Basic conjunctions connect words or sentences. And joins similar ideas, but shows contrast, because gives a reason, or gives an alternative, and so shows a result. Do not confuse because, which explains a cause, with so, which shows the effect.
Grammar Rule
Conjunctions connect words or sentences. Don’t confuse because (cause) with so (effect).
Conjunction Uses and Examples
| Word | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | joins similar ideas | He plays guitar and piano. |
| but | shows contrast | She was sick, but she went to work. |
| because | gives a reason | He missed the bus because he woke up late. |
| or | gives an alternative | Do you prefer summer or winter? |
| so | shows a result | The shop was closed, so we went home. |
Remember: because explains the cause, so shows the result.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing the correct conjunction. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Basic Conjunctions – (And, But, Because, Or, So)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between because and so?
Because introduces the cause of something, while so introduces the result, as in the shop was closed, so we went home.
When do you use but instead of and?
Use but when the second idea contrasts with the first, as in she was sick, but she went to work.
What does or do in a sentence?
Or presents an alternative or a choice between two options, as in do you prefer summer or winter.
Can and join two similar ideas?
Yes. And connects similar or related ideas, as in he plays guitar and piano.