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Conjunctions: and, but, or, because, so

Introduction

Image   We have beef and pork today but no fish.
 

Definition

And, but, or, and so are conjunctions.

 

Construction

They join two parts of a sentence:

 

I have two sons

and

one daughter.

I like dogs

but

I don't like cats.

Do you prefer tea

or

coffee?

We're not going out today

because

it's raining.

It's raining

so

we're not going out today.

 


Uses

We use them to add some extra information.

 

Conjunction

Use

Examples

 

and

 

To join two or more pieces of information - it suggests 'also'

 

 

 

I live in Paris and I work in a bank.

 

We need bread, cheese and wine.

 

 

but

 

To join two contrasting ideas

 

 

I'm busy today but I'm free tomorrow.

 

 

or

 

To join two or more pieces of information in a negative sentence

 

 

 

To join two possibilities

 

 

I don't like wine or beer.

 

We don't have any apples, oranges or bananas.

 

We can finish this today or tomorrow.

 

because

 

To give a reason

 

I'm having lunch early today because I have a meeting this afternoon.

 

 

so

 

To add a consequence or a result

 

I have a meeting this afternoon so I'm having lunch early today.

 

 

 

Word order

The conjunctions and, but, or, because and so are usually placed in the middle of a sentence but can also be used to begin a sentence, especially in informal writing:

 

            It's very quiet in the office at the moment because so many people are on holiday.

Because so many people are on holiday, it's very quiet in the office at the moment.

 

With and, but, or and so, there is a sense of a pause before emphasising something:

 

            We need to find new premises. And we need to employ two new managers!

            It's a serious problem. But, don't worry - I think I have a solution.

            We could invite everyone to the meeting. Or maybe we should limit it to team leaders.

            It's getting nearer to the deadline. So, let's work hard to get it finished.

 


Examples

Image   In Canada, they speak English and French.

Image  "I'm not available on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday."    "Well, I'm free on Monday but not Tuesday."

Image   You can pay now or when you leave.

Image    I'm not buying this because I don't like the colour.

Image    It's sunny today so we're having a barbecue.

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