Grade 5 English Conjuctions – Types Of Conjuctions Notes
Conjunctions — Types of Conjunctions
Subject: English • For learners (age ~10, Kenya). A conjunction is a little word that joins words, phrases or sentences. Think of it as a bridge 🔗 between parts of a sentence.
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1. Coordinating Conjunctions
These join words or sentences that are equal. The most common ones are: and, but, or, so.
- and — joins similar ideas: "I study and I play after school."
- but — shows contrast: "I wanted to walk, but it rained."
- or — gives a choice: "Would you like tea or milk?"
- so — shows result: "It was hot, so we sat under a tree."
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2. Subordinating Conjunctions
These join a main idea with a smaller idea. They show time, reason, condition or contrast. Examples: because, when, if, while, after, before.
- "I went home because I was tired." (reason)
- "When the bell rings, we start class." (time)
- "If it rains, we will stay inside." (condition)
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3. Correlative Conjunctions
These are pairs of words that work together to join equal parts. Common pairs: either...or, neither...nor, both...and, not only...but also.
- "Either Paul or Amina will read the story."
- "Both the teacher and the pupils sang a song."
Quick Tips
- Use "and" to join similar ideas; use "but" to show different ideas.
- Subordinating conjunctions can start a sentence: "Because it rained, we stayed home."
- Correlative conjunctions must come in pairs: don’t write "either...and".
Short Practice
- Fill in the blank: "I like ugali ___ rice." (and / but)
- Choose the right word: "She stayed inside ___ it rained." (because / or)
- Pick the pair: "___ Sam ___ Joy finished homework." (Both / and) or (Either / or)
- Identify the conjunction: "We will play football if it is dry." — which word joins the ideas?
Answers (click to show)
- and
- because
- Both ... and
- "if" (it is a subordinating conjunction)
Try writing three sentences about your day using one coordinating, one subordinating and one correlative conjunction. ✍️ Good luck!