Conjunctions

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect ideas, sentences, or parts of sentences. They help us show relationships between different thoughts and make our writing flow better.

⏰ What are Conjunctions?

We use conjunctions to:

  • Add information:
    • I like coffee and tea.
  • Show contrast:
    • It’s raining, but we’re going out.
  • Give reasons:
    • I’m tired because I worked late.
  • Show choices:
    • Do you want pizza or pasta?

πŸ“Œ Common Conjunctions

πŸ”— AND

Use: To add information

  • I have a cat and a dog.
  • She’s smart and funny.
  • We went shopping and had lunch.

πŸ”„ BUT

Use: To show contrast

  • I’m tired, but I can’t sleep.
  • The car is old but reliable.
  • He’s rich, but he’s not happy.

πŸ”€ OR

Use: To show choices/alternatives

  • Do you want tea or coffee?
  • We can walk or take the bus.
  • Call me or send a text.

❓ BECAUSE

Use: To give reasons

  • I’m happy because it’s Friday.
  • Because it was raining, we stayed home.
  • She left early because she was sick.

⏰ SO

Use: To show results

  • It was late, so we went home.
  • I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.
  • The movie was boring, so we left.

βž• WHEN

Use: To show time

  • I’ll call you when I arrive.
  • When it’s sunny, we go to the beach.
  • She was sleeping when I called.

πŸ“ Important Notes

  • Comma with BUT and SO: Use a comma before “but” and “so” when joining two complete sentences.
  • Comma with BECAUSE and WHEN: Use a comma when these clauses come at the beginning of a sentence.
  • No comma with AND/OR: Usually no comma needed in simple sentences.

Examples:

  • βœ… I like pizza, but she prefers pasta.
  • βœ… Because it was cold, I wore a jacket.
  • βœ… When you finish, please call me.

πŸ’¬ Examples by Category

πŸ”— Adding Ideas (AND)

  • I bought bread and milk.
  • She’s tall and athletic.
  • We studied and passed the test.

πŸ”„ Showing Contrast (BUT)

  • It’s expensive, but it’s good quality.
  • I wanted to go, but I was busy.
  • The house is small but comfortable.

πŸ”€ Showing Choices (OR)

  • We can eat pizza or Chinese food.
  • Are you coming or staying?
  • Turn left or right at the corner.

❓ Giving Reasons (BECAUSE)

  • I’m tired because I worked all day.
  • Because it’s my birthday, we’re having a party.
  • They stayed home because of the storm.

⏰ Showing Results (SO)

  • I was thirsty, so I drank water.
  • The store was closed, so we went home.
  • It’s raining, so take an umbrella.

βž• Showing Time (WHEN)

  • When I was young, I lived in Paris.
  • Call me when you get home.
  • I was cooking when you arrived.

🎯 Practice Exercises

⬇️ Interactive exercise will appear here soon.

Ready to Connect Your Ideas Smoothly in English?

Mastering conjunctions (like “and,” “but,” “or,” “because”) is a fantastic step to building longer, more complex, and more natural-sounding sentences in English. They are the glue that holds your thoughts together!

Do you want to practice using these vital linking words to express relationships between ideas and make your English flow better? My online English classes offer fun, interactive ways to master conjunctions and all other essential grammar points. You’ll get plenty of chances to speak and build your confidence.

Let’s plan your English success together!

Click here to find out more and book your trial class today!

Start to learn today