A2 English GrammarCoordinating Conjunctions
Connect sentences and ideas with and, but, or, so, because. Build compound sentences and express relationships between ideas.
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1And, But, Or
'And' adds information, 'but' shows contrast, 'or' offers alternatives. These are the most basic coordinating conjunctions. They connect words, phrases, or sentences.
Basic Conjunctions
| Conjunction | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | addition | coffee and tea |
| but | contrast | small but powerful |
| or | alternative | yes or no |
Examples
I like coffee and tea.
I like coffee and tea.
and = addition
She's tired but happy.
She's tired but happy.
but = contrast
Do you want tea or coffee?
Do you want tea or coffee?
or = choice
I called him, but he didn't answer.
I called him, but he didn't answer.
but connecting sentences
2So and Because
'Because' introduces a reason (why). 'So' introduces a result (what happened). These help explain cause and effect relationships.
Cause and Effect
| Conjunction | Introduces | Example |
|---|---|---|
| because | reason/cause | I stayed home because I was sick. |
| so | result/effect | I was sick, so I stayed home. |
Examples
I'm learning English because I need it for work.
I'm learning English because I need it for work.
because = reason
It was raining, so we stayed inside.
It was raining, so we stayed inside.
so = result
She didn't come because she was ill.
She didn't come because she was ill.
because = cause
I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.
I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.
so = consequence
3Although, However, Therefore
'Although' shows contrast (like 'but' but at start of clause). 'However' is a formal 'but'. 'Therefore' is a formal 'so'. These make your English more sophisticated.
Examples
Although it was cold, we went for a walk.
Although it was cold, we went for a walk.
although = despite the fact
I wanted to go. However, I was too tired.
I wanted to go. However, I was too tired.
however = but (formal)
She studied hard. Therefore, she passed.
She studied hard. Therefore, she passed.
therefore = so (formal)
Although she's young, she's very mature.
Although she's young, she's very mature.
although + contrast
4Both...and, Either...or, Neither...nor
These paired conjunctions emphasize connections: 'both...and' (two positives), 'either...or' (one of two options), 'neither...nor' (two negatives).
Paired Conjunctions
| Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| both...and | two positives | both smart and hardworking |
| either...or | one option | either stay or go |
| neither...nor | two negatives | neither cheap nor easy |
Examples
She speaks both English and French.
She speaks both English and French.
both...and = two things
You can either call or email me.
You can either call or email me.
either...or = choice
He neither called nor texted.
He neither called nor texted.
neither...nor = not one, not other
Practice Exercises
4 exercises
Complete: 'I wanted to go outside, ___ it was raining.'
Complete: 'She was tired ___ she had worked all day.'
Complete: 'The bus was late, ___ I took a taxi.'
Complete: 'Would you like tea ___ coffee?'
See Real Examples in Stories
Now that you've practiced, see this grammar in context
“Tom pressed the button again, but the screen stayed black.”
“That night, Emma could not sleep because she was too excited.”
“His laptop was old and slow, so he started it early.”
“'Do you have any cash or cards at all?' asks Anna.”
“Most apartments were either too expensive or too far away.”
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