01
Basic Connectors
And, but, or, because, so — joining ideas.
Visual Explanation
Joining two ideas
clause 1+connector+clause 2
Examples
I like tea, but I don't like coffee.
She stayed home because she was ill.
It was cold, so we took a taxi.
When to Use
- and / but / or
- 'And' adds information. 'But' shows contrast. 'Or' gives a choice: 'Tea or coffee?'
- because
- Gives a reason: 'I'm learning English because I need it for work.'
- so
- Shows a result: 'The restaurant was full, so we went somewhere else.'
Tip
'Because' answers 'why?' and comes before the reason. 'So' introduces the result. Compare: 'I left because it was late' vs. 'It was late, so I left.'