Conjunction and Preposition: Definition, Exercise, & PDF

Conjunction and preposition are two fundamentally different, yet simultaneously used components of English grammar. The former helps to connect words, phrases, or clauses, whereas the latter is meant to build a relationship between nouns, pronouns, and other words in a particular sentence. So, understanding these parts of speech is very important for effective and efficient communication. However, distinguishing between them can be challenging even for a proficient writer and language teachers. 

Therefore, this blog article focuses on key areas of conjunctions and prepositions that you must learn to gain mastery over their usage.

Also Read: 9 Basic Rules in Grammar to Improve Your English

Meaning of Conjunction

Conjunctions are meant to bind words, phrases, and clauses together within a sentence and facilitate comprehensive communication. There are three types of conjunctions which include –

• Coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, etc.

Examples – I like coffee, but his friend prefers tea

• Subordinating conjunctions: because, although, while

Examples – Because it was raining, he stayed indoors.

• Correlative conjunctions: either…or, neither…or

Examples – He is not only smart but also funny.

Conjunction Example Sentences

Below are examples that you can refer to:

• He likes to swim, and he enjoys hiking.
• She was tired, yet she continued to work.
• He has been studying hard since morning

Meaning of Preposition

Prepositions are used to identify positions either in space or in time. These always come before nouns to show time, directions, manner, or other relations. More importantly, there are four types of prepositions you should know: 

• Simple Preposition (on, in, at, with, by, or, about, etc ), 
• Compound prepositions (Because of, according to, spite of, mean of, etc), 
• Participle Preposition (include, concerning, regarding, pending, etc), 

Phases Preposition (in) 

Examples of preposition

Below are examples that you can refer to:

• The dog is on the table.
• The books are under the shelf.
• The functions start after noon.
• He sings with passion.
• She writes with a pen.

Difference between Conjunction and Preposition

Below are the differences between conjunctions and prepositions:

Conjunction	Preposition
A conjunction is followed by a verb.	A preposition can be followed by a verb and a noun.
Conjunction is used independently in a sentence	On the other hand, prepositions cannot be used.
Conjunctions are mainly used to connect clauses, sentences and words.	A preposition is commonly used to show the relationship between certain words, phrases, etc.

Conjunction and Preposition Practise Exercise

Instruction: Identify whether it is a preposition or conjunction.

1. He went to the store after work.
2. Ria likes both tea and coffee.
3. She stayed indoors because it was raining.
4. We played soccer while the sun was shining.
5. The books are on the table.
6. He ran away from the dog.
7. They can go to the park if the weather is good.
8. She enjoys swimming and surfing.
9. He is interested in sketching.
10. She can have either tea or coffee.

Answer Key

1. Preposition
2. Conjunction
3. Conjunction
4. Conjunction
5. Preposition
6. Preposition
7. Conjunction
8. Conjunction
9. Preposition
10. Conjunction

Identify the Conjunction and Proposition in the following. Choose the correct answer for each sentence.

1. He went to the store ____________ and brought some groceries.

• Conjunction
• Preposition

2. He likes both tea ______________ coffee.

• Conjunction
• Preposition

3. She ran quickly _______________ to catch the bus.

• Conjunction
• Preposition

4. We couldn’t go to the beach because it was raining __________ we went to the cinema instead.

• Conjunction
• Preposition

5. He sat next _______________ her during the meeting.

• Conjunction
• Preposition

Answer

• Preposition
• Conjunction
• Preposition
• Conjunction
• Preposition

Related Reads

List of Prepositions With Examples in Sentence Formation	5+ Prepositions of Place Exercises
German Dative Preposition	What are French Prepositions: Meaning, Exercises With Answers
Verb Preposition with Meaning	How to Use Nouns and Prepositions Together in English Grammar
English Grammar Preposition Exercises for Class 9	Adjective Preposition: Definition, Examples & Exercises

FAQs

This was all about the Conjunction and prepositions and their usage in English grammar. Hope you understand the concept and know how to proceed. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs.