Basic Conjunctions in English

Overview

Conjunctions are connecting words that join words, phrases, or clauses together. They are the glue of English sentences, allowing you to combine ideas instead of using many short, choppy sentences. Without conjunctions, you would say: "I like tea. I like coffee." With a conjunction: "I like tea and coffee."

At the CEFR A1 level, you need to know the five most common coordinating conjunctions: "and," "but," "or," "so," and "because." These five words will let you express addition, contrast, choice, result, and reason -- covering most of the logical connections you need in everyday conversation.

Learning to use conjunctions confidently is a turning point in your English. It is the moment your speech moves from simple isolated sentences to connected, flowing communication.

How It Works

The Five Essential Conjunctions

Conjunction	Function	Example
and	Addition (adds information)	I like tea and coffee.
but	Contrast (shows difference)	It's cold, but sunny.
or	Choice (gives alternatives)	Do you want tea or coffee?
so	Result (shows consequence)	I'm tired, so I'm going to bed.
because	Reason (explains why)	I can't come because I'm busy.

What They Connect

Conjunctions can join different parts of a sentence:

Level	Example
Words	bread and butter
Phrases	in the morning or in the evening
Clauses	I called him, but he didn't answer.

Comma Rules

Rule	Example
No comma for words/phrases	tea and coffee
Comma before conjunction joining two clauses	I'm tired**,** so I'm going home.
"Because" clauses usually have no comma when they follow the main clause	I stayed home because it was raining.
Comma when "because" clause comes first	Because it was raining**,** I stayed home.

Note: In British English, the comma before "and" in a list of three or more items (the Oxford comma) is optional. In American English, it is more commonly used: "red, white, and blue."

"Because" vs "So"

These two are closely related -- they express the same idea from different directions:

• I stayed home because it was raining. (reason first)
• It was raining, so I stayed home. (result first)

Examples in Context

English	Note
I like tea and coffee.	"and" joins two nouns
It's cold, but sunny.	"but" shows contrast
I'm tired, so I'm going to bed.	"so" shows result
I can't come because I'm busy.	"because" gives the reason
Do you want pizza or pasta?	"or" offers a choice
She speaks English and French.	"and" joins two nouns
I tried, but I couldn't do it.	"but" shows unexpected result
Hurry up, or we'll be late!	"or" shows consequence of not acting
He's tired because he worked all day.	"because" explains the cause
It was expensive, but very good.	"but" introduces a contrasting quality

Common Mistakes

Starting every sentence with "and" or "but"

• Wrong: And then I went home. And I ate dinner. And I watched TV.
• Right: Then I went home. I ate dinner and watched TV.
• Why: While starting a sentence with "and" or "but" is not grammatically wrong, overusing it makes your writing repetitive. Try to join ideas within sentences.

Confusing "so" and "because"

• Wrong: I stayed home so it was raining.
• Right: I stayed home because it was raining.
• Why: "So" introduces the result, "because" introduces the reason. The cause comes after "because," and the effect comes after "so."

Forgetting the comma before conjunctions joining clauses

• Wrong: I wanted to go but it was too late.
• Right: I wanted to go, but it was too late.
• Why: When a conjunction joins two complete clauses (each with a subject and verb), a comma usually comes before the conjunction.

Using "because" and "so" in the same sentence

• Wrong: Because it was raining, so I stayed home.
• Right: Because it was raining, I stayed home. or It was raining, so I stayed home.
• Why: You only need one connector. Using both "because" and "so" together is redundant.

Practice Tips

• Combine short sentences: Take pairs of simple sentences and join them with the right conjunction. "I'm hungry. I'll make lunch." becomes "I'm hungry, so I'll make lunch."
• Tell a story using all five: Describe your day using and, but, or, so, and because at least once each. This forces you to practice all the connections.
• Listen for conjunctions: In English podcasts or shows, notice how speakers use these five words. Pay attention to the pause (comma) before "but" and "so" -- you can hear it in speech.

Related Concepts

• Next steps: Discourse Markers -- learn more advanced ways to connect and organize your ideas in speech and writing