Grammar: Conjunction

What is a Conjunction?

A conjunction can be described as a joining word. Its major function is to join or link together two or three words or phrases in a sentence. It can also join two sentences together.

There are two main types: coordinating and sub-coordinating conjunctions. Other types of conjunction are correlative conjunctions.

Example: 

• The rabbit and the guinea pig love lettuce.

•  I can sing well but I cannot dance at all.

• Either Timi or Edet will win.

• Both the mum and the boys were afraid. 

Types of Conjunction:

1. Coordinating conjunctions and correlative conjunctions are used to link words or sentences together. e.g. or, and, but, for, nor, yet.

• My dad cooks the food and my mother serves it. 

2. Subordinating conjunction: The examples are: because, as, although, since, whether, after, until, if, unless, before, while, and wherever.

• I shall travel to Lagos if I have enough money.

• Although the couple have been married for years they have not had a child.

3. There are conjunctions that are used in pairs. They include the following; either….or, neither…nor, not only….. but, no sooner…. than, two….. far. 

e.g. 

• Either the principal or the vice principal will address the students this morning.