A2 English GrammarCoordinating Conjunctions
Connect sentences and ideas with and, but, or, so, because. Build compound sentences and express relationships between ideas.
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