In this English Grammar lesson you will learn how to use conjunctions correctly in a sentence. A conjunction is a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause.
And: adds one thing to another or used for similar ideas.
- Jane came to my party. Samara came to my party.
- Jane and Samara came to my party.
But: is used to show contrast. So, if we talk about two things, people or ideas that are contrasting each other, we use ‘but’.
- Mrs. Smith is strict. Mrs. Smith is kind.
- Mrs. Smith is strict but kind. (strict and kind are contrasting qualities)
So: indicates effect, result or consequence. It also expresses ‘purpose’ in a sentence.
- Write down the address, so we don’t forget it.
Or: presents an alternative or a choice.
- Do you want pasta or rice?
Because/since/as: are used to give reasons. They can be used interchangeably.
- I sat down because/since/as I was tired.
After/before/when: are all time related conjunctions.
- I’ll email you after I receive the update. (after shows the sequence where one action id followed by the other)
- I’ll email you before I receive the update. (before shows one action happens prior to the other or precedes the other)
- I’ll email you when I receive the update.