Conjuctions Notes, Quizzes & Revision

What is a conjunction?

A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases or clauses. It links ideas so sentences make sense and sound smooth.

Main types of conjunctions

1. Coordinating conjunctions

These join words, phrases or independent clauses of equal importance. Remember the common set: FANBOYS — for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

• We visited Nairobi National Museum and went to the park.
• She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
• Do you want ugali or rice?

2. Subordinating conjunctions

These join a dependent clause to an independent clause. They show time, reason, condition, contrast, etc.

• because: He stayed home because it rained.
• when/while: When the bell rings, go to class.
• if/unless: You will pass if you practise.

3. Correlative conjunctions

Pairs of words that work together to join balanced sentence elements.

• either...or: Either we take the bus or we walk.
• neither...nor: She eats neither cassava nor millet.
• not only...but also: He is not only a teacher but also a coach.

Punctuation and rules (short guide)

• Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses: She studied, and she passed.
• No comma is needed when joining short items in a list: tea and bread.
• Subordinating conjunctions often begin dependent clauses; a comma is used when the dependent clause comes first: When the rain stopped, we went out.
• With correlative pairs, keep elements parallel: both the teacher and the students, not both the teacher and students are happy (make the structure match).

Common mistakes

• Run-on sentence: joining two independent clauses without a comma + coordinating conjunction. Wrong: He ran to class he was late. Right: He ran to class because he was late.
• Misplaced conjunction: be sure the conjunction connects the correct parts. Wrong: She only eats vegetables and fruit. (meaning she eats only both) Better: She eats only vegetables and fruit.
• Non-parallel correlative pairs: Wrong: She will either sing or dancing. Right: She will either sing or dance.

Practice activities

1. Fill in a suitable conjunction:
   1. I will call you ___ I arrive in Mombasa.
   2. She wanted to study, ___ she had no money for fees.
   3. ___ the sun was hot, we went swimming.
   4. You can have tea ___ juice.
   5. He is ___ clever ___ hardworking.
2. Combine each pair into one sentence using a conjunction:
   1. They practiced every day. They won the match.
   2. The bus was full. We walked to school.
   3. She missed breakfast. She was not hungry.
3. Identify the type (coordinating / subordinating / correlative) for each conjunction used:
   1. but
   2. because
   3. either ... or
   4. while

Answer key (quick)

1. Fill-in:
   1. when
   2. but / because (but = contrast, because = reason — choose depending on sentence intended)
   3. Although / Even though / Despite (common subordinators). If sentence reads: "Although the sun was hot, we went swimming."
   4. or
   5. both ... and
2. Combine:
   1. They practiced every day, so they won the match.
   2. The bus was full, so we walked to school. / Because the bus was full, we walked to school.
   3. She missed breakfast, but she was not hungry. / Because she missed breakfast, she was not hungry. (meaning changes with conjunction)
3. Types:
   1. but — coordinating
   2. because — subordinating
   3. either ... or — correlative
   4. while — subordinating

Study tips for learners

• Learn a few subordinators by category (time, reason, condition) and practise making sentences about daily life in Kenya (school, markets, weather).
• Use coordinating conjunctions to join short sentences first, then practise joining longer clauses with commas.
• Read aloud: hearing the pause often shows where a comma and conjunction are needed.