Conjunctions - And, Or, But, Because, So — Explanation

Learn how to connect ideas with English conjunctions: and, or, but, because, and so. Simple A1-level grammar rules with clear examples for beginners!

Conjunctions - And, Or, But, Because, So Exercises

We use conjunctions to connect sentences, ideas, or words. They make our writing and speech sound more natural and connected.

AND

 – to add similar ideas

We use and to connect two things that go together.

• I like tea and coffee.
• She is smart and kind.
• We play football and basketball.

and = “also”

OR

 – to show a choice or option

We use or when there is an alternative.

• Do you want tea or coffee?
• You can stay here or go home.
• Is it Monday or Tuesday today?

or = “one or the other”

BUT

 – to show contrast (opposite ideas)

We use but to connect two different or opposite ideas.

• I like pizza, but I don’t like cheese.
• He is tall, but not very strong.
• It’s cold, but sunny.

but = “however”

BECAUSE

 – to give a reason

We use because to explain why something happens.

• I’m tired because I didn’t sleep well.
• She’s happy because it’s her birthday.
• They stayed home because it was raining.

because = “for this reason”

SO

 – to show a result or consequence

We use so to explain what happens as a result.

• It’s raining, so we can’t go out.
• I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.
• He studied hard, so he passed the exam.

so = “as a result”

Summary Table

Conjunction	Meaning	Example
and	adds ideas	I like apples and oranges.
or	gives a choice	Tea or coffee?
but	shows contrast	Cold, but sunny.
because	gives a reason	I’m sad because I lost my phone.
so	shows result	It’s late, so go to bed.

Tip:

It's okay to start a sentence with "and," "but," or "so," but don't do it all the time.