Words that join
A conjunction joins words, phrases or whole sentences. The five basic ones are and (addition), but (contrast), or (choice), because (reason) and so (result).
- andadds ideas
- butcontrast
- becausereason
- soresult
| Conjunction | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | adds information | I like tea and coffee. |
| but | shows contrast | She is rich but unhappy. |
| or | gives a choice | Do you want tea or coffee? |
| because | gives the reason | I stayed home because I was ill. |
| so | gives the result | I was ill, so I stayed home. |
Rule
Commas and word order
- Use a comma before and, but, or, so when they join two complete sentences: I was tired, so I went to bed.
- Because can start or end a sentence: I stayed home because I was ill. / *Because I was ill, I stayed home.* (comma if it comes first)
- Because + clause (subject + verb). Because of + noun: We stayed home because of the rain.
- Don’t use because and so in the same sentence: “Because I was ill, so I stayed home” is wrong.
- A sentence can’t be only a because clause: “I stayed home. Because I was ill.” is wrong.
Reason
It was raining
so
so
Result
we stayed inside.
Lots of examples
- I play tennis and swim.And.
- She likes pizza, but she doesn’t like pasta.But.
- Would you like to walk or take the bus?Or.
- He was late because he missed the train.Because.
- He missed the train, so he was late.So.
- I was tired, but I kept working.Contrast.
- We didn’t go out because of the rain.Because of + noun.
- Because it was cold, we stayed inside.Because first.
- Is it a boy or a girl?Or.
- She studied hard, so she passed the exam.So.
- He is small but strong.But joining adjectives.
- I like both red and blue.And.
Don’t say / Say
Don’t sayBecause I was tired, so I went to bed.
SayBecause I was tired, I went to bed. / I was tired, so I went to bed.Why: Not both.
Don’t sayI stayed home. Because I was ill.
SayI stayed home because I was ill.Why: Don’t start a sentence with a lone because clause.
Don’t sayWe stayed in because the rain.
SayWe stayed in because of the rain.Why: Because of + noun.
Don’t sayI like tea but coffee.
SayI like tea and coffee.Why: Use and for addition.
Don’t sayHe is rich but he is happy. (meaning contrast)
SayHe is rich but not happy.Why: Make the contrast clear.