Question

Words that connect thoughts, ideas, actions, etc are called ______.
(Fill in the blank with the correct option.)
a. conjunctions
b. clauses
c. prepositions
d. pronouns

Answer 1

Hint:Look for pointers suggesting which part of speech the sentence is referring to. The sentence simply states a fact about a particular part of speech. Now, go through the options, recall what they signify and choose the one which expresses the sentence.

Complete answer: In grammar, conjunction may be a part of speech that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are called the conjuncts of the conjunctions. Conjunctions have a crucial function because they join other words and phrases together. Without conjunctions, we could only make very, very simple sentences. Some conjunctions contain multiple words. They are called correlative conjunctions.
Clauses are parts of sentences. Each sentence has at least one clause. There are two main types of clauses - dependent clause and main/independent clause.
Prepositions are words that are used to show positions, locations, direction, and time. They are usually placed in front of nouns and gerunds. For example, in the sentence ‘We had a picnic at the park’, we understand where the picnic took place. It clearly conveys that the picnic did not take place at any other location. This is an example of a preposition of location. There are many more types of prepositions.
A pronoun is a word that is frequently used as a replacement/substitute for a noun when the sentence requires it. It is sometimes used because the noun cannot be repeatedly used.

Now that we know what each word means, let’s look at our options one by one-
a. conjunctions - The definition of this word most resembles the meaning of the given sentence. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
b. clauses - The definition of this word does not fit into the given blank. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c. prepositions - The definition of this word does not fit into the given blank. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d. pronouns - The definition of this word does not fit into the given blank. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
Therefore, option a is correct.

Note: There are seven coordinating conjunctions, namely -And, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet. To remember all seven, you can use the acronyms: FANBOYS, YAFNOBS, or FONYBAS. Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses.