Grammar basics
Conjunctions
A conjunction joins words, phrases or sentences together. It helps you make longer sentences and connect your ideas.
What does a conjunction do?
Without conjunctions, your English sounds short and choppy:
I like coffee. I love tea.
With a conjunction, the two ideas become one sentence:
I like coffee, but I love tea.
Which one should I use?
| Conjunction | Use it to… | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | add more | I code and I write. |
| but | show a difference | It's small, but it's fast. |
| or | give a choice | Tea or coffee? |
| because | give a reason | I'm tired because I worked late. |
| so | show a result | I worked late, so I'm tired. |
| although | show a surprise | Although it was hard, I finished it. |
Because and so
Because gives the reason. So gives the result. They are like two sides of the same idea: I'm hungry because I didn't eat = I didn't eat, so I'm hungry.
Types of conjunctions
There are three types of conjunctions. Each type has its own page with more words.
| Type | What it shows | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinating conjunctions | Join two equal parts (FANBOYS) | for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so |
| Subordinating conjunctions | Join a main part and a helper part | because, although, if |
| Correlative conjunctions | Come in pairs | both … and, either … or |
And
Used to add one more thing or idea.
I study English and programming.
But
Used to show a different or opposite idea.
The app works, but it is slow.
Or
Used to show a choice.
Do you want to use Django or Flask?
Because
Used to give a reason.
I'm learning English because I want to share my ideas.
So
Used to show a result.
It was raining, so I worked from home.
Although
Used when something is surprising after the first idea.
Although I was tired, I finished the project.