And, but, or, because, so
Join ideas with and, but, or, because and so — and write longer, clearer sentences.
In this lesson you will
- Use and, but, or, because, so
- Know the difference between because and so
- Punctuate joined sentences
Learn
and adds: I like tea and coffee. but contrasts: It’s small but comfortable. or gives choices: Tea or coffee?
because gives a reason: I stayed at home because I was ill. so gives a result: I was ill, so I stayed at home.
Put a comma before so and often before but when they join two full sentences: It was late, so we left.
Don’t start a written sentence with Because alone as a fragment: Because it was raining. ✗ → We stayed in because it was raining.
Examples
- I wanted to go out, but I was too tired.
- She studied hard, so she passed.
- We took a taxi because it was late.
- Do you want to walk or take the bus?
Vocabulary
because
for the reason that
so
therefore; as a result
but
however; in contrast
reason
why something happens
result
what happens because of something
Practice
I was hungry, ___ I made a sandwich.
Speaking
Talk about three decisions you made recently and explain the reasons and results: “I … because … so …”.
Writing
Write about your weekend in 60–80 words using and, but, or, because and so at least once each.
Lesson quiz
It was cold, ___ I wore a coat.
Review
Key points
- and (add), but (contrast), or (choice).
- because = reason; so = result.
- Comma before so/but between sentences.
What you learned
- ✓ I can join ideas.
- ✓ I know because vs so.
- ✓ I can write longer sentences.
Grammar reference: Conjunctions and linking words