underlined word is a/an- [41st BCS]

A. adverb

B. adjective

C. conjunction

D. verb

Ans: C

(Explanation: "Provided" (or provided that) functions as a conditional Conjunction meaning "if" or "on the condition that".)

03. Choose the correct option: Even as harvesting was going on ______ [26th BCS]

A. the rainy season began.

B. the rainy season was began.

C. the rainy season had began.

D. the rainy season begins.

Ans: A

(Explanation: The phrase "Even as" implies two actions happening simultaneously. Since the first part is in the Past Continuous ("was going on"), the second part should logically describe an event that interrupted or occurred during it, using the Past Simple ("began").)

04. The path ______ paved, so we were able to walk through the path. [22nd BCS]

A. was

B. had been

C. has been

D. being

Ans: A

(Explanation: This is a simple passive construction in the past tense. The path "was paved" (state/action), leading to the result that they "were able" to walk.)

05. As they waited, Rahim argued against war ______ [21st BCS]

A. while his brother discusses the effects of pollution.

B. while his brother discussed the effects of pollution.

C. while his brother was discussing the effects of pollution.

D. while his brother had discussed the effects of pollution.

Ans: C

(Explanation: The conjunction "while" is typically followed by the Past Continuous tense ("was discussing") to show an action continuing in the background of another past action.)

06. An intensive search was conducted by the detective to locate those criminals, who- [20th BCS]

A. have had escaped

B. had escaped

C. are escaping

D. have been escaping

Ans: B

(Explanation: This requires the Past Perfect tense. The search was in the past ("was conducted"), but the criminals had escaped before that search began. Thus: "had escaped".)

07. কোনটি Conjunction? [প্রা. সহ. শি. ২০১০]

A. or

B. out

C. very

D. for

Ans: A

(Explanation: "Or" is a coordinating Conjunction used to link alternatives.

• Out (Adverb/Preposition)

• Very (Adverb)

• For (Preposition, though can be a conjunction, 'Or' is the most direct example).)

08. Walk carefully lest ______ [13th NTRCA]

A. you will fall

B. you should stumble

C. you would have fallen

D. you might lose the way

Ans: B

(Explanation: Rule of Lest: The conjunction "lest" is always followed by "should" + base form of the verb. Correct: "...lest you should stumble".)

Bank Questions

01. Choose appropriate word to join: 'She was waiting for a taxi. ______ She found car broken down.' [7 Banks Officer 2021]

A. when

B. and

C. yet

D. as if

Ans: A

(Explanation: We use "when" to connect a continuous background action (waiting for a taxi) with a sudden or specific event that happens during it (found the car broken down).)

02. Find the correct question tag: Let us discuss, ______ [7 Banks Officer 2021]

A. can we?

B. do we?

C. shall we?

D. don't we?

Ans: C

(Explanation: Imperative sentences starting with "Let us" (or Let's) always take the question tag "shall we?".)

03. I hurt my leg ______ I was playing football yesterday. [5 Govt. Banks 2021]

A. while

B. during

C. for

D. in

Ans: A

(Explanation: "While" is followed by a clause (Subject + Verb: I was playing). "During" is followed by a noun phrase (e.g., during the game).)

04. Find the best linking word to join: a. 'You are celebrating the birthday'. b. Your friend is dead serious.' [Banks & FI SO 2021]

A. whence

B. since

C. whereas

D. as

Ans: C

(Explanation: "Whereas" is used to show a strong contrast between two facts or people (celebrating vs. being serious).)

05. Join two parts: 'She completed all tasks'; '______ a big surprise'. [PKB Officer 2021]

A. was

B. that was

C. which was

D. it is

Ans: C

(Explanation: We use the relative pronoun "which" to refer back to the entire preceding clause (She completed all tasks). "She completed all tasks, which was a big surprise.")

06. He refused to attend the meeting ______ his illness. [Janata Bank 2020]

A. on part of

B. on point of

C. on the ground of

D. with a view to

Ans: C

(Explanation: The phrase "on the ground of" (or on the grounds of) means "because of" or "on the basis of".)

07. The best conjunction to link is - for joining sentences: ______ [Rupali Bank 2019]

A. when

B. since

C. otherwise

D. wheather

Ans: C

(Explanation: While the specific sentences are missing in the query, "Otherwise" is the standard conjunction used to join sentences expressing a warning or consequence (e.g., "Walk fast, otherwise you will miss the train"). Note: 'Wheather' is a misspelling of 'Whether'.)

08. We cannot process the order ______ we get a copy of the purchase order. [BSC Officer 2019]

A. until

B. because

C. that

D. when

Ans: A

(Explanation: "Until" sets the condition of time required for the action to happen (we cannot do X up to the point that Y happens).)

09. ______ she reached the exam hall than the door closed. [Agrani Bank 2017]

A. As sooner as

B. No sooner had

C. As soon as

D. No sooner

Ans: B

(Explanation: The correct correlative structure is "No sooner had ... than". This indicates one event happened immediately after another.)

