This is an old revision of the document!
Conjunctions: and, but, or, because, so
Introduction
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.
|
Examples
In Canada, they speak English and French.
"I'm not available on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday."
"Well, I'm free on Monday but not Tuesday."
You can pay now or when you leave.
I'm not buying this because I don't like the colour.
It's sunny today so we're having a barbecue.