Writing: Genre-Specific Writing (Professional and Academic) (C2) - Lesson 1: Complex Reports, Proposals, and Formal Correspondence

A1 Grammar: Connecting Ideas with 'And' and 'But'

Objective: Learn how to connect simple sentences using "and" and "but".

• Use "and" to add a similar idea.
• Use "but" to show a different or surprising idea (a contrast).
• Practice making longer sentences.

Using "And" (To Add Ideas)

We use "and" to connect two similar ideas or things. Think of it like a plus sign (+).

Rule: Idea 1 + and + Idea 2

If you have two similar ideas, you can join them with "and" to make one longer sentence.

+

I like apples and I like bananas.

Using "But" (To Show a Difference)

We use "but" to connect two different or opposite ideas. It shows a contrast.

Rule: Idea 1 + but + Opposite Idea 2

If the second idea is different or surprising, use "but".

↔️

The sun is hot, but the snow is cold.

✍️ Practice Time

Activity 1: Connecting Ideas

Look at the two ideas. How can you connect them? Click the card to see the full sentence.

IDEA 1: I can swim.
IDEA 2: I can't fly.

I can swim, but I can't fly.

Activity 2: Sort the Sentences

Read each sentence. Does it use "and" to add, or "but" to contrast? Click a sentence, then click the correct category.

Adds with AND

Contrasts with BUT

Activity 3: Choose 'And' or 'But'

Read the sentence and choose the correct connecting word.

1. She is small, ____ she is strong.

and

but

Activity 4: Combine the Sentences

Read the two sentences. Write one sentence using "and" or "but" in the box below.

Sentence 1: The dog is friendly.
Sentence 2: The cat is shy.

Your new sentence:

Tip: When you use "but" to connect two full sentences, it's good to put a comma (,) before "but". Example: He is tired, but he is happy.

Summary: Today you learned how to use "and" to add similar ideas and "but" to connect different ideas. This makes your writing more interesting!