Comprehensive Study of Conjunctions: Types, Rules, Examples and KCSE Revision Guide

 

COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF CONJUNCTIONS

1. Definition of a Conjunction

A conjunction is a word used to join words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. Conjunctions help show relationships between ideas such as addition, contrast, cause, time, and condition.

Examples:

• John and Mary went home.
• She ran quickly but missed the bus.
• I will come if you invite me.

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2. Types of Conjunctions

There are three main types of conjunctions:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
3. Correlative Conjunctions

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A. Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical importance.

The Seven Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

Conjunction	Function	Example
For	Reason	He left early, for he was tired.
And	Addition	She bought bread and milk.
Nor	Negative addition	She did not call, nor did she text.
But	Contrast	He is rich but unhappy.
Or	Choice	You can stay or leave.
Yet	Surprising contrast	She studied hard, yet she failed.
So	Result	It rained heavily, so we stayed inside.

Comma Rule

When joining two independent clauses, use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

✔ She revised thoroughly, but she was still nervous.
✖ She revised thoroughly but she was still nervous.

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B. Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions join a dependent clause to an independent clause. They show relationships such as time, cause, condition, contrast, purpose, and result.

1. Time

when, while, before, after, since, until, whenever

• I was reading when he arrived.
• She waited until the teacher came.

2. Cause / Reason

because, since, as

• She was absent because she was sick.

3. Condition

if, unless, provided that, as long as

• You will pass if you study hard.
• I will not go unless you accompany me.

4. Contrast

although, though, even though, whereas

• Although he is rich, he is unhappy.

5. Purpose

so that, in order that

• She whispered so that nobody could hear.

6. Result

so...that, such...that

• It was so cold that we stayed indoors.

Important Rule

A subordinate clause cannot stand alone.

✖ Because she was sick.
✔ Because she was sick, she stayed at home.
✔ She stayed at home because she was sick.

Comma Rule

Use a comma when the subordinate clause comes first.

✔ Because she was tired, she slept early.
✔ She slept early because she was tired.

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C. Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join equal grammatical structures.

Pair	Example
either...or	Either you come or you stay.
neither...nor	Neither John nor Mary was present.
both...and	Both the teacher and the student agreed.
not only...but also	She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
whether...or	I do not know whether he will come or not.

Parallel Structure Rule

The elements joined must be grammatically similar.

✔ She likes both singing and dancing.
✖ She likes both singing and to dance.

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Conjunctions vs Conjunctive Adverbs

Do not confuse conjunctions with conjunctive adverbs such as: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, nevertheless.

Example:
She was tired; however, she continued working.

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Final Revision Exercise

1. She studied hard because she wanted to pass. (Identify the type)
2. John and Mary attended the ceremony. (Identify the type)
3. Either you apologise or you leave. (Identify the type)

Answers:

1. Subordinating conjunction
2. Coordinating conjunction
3. Correlative conjunction

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Prepared for KCSE English Revision – Grammar Mastery Series