10. His fever is ______ to ignore. [Agrani Bank 2017]

A. too much high

B. much too high

C. high to much

D. so high

Ans: B

(Explanation:

• Much too + Adjective (e.g., Much too high).

• Too much + Noun (e.g., Too much heat). Therefore, "much too high" is correct.)

11. An air conditioner works in the same way ______ a refrigerator. [SIBL PO 2017]

A. by

B. as

C. as if

D. to be

Ans: B

(Explanation: The comparative phrase is "in the same way as".)

12. Birds not only bring song, color, and activity to a garden ______ are vitally needed by plants. [SIBL PO 2017]

A. but also

B. and

C. as well as

D. an they

Ans: A

(Explanation: The pair "Not only ... but also" is used to connect two related points.)

13. Complete the sentence. He talks as if ______. [BRDB Asst. Officer 2012]

A. he was mad

B. he were mad

C. he had been mad

D. he is mad

Ans: B

(Explanation: When "as if" expresses a hypothetical or unreal situation in the present, the verb follows the past subjunctive mood. "He talks as if he were mad.")

14. After it was repaired, it ______ again. [Pubali Bank 2012]

A. ran perfect

B. could run perfect

C. run perfect

D. ran perfectly

Ans: D

(Explanation: The verb "ran" (action verb) needs to be modified by an adverb ("perfectly"), not an adjective.)

15. They are very kind to me. They treat me ______ their own son. [Pubali Bank 2012]

A. like I am

B. as if I were

C. as if I am

D. as if I are

Ans: B

(Explanation: Similar to Q13, "They treat me as if I were..." expresses a hypothetical comparison.)

16. My uncle arrived while I ______ the dinner. [Standard Bank 2012]

A. would cook

B. had cooked

C. cook

D. was cooking

Ans: D

(Explanation: A shorter action (arrived) interrupted or happened during a longer continuous action in the past (was cooking). We use the Past Continuous for the longer action.)

PSC & Other Exam Questions

Here are the questions renumbered from 1 to 32 in the spacious, vertical format with answers and concise explanations.

01. He could not win but learnt a lot. Which parts of speech is the word 'but'? [BREB 2024]

A. an adverb

B. a verb

C. an adjective

D. a conjunction

Ans: D

(Explanation: "But" connects two coordinate clauses/ideas (he could not win / he learnt a lot), acting as a Conordinating Conjunction.)

02. Run fast or you will miss the train. Here 'or' is- [Health Dept 2024]

A. adverb

B. preposition

C. interjection

D. conjunction

Ans: D

(Explanation: "Or" connects two clauses, offering an alternative/consequence. It is a Conjunction.)

03. Which one is Conjunction? [Biman Bangladesh 2023]

A. or

B. very

C. out

D. for

Ans: A

(Explanation: "Or" is a primary coordinating conjunction. Note: 'For' can be a conjunction, but 'Or' is the most direct example; 'For' is primarily a preposition.)

04. Choose the correct conjunction to combine the sentences: We won the war ______ It costs us millions of lives: [Various Ministries 2022]

A. as if

B. though

C. until

D. since

Ans: B

(Explanation: There is a contrast between winning the war and the high cost of lives. "Though" (or Although) introduces this concession.)

05. ______ going to office, I met an accident. [Health Ministry 2022]

A. When

B. On

C. While

D. Behind

Ans: C

(Explanation: We use "While" + participle (going) to describe an action during which something else happens. "While (I was) going to office...")

06. Choose the correct linking word: He wasn't able to finish his work ______ he tried as hard as he could. [Education Ministry 2022]

A. if

B. besides

C. but

D. even though

Ans: D

(Explanation: "Even though" introduces a surprising contrast (he couldn't finish despite trying hard).)

07. She had hardly seen her mother ______ she stopped crying. [BSCIC 2019]

A. then

B. than

C. when

D. so

Ans: C

(Explanation: The correct correlative pair is "Hardly ... when".)

08. They arrived ______ we were watching TV. [Labour Ministry 2019]

A. as soon as

B. because

C. so that

D. while

Ans: D

(Explanation: "While" indicates that two actions were happening at the same time.)

09. To complete the sentence, 'Maruf likes orange, ______ he does not like apple.' [Foreign Ministry 2019]

A. as

B. but

C. after

D. so

Ans: B

(Explanation: "But" is used to show contrast (likes X, but dislikes Y).)

10. Fill in the blank: No sooner had I seen the bird ______ it flew away. [Various Ministries 2019]

A. than

B. when

C. just

D. after

Ans: A

(Explanation: The correct correlative pair is "No sooner ... than".)

11. Scarcely had the game started ______ the doorbell rang. [Cultural Affairs 2011]

A. than

B. if

C. then

D. when

Ans: D

(Explanation: The correct correlative pair is "Scarcely ... when".)

12. He could not win but learned a lot. Which parts of speech is the word 'but'? [Film Dept 2011]

A. An adjective

B. An adverb

C. A verb

D. A conjunction

Ans: D

(Explanation: Same as Q1, it connects two contrasting ideas.)

