Simple Conjunctions (A1 Grammar)

And, but, or, because connect ideas in sentences.

Quick tip: AND = add | BUT = contrast | OR = choice | BECAUSE = reason

AND = Adding

Use and to add similar ideas together.

• I like coffee and tea.
• She is smart and funny.
• He works and studies.

BUT = Contrast

Use but to show opposite or different ideas.

• I like coffee but not tea.
• It's expensive but good.
• I want to go but I'm tired.

OR = Choice / BECAUSE = Reason

Or gives options. Because explains why.

• Coffee or tea?
• I'm happy because it's Friday.
• We left because we were tired.

Common mistakes

• Not "I like coffee and I don't like tea." — say "I like coffee but I don't like tea.". Contrast = but.
• Not "I stayed home why I was sick." — say "I stayed home because I was sick.". Reason = because.
• Not "Coffee and tea?" — say "Coffee or tea?". Choice = or.

Practise it

Adding? → AND. Contrasting? → BUT. Choice? → OR. Why? → BECAUSE.