CONJUNCTIONS

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

There are two main types of Conjunctions: Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions. Other types are Correlative Conjunctions.

Coordinating Conjunctions and Correlative Conjunctions are used to link sentence parts that are equal in status. Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions are: or, and, but, for, nor, yet. Examples of Correlative Conjunctions are: both…and, not only…but also, either…or, neither…nor.

Subordinating Conjunctions, on the other hand, are used to join main clauses to subordinate clauses. Examples: because, as, although, since, wherever, whether, after, until, if, unless, before, while.

Examples:

The man spoke well                                        and                              everybody was satisfied.

(Independent Clause)              (Coordinating Conjunction)                (Independent Clause)

I shall travel to Lagos                                     if                                  I have enough money.

(Main Clause)                         (Subordinating Conjunction)              (Subordinate Clause)

Other examples:

• Habitat spoke quickly but courteously.
• Jide stole the money and spent it.
• Although the couple have been married for ten years, they have not had a child.

COMMON ERRORS IN CONJUNCTIONS

1. The use of double conjunctions: Only one conjunction at a time is necessary to join two sentence parts. So, avoid the following: so therefore, although…but, though…but, although…yet, still…yet.
2. Using moreso for moreover: The word “moreso” does not exist in English. So, it should be avoided. Use “moreover” instead of this imaginary word.
3. Confusing adverbs with conjunctive adverbs: Some English language users confuse words that are pure adverbs with those adverbs that are used as conjunctions. The following words are conjunctive adverbs or linkages, not conjunctions: nevertheless, therefore, moreover, still, and so on. Examples:
4. I studied in England. Nevertheless, I have spent most of my life in South Africa.
5. Londoners love walking during the early hours of the day. Moreover, this is good exercise for the body.

ASSIGNMENT

Make a sentence with each of the following conjunctions:

1. But
2. Yet
3. Although
4. Since
5. either…or