A2 Lesson 2: Using 'and,' 'but,' and 'so' to Connect Simple Sentences
You can write good, simple sentences. However, writing only short sentences can be boring. Today, we will learn how to connect1 our ideas using three important words: and, but, and so. These "connecting words" are called conjunctions2.
Using them will make your writing have more variety3 and sound more natural.
1. Using 'and' to Add a Similar Idea
We use and to connect two similar or related ideas. It works like a plus sign (+).
Two simple sentences: The coffee is hot. The coffee is strong.
Connected sentence: The coffee is hot and strong.
Two simple sentences: I work in an office. I study English in the evening.
Connected sentence: I work in an office, and I study English in the evening.
2. Using 'but' to Show a Contrast
We use but to connect two different or opposite4 ideas.
Two simple sentences: I like durian. My sister does not like durian.
Connected sentence: I like durian, but my sister does not like durian.
Two simple sentences: He is very rich. He is not happy.
Connected sentence: He is very rich, but he is not happy.
3. Using 'so' to Show a Result
We use so to show that the second idea is a result5 of the first idea.
Two simple sentences: It was raining heavily. We cancelled the trip to the beach.
Connected sentence: It was raining heavily, so we cancelled the trip to the beach.
Two simple sentences: I studied very hard. I passed the test.
Connected sentence: I studied very hard, so I passed the test.
Important Comma Rule!
When you use and, but, or so to connect two complete sentences, you must put a comma (,) before the connecting word.
Correct: The sun was shining, but it was still cold.
Incorrect: The sun was shining but it was still cold.
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Word
Choose the best connecting word (and, but, so) to complete each sentence.
1. I want to buy a new phone, ______ I don't have enough money.
Answer: but (This shows a contrast.)
2. She is smart, ______ she is also very kind.
Answer: and (This adds a similar, positive idea.)
3. My alarm clock did not ring, ______ I was late for work.
Answer: so (Being late is a result of the alarm not ringing.)
📝 Homework: Connect the Sentences
Get your notebook and pen to practice making better sentences.
Part 1: Combine the sentences below using 'and,' 'but,' or 'so'. Remember the comma rule!
- The restaurant is very popular. You should book a table.
- I can speak Khmer. I can speak a little English.
- He wants to go to the cinema. She wants to stay home.
Part 2: Write Your Own Sentences
Write three sentences of your own: one using 'and', one using 'but', and one using 'so'.
Example Answer (for Part 1, sentence 1): The restaurant is very popular, so you should book a table.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Connect: (Verb) - ភ្ជាប់ - To join two or more things together. ↩
- Conjunction: (Noun) - ឈ្នាប់ - A word used to connect other words, phrases, or sentences (e.g., and, but, so). ↩
- Variety: (Noun) - ភាពចម្រុះ - The quality of being different or diverse; not boring. ↩
- Opposite / Contrast: (Noun) - ផ្ទុយគ្នា - A person or thing that is completely different from another. ↩
- Result: (Noun) - លទ្ធផល - Something that happens because of something else. ↩