Lesson 10: Basic Conjunctions ("and", "but")

Welcome to our lesson on Basic Conjunctions! When English learners speak, they often communicate in short, isolated sentences. To tell longer stories, you need a way to connect your ideas without stopping.

Today, we are learning 'conjunctions'—the sticky tape of English! We will look at how words like and, but, or, because, and so help you build better, more natural sentences about your daily life.

Welcome! When you want to tell longer stories, you need a way to connect your ideas without stopping. Today, we are learning 'conjunctions'—the sticky tape of English! We will look at how words like and, but, and so help you build better, more natural sentences about your daily life.

warning Common Mistake

When you use "but" or "so" to connect two complete thoughts (sentences that can stand alone), you must put a comma before the conjunction. For example: "I was tired, but I went to the market."

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Interactive Vocabulary

Connecting Word

And

Used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences that are to be taken jointly.

Example: For breakfast, I ordered pork and an iced coffee.

Connecting Word

But

Used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned.

Example: I wanted to visit the museum today, but I didn't have enough time.

Connecting Word

Or

Used to link alternatives or present a choice.

Example: Would you like to ride a bus or rent a bicycle to get there?

Connecting Word

Because

For the reason that; used to explain why something happens.

Example: We stayed inside the cafe because it was raining heavily.

Connecting Word

So

And for this reason; therefore. Used to show the result or consequence of an action.

Example: The market was too crowded, so we walked along the river instead.

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Knowledge Check

restaurant Ordering Food

"I would like a bowl of soup ____ a glass of water, please." Which connecting word fits best?

(Hint: We need a word that connects two similar items.)

search A Change of Plans

"She wanted to go to the festival, ____ she was too tired from working."

(Hint: We need a word that shows contrast or a change in expectation.)

psychology Giving Options

"We can take the bus to the city, ____ we can hire a private taxi."

(Hint: We need a word that presents a choice.)

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Lesson Complete!

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to connect your ideas perfectly.

Core Conjunctions

• And: Used to connect similar ideas or add information.
• But: Used to show contrast or difference.
• Or: Used to link alternatives or present a choice.
• Because: Used to give a reason or explain why.
• So: Used to show a result or consequence.

Grammar Rule: Commas with Conjunctions

When you use "but" or "so" to connect two independent clauses (complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences), you must put a comma before the conjunction. For example: "I was tired, but I went to the market." If the second part is not a complete sentence, you usually do not need a comma.