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Conjunctions in English: And, But, Or, So, Because
And, but, or, so, and because connect ideas: each one links sentences in a different way.
Written by Bryan López, Profesor de inglés · Updated
Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or sentences. The most common ones are and, but, or, so, and because. Each one connects ideas in a different way.
The most common conjunctions
FANBOYS: the acronym to remember them
In English there are 7 main coordinating conjunctions, remembered with the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. For beginner level, the most important ones are and, but, or, and so.
Because vs. so: reason vs. result
"Because" gives the reason for something: "I stayed home because it was raining" ("because it was raining" is the reason). "So" gives the result: "It was raining, so I stayed home" ("I stayed home" is the result). They connect the same two ideas, but in opposite directions.
Common mistakes with conjunctions
Mixing up the order of reason and result between because and so, using the wrong conjunction for how the sentence is arranged. It's also common to forget the comma before but, or, and so when they connect two complete sentences.
Contrast conjunctions: but, although, and however
"But" connects two opposite ideas inside one sentence: "I like pizza, but I don't like cheese." "Although" and "though" introduce the contrast first: "Although it was raining, we went for a walk." "However" works like a stronger "but" between two sentences and is followed by a comma: "The test was hard. However, I passed." A very common mistake is using "but" and "although" together in the same sentence, which repeats the contrast twice.
Practice conjunctions with real audio
Interactive exercises, real pronunciation, and the full lesson taught in English.
Conjunctions by function
Where to put the comma
When a sentence starts with a conjunction like "although," "because," or "when," a comma goes after the first part: "When I got home, I made dinner." If the same conjunction comes in the middle, the comma usually disappears: "I made dinner when I got home." With "but," "and," and "so" joining two full sentences, a comma goes before the conjunction: "It was cold, so I wore a jacket." These small punctuation habits make your writing in English look much more natural.
Examples of conjunctions
- I wanted to go out, but it was raining.
- She studies hard because she wants a scholarship.
- You can stay here or come with us.
- Although he is young, he is very responsible.
- I was tired, so I went to bed early.
A common mistake with conjunctions
Incorrect
Although it was late, but I kept studying.
Correct
Although it was late, I kept studying.
Conjunctions in a real conversation
A: "Are you coming to the party tonight?" B: "I want to, but I have an exam tomorrow." A: "Although it's only a short party, everyone will be there." B: "I know, so I'll stop by for an hour and then study." A: "Great, you can come with Ana or go alone, whichever you prefer."
Frequently asked questions
What are conjunctions in English?
They're words that connect words, phrases, or sentences. The most common ones are and, but, or, so, and because.
What are the most common conjunctions in English?
And, but, or, so, and because are the most used at beginner level.
What is FANBOYS?
It's the acronym used in English to remember the 7 coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
What's the difference between because and so?
"Because" gives the reason for something (I stayed home because it was raining). "So" gives the result (It was raining, so I stayed home).
What are some examples of conjunctions?
"She likes pizza and pasta." "He is tired, but he keeps working." "I was hungry, so I made dinner."
Why do learners mix up because and so?
Because both connect a cause with an effect, just in a different order, and it's easy to pick the wrong conjunction depending on how the sentence is arranged.
Can you start a sentence with and or but?
In casual writing and speaking, yes, and many native speakers do it. In formal writing, it is better to use a connector like however or in addition.
What is the difference between because and so?
Because introduces the reason: "I'm tired because I slept badly." So introduces the result: "I slept badly, so I'm tired." The two sentences say the same thing in opposite order.
What is the difference between although and however?
Although joins two ideas in one sentence ("Although it was cold, we went out"). However starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma ("It was cold. However, we went out").
Do I always need a comma before and?
No. With two short items or two short clauses you usually do not need one: "I like tea and coffee." With a longer second clause, a comma is common: "She finished her homework, and then she went out with her friends."
What is the difference between while and whereas?
While shows two things happening at the same time: "I cooked while he cleaned." Whereas shows a contrast and is more formal: "She likes the city, whereas her brother prefers the countryside."
How can I practice conjunctions?
Take two short sentences you wrote and join them in three different ways, for example with and, but, and so. Then read the results out loud and choose the one that sounds best.
Practice conjunctions with real audio
Interactive exercises, real pronunciation, and the full lesson taught in English.
Keep learning
- Present Simple in English: Affirmative, Negative, and Questions (Full Guide)The tense for habits, routines, and general facts, with the rule almost everyone forgets: the -s on he/she/it.
- Past Simple in English: Regular Verbs, Irregular Verbs, Negative, and QuestionsUsed for actions that finished in the past: regular verbs add -ed, irregular verbs change form.
- Adverbs of Frequency in English: Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, NeverAlways, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, and never say how often something happens, and they have a fixed spot in the sentence.