Conjunctions

Conjunctions are joining words.

They join words, phrases and sentences.

There are two main kinds of conjunctions:

(a) Those which join parts of a sentence which are of equal importance.

They are also called co-ordinating conjunctions:

• and,
• but,
• for,
• whereas,
• both…and,
• either…or,
• neither…nor. 

Examples:

• Tom and I attended the party.

• Neither Ali nor Omar knew the answer.

• Either Uncle Onyango or Aunt Awino will come.

• She could talk but could not walk.

• Both the driver and the turnboy were injured in the accident.

(b) Those which join main clauses to subordinate clauses.

They are often called subordinating conjunctions:

• after,
• since,
• because,
• though,
• until,
• when,
• where,
• how,
• before,
• than,
• that,
• whether,
• while.

Examples:

• After my final exams, I want to visit a national park.

• I had to begin writing all over again when I lost my exercise book.

• If we finish our homework on time, mother will let us watch our favourite show.

• Though the exams were very hard, Peter believed that he would excel.

• We will go out and play whether or not it will rain.