What are the basic conjunctions in English?

The most common basic conjunctions are: 'and' (addition), 'but' (contrast), 'or' (choice), and 'so' (result). They connect words, phrases, or sentences.

When do you use 'and', 'but', and 'or'?

Use 'and' to add similar ideas: 'tea and coffee'. Use 'but' for contrast: 'small but strong'. Use 'or' for choices: 'now or later'.

Do you need a comma before conjunctions?

Use a comma before conjunctions when joining two complete sentences: 'I like tea, but she likes coffee.' No comma for joining words or phrases: 'tea and coffee'.

'So' shows a result or reason. It connects an action and its result. Example: 'I was tired, so I went to bed.' (I went to bed because I was tired).

How do I use 'and' with verbs?

Use 'and' to connect two actions for the same person. Example: 'I cook and clean.' 'She reads and writes.' It shows the person does both things.

How do I use 'but' to correct information?

Use 'but' after a negative statement to give the correct information. Example: 'I am not a teacher, but I am a student.' 'This is not a car, but it is a bus.'

How do I make a choice question with 'or'?

Use 'or' between two options to make a question. Example: 'Do you want tea or coffee?' 'Is he a teacher or a student?' The answer is usually one of the two options.

Can I start a sentence with 'and' or 'but'?

In formal writing, it is not common. In speaking and informal writing, people sometimes do it for emphasis. For A1, it's better to use 'and' and 'but' in the middle of a sentence.

CEFR A1

Basic Conjunctions

Learn how to connect short ideas with and, but, and or. Use simple sentences to join words and ideas correctly.

What You'll Learn About Basic Conjunctions

Master the three essential conjunctions - know exactly when to use and, but, and or

Understand logical relationships - learn to express addition, contrast, and choice

Build longer, more natural sentences - combine short sentences into flowing English

Avoid common punctuation mistakes - learn the right way to use commas with conjunctions

What Are Conjunctions?

AND joins two similar ideas, facts, or actions together.

I like tea and coffee.She is tall and kind.He works and studies.

Tip

When joining three or more items, put 'and' only before the last one: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

Conjunctions are connecting words that join words, phrases, or sentences together. They help you create longer, more natural-sounding English by showing relationships between your ideas.

What They Connect

✓ Words: tea and coffee

✓ Phrases: in the morning or in the evening

✓ Sentences: I'm tired, but I'm happy.

Why They Matter

✓ Make your English flow better.

✓ Show logical relationships.

✓ Sound more natural in conversation.

The Weekend Trip

I pack my bag and my camera.

I want to go to the beach, but it is very cloudy today.

Should I go to the beach or go to the museum?

The museum is open, so I go there and take photos!

"Conjunctions help us explain our plans perfectly!"

Key Rule to Remember

Use a comma before but when joining two complete sentences. No comma needed for single words or short phrases.

✓ I like tea and coffee. (no comma)

✓ I like tea, but I don't like coffee. (comma before but)

The Three Essential Conjunctions

These three small words do a big job in connecting your ideas. Mastering them will instantly improve your English fluency.

And

Adds similar ideas together

• I like tea and coffee

• She is smart and kind

• We work and study

But

Shows contrast or opposition

• I'm tired, but happy

• It's expensive, but good

• He's young, but wise

Or

Offers choices or alternatives

• Tea or coffee?

• Today or tomorrow

• Teacher or doctor

Quick Practice

Choose the correct conjunction for these situations:

1. "I like apples ___ bananas." (adding similar things)

2. "It's raining, ___ I have an umbrella." (showing contrast)

3. "Would you like tea ___ coffee?" (offering choice)

Check your answers

1. and (adding similar things)

2. but (showing contrast)

3. or (offering choice)

Ready to test your Basic Conjunctions knowledge?

Challenge yourself with fill-in-the-blank exercises

Conjunction Usage Patterns

Learn conjunctions in logical patterns to build your understanding faster. Here are the most important usage categories for beginners:

Relationship Types

And - Addition

joins similar ideas

But - Contrast

shows difference

Or - Choice

offers alternatives

Punctuation Rules

No Comma

single words: tea and coffee

Use Comma

complete sentences with but

Example: "I like tea and coffee." (no comma) vs "I like tea, but I don't like coffee." (comma)

Usage Context

When to Use Each

AND: adding similar items/ideas

BUT: showing contrast/surprise

OR: offering choices/alternatives

Example: "I study English and practice daily. It's hard, but I enjoy it. Should I study now or later?"

Remember: Choose the conjunction that matches the relationship between your ideas.

Want to try a Basic Conjunctions quiz?

Practice with multiple choice questions

How to Use Each Conjunction - Complete Guide

Understanding the specific situations for each conjunction helps you choose the right one every time and avoid common mistakes.

The Decision Flow

Follow this simple decision process to choose the right conjunction:

Are you adding similar ideas? ↓ YES → Use AND

↓

Are you showing contrast? ↓ YES → Use BUT

↓

Are you offering choices? ↓ YES → Use OR

"I like apples and oranges. They're expensive, but delicious. Should I buy apples or oranges?"

Good Examples

I study English and practice daily.

It's raining, but I'm happy.

Tea or coffee?

Common Mistakes

❌ I like tea or coffee. (when you like both)

❌ She is tired but happy. (missing comma)

❌ I like coffee and but tea. (two conjunctions)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong conjunction for the relationship

❌ Wrong: I like tea or coffee. (when you like both)

✓ Correct: I like tea and coffee.

Use 'and' for adding things you like, 'or' for choices between options

Forgetting commas with 'but' for complete sentences

❌ Wrong: She is tired but happy.

✓ Correct: She is tired, but happy.

Use a comma before 'but' when joining two complete ideas

Using two conjunctions together

❌ Wrong: I like coffee and but tea.

✓ Correct: I like coffee, but not tea.

Never use two conjunctions together - choose one that fits the relationship

Using 'and' when you mean 'but'

❌ Wrong: It's expensive and I'll buy it.

✓ Correct: It's expensive, but I'll buy it.

Use 'but' to show contrast between expensive and buying anyway

Master Basic Conjunctions sentence building!

Drag and drop words to form correct sentences

Quick Comparison Chart

Conjunction	Relationship	Punctuation	Example
and	Addition/Similar ideas	No comma for words	I like apples and oranges
but	Contrast/Opposite ideas	Comma before for sentences	It's expensive, but good
or	Choice/Alternatives	No comma for words	Tea or coffee?

Tips for Learning Conjunctions

Start with simple combinations - join two words you know well

Think about the relationship - are you adding, contrasting, or choosing?

Practice with daily routines - describe your day using conjunctions

Remember the comma rule - comma before 'but' with complete sentences

Listen to native speakers - notice how they use conjunctions naturally

Don't combine conjunctions - choose one that fits best

Speaking Practice

To practice your pronunciation, listen to the native speaker audio first. Then 'Record' yourself repeating what you heard, then use the 'Playback' button to compare your pronunciation with the native speaker. If you want to record yourself again, simply click 'Delete'!

I have a cat and a dog. They are friends.

The book is expensive, but it's very good.

Should we walk or take the bus?

She likes dancing and singing at parties.

He is young, but he is very wise.

My brother likes football, but I like badminton.

I have coffee and toast for breakfast.

What's your favourite? Pizza or pasta?

Your exercises are loading!

Continue Your Learning Journey

Keep building your English skills with these carefully selected next steps

Help Other People Just Like You Improve Their English!

Share Free Daily English With Them Today!