Conjuctions Notes, Quizzes & Revision
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Subject: subject_replace — Topic: topic_name_replace
Subtopic: Conjuctions
Level: age_replace learners (Kenyan context). These notes explain what conjunctions are, the main types used in English, how to use them in sentences, punctuation rules, simple tips for writing and speaking, and practice exercises with answers.
A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, or clauses together. Think of it as a bridge: it connects parts of a sentence so ideas flow clearly. Example: "He went to school and he studied hard."
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so — these join two equal parts (words or independent clauses).
Example (Kenyan context): "She buys mandazi and tea at the market."
because, although, when, if, since, while, after, before, unless, until — these join a main (independent) clause and a dependent clause.
Example: "I will go to the boda-boda stand if it stops raining."
pairs such as both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also — they work together to join sentence parts.
Example: "Both the student and the teacher attended the assembly."
Independent clause 1 (CONJ) Independent clause 2
Example: "We left early because the road was busy."
- Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins two independent clauses: "He ran home, and he called his mother."
- When a subordinating clause comes first, put a comma after it: "If it is sunny, we will go to the park."
- No comma when the subordinating clause comes second: "We will go to the park if it is sunny."
- With correlative conjunctions, keep parallel structure: use matching forms (verbs, nouns) after each part. Example: "She likes both reading and writing."
- Start with FANBOYS — these are the easiest to spot and use.
- Listen to how people speak: conjunctions make speech flow. Try joining short sentences with one conjunction.
- Practice with Kenyan examples: school, market, family, transport (boda-boda), and local food (ugali, sukuma wiki).
- Check for subject-verb agreement and tense when combining clauses.
- Fill in the blank with a suitable conjunction:
a) Mama cooked chapati _______ Baba made stew.b) I will come _______ I finish my homework.
- Join the two sentences using a suitable conjunction:
a) The teacher arrived. The class had already started.b) He can study medicine. He can study engineering.
- Identify the conjunction and its type in each sentence:
a) "Either you wash the dishes or I will."b) "Although it was late, they continued working."
-
a) and — "Mama cooked chapati and Baba made stew."
b) when / if / after — correct answer depends on meaning. Example: "I will come when I finish my homework." -
a) "The teacher arrived, but the class had already started." (or: "The teacher arrived after the class had already started.")
b) "He can study medicine or he can study engineering." (use either...or if you want to emphasise choice) -
a) either...or — correlative conjunction (used to show a choice).
b) although — subordinating conjunction (introduces a contrast).
- Have I used conjunctions to join ideas so sentences are not choppy?
- Did I use a comma when joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction?
- Are correlative pairs used correctly and in parallel form?
- Do the combined sentences keep the intended meaning?
Practice often with short sentences from everyday life in Kenya (school, market, home). Try making 5 sentences every day that use different conjunctions — you will get better quickly!