Grammar / A1 Grammar lessons and exercises /Conjunctions: And, but, or, so, because
And, But, Or, So, Because: Grammar Chart
Learn how to use the most common English conjunctions to connect ideas, show contrast, give reasons, or offer choices.
🟢 And
Use and to add similar information or ideas — it means “too” or “in addition”.
- My brother is a plumber, and my sister is a teacher.
- They have an apartment in the city and a little house in the countryside.
💡 When connecting sentences, you don’t need to repeat the subject:
- She got up and left. (= She got up and she left.)
- He was looking at us and smiling. (= He was looking and he was smiling.)
🔵 But
Use but to add contrasting or different information.
- I studied a lot, but I failed the exam.
- He is good but not the best.
🟠 Or
Use or to connect different possibilities or choices.
- Would you like to go to the swimming pool or to the beach?
- He can go to a hotel or stay with us.
❗ In negative sentences, use or, not and:
I don’t like oranges and lemons.
✅ I don’t like oranges or lemons.
⚠️ Make sure connected items are the same grammatical form:
I like dancing and sing.
✅ I like dancing and singing. (–ing + –ing)
Would you like to go to the beach or having an ice cream?
✅ Would you like to go to the beach or to have an ice cream? (to + verb + to + verb)
🟣 So
Use so to show the result or consequence of something.
- It was cold, so I turned on the heating.
- I spent three hours at the gym, so I’m really tired now.
🔴 Because
Use because to give the reason for something.
- I turned on the heating because it was cold.
- I’m speaking quietly because I don’t want to wake up the baby.
🔄 So = result → “It was cold, so I turned on the heat.”
Because = reason → “I turned on the heat because it was cold.”
💡 Quick Tip
Ask yourself: Adding? → “and” | Contrasting? → “but” | Choosing? → “or” | Result? → “so” | Reason? → “because”