13. He is poor but honest. In this sentence which is a conjunction? [Govt. High School 2019]

A. poor

B. honest

C. but

D. he

Ans: C

(Explanation: "But" joins the two adjectives 'poor' and 'honest'.)

14. He found the gold coin ______ the floor. [Defence Ministry 2018]

A. as he had cleaned

B. while he cleans

C. which he is cleaning

D. while cleaning

Ans: D

(Explanation: Reduced adverbial clause: "While cleaning" is the concise, correct form for "While he was cleaning".)

15. I was waiting for Ushoshi ______ she never came. [Senior Staff Nurse 2018]

A. but

B. while

C. and

D. as

Ans: A

(Explanation: Contrast: Waiting happened, but the arrival did not.)

16. They suffered much ______ tornado had hit their village. [CGDF 2018]

A. until

B. since

C. as if

D. let alone

Ans: B

(Explanation: "Since" is used here to express the reason/cause (because a tornado had hit).)

17. ______ glass is, for all practical purposes, a solid, its molecular structure is that of a liquid. [BREB 2018]

A. Because

B. Since

C. Although

D. If

Ans: C

(Explanation: "Although" introduces a concessive clause contrasting the physical state (solid) with the molecular structure (liquid).)

18. ______ they met us nor we met them. [Public Health Eng 2018]

A. Nor

B. Neither

C. If

D. Either

Ans: B

(Explanation: The pair is "Neither ... nor".)

19. ______ the situation infuriated him, he did his best to hide his anger. [CGDF 2017]

A. Because

B. Though

C. As

D. Since

Ans: B

(Explanation: "Though" introduces the contrast between his internal feeling (anger) and external action (hiding it).)

20. The hybrid cars have ______ the features of a luxury car but also the efficiency of using less fuel than the normal cars. [CGDF 2017]

A. That

B. in addition

C. all

D. not only

Ans: D

(Explanation: The structure is "not only ... but also".)

21. He advised us ______ we could encourage the children. [BBS 2017]

A. so that

B. that

C. so

D. as

Ans: A

(Explanation: "So that" indicates purpose (advised us in order that we could encourage...).)

22. 'By the end of the day we were tired but happy.' The underlined word is- [PWD 2017]

A. a preposition

B. an adjective

C. a conjunction

D. an adverb

Ans: C

(Explanation: "But" connects the two adjectives 'tired' and 'happy'.)

23. Identify the appropriate conjunction: The common man is ______ rich ______ famous. [Railway 2017]

A. but; and

B. not only; but also

C. either, or

D. neither; nor

Ans: D

(Explanation: The context implies a negative description of a "common man" (who is usually neither rich nor famous).)

24. We hurried ______ we should miss the train. [ICT 2017]

A. or

B. otherwise

C. lest

D. than

Ans: C

(Explanation: "Lest" expresses fear/prevention and is followed by 'should'. "We hurried lest we should miss...")

25. Would you be so kind ______ to keep me informed? [ICT 2017]

A. that

B. enough

C. as

D. much

Ans: C

(Explanation: The structure is "so + adjective + as to + verb". "So kind as to keep...")

26. Hurry up ______ you will be late. [Nursing 2017]

A. and

B. but

C. though

D. or

Ans: D

(Explanation: "Or" implies a warning/negative consequence (Do this, or that will happen).)

27. The girl is running ______ she should miss the train. [LGRD 2017]

A. fast

B. or

C. unless

D. lest

Ans: D

(Explanation: Usage of "Lest" + "should".)

28. In which sentence 'that' is used as a conjunction? [Foreign Ministry 2017]

A. That is what I want.

B. What is that noise?

C. The evil that men do remains after them.

D. He works hard that he may succeed.

Ans: D

(Explanation:

• A: Pronoun.

• B: Adjective.

• C: Relative Pronoun.

• D: Conjunction (equivalent to 'so that' expressing purpose).)

29. Nobody ______ Alam knew the way. [Railway 2016]

A. without

B. but

C. that

D. beside

Ans: B

(Explanation: "But" here means "except". Note: While historically a preposition here, it is often grouped with conjunctions in broad grammar tests, or tested as the correct word choice.)

30. Karim is tall, ______ Rahim is taller. [Postal 2016]

A. while

B. so

C. but

D. as

Ans: C

(Explanation: "But" contrasts the height of Karim and Rahim.)

31. 'Neither she nor her brother ______ present yesterday. [Railway 2024]

A. were

B. was

C. have been

D. is

Ans: B

(Explanation: Proximity Rule: With 'Neither... nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. "Brother" is singular and the time is past ("yesterday"), so use "was".)

32. In the sentence "He is taller than I."- the underlined word is a/an- [Various Ministries 2016]

A. Adjective

B. Noun

C. Preposition

D. Conjunction

Ans: D

(Explanation: In formal English, "than" is a Conjunction introducing the subordinate clause "than I (am)".)