Coordinating Conjunctions
Conjunctions are joining words. You already know how to use "and" to join words and ideas. Now you will learn two more joining words: "but" and "or". You will also try using "because" in short sentences.
What You'll Learn
- How to use "but" to show something different or surprising
- How to use "or" to give a choice
- How to use "because" to give a reason in a short sentence
When to Use
- Adding ideas together: "I bought a pen and a ruler."
- Showing something different: "She is small but strong."
- Giving a choice: "Do you want rice or noodles?"
- Giving a reason: "I am happy because I got a star."
How to Form
Choosing the Right Joining Word
| What you want to do | Joining word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Add things together | and | I like cats and dogs. |
| Show something different | but | He is tired but he is smiling. |
| Give a choice | or | Shall we walk or take the MRT? |
| Give a reason | because | She is wet because it rained. |
Joining Two Short Sentences
| Two sentences | Joined with a conjunction |
|---|---|
| I like drawing. I like painting. | I like drawing and painting. |
| He is young. He is brave. | He is young but brave. |
| You can read a book. You can play outside. | You can read a book or play outside. |
| I wore my jacket. It was cold. | I wore my jacket because it was cold. |
Key Rules
- "And" joins things that go together: Both things are true or happen together. "Mum and Dad went to the hawker centre."
- "But" shows a difference or surprise: The two ideas are not the same. Something is unexpected. "The bag is small but heavy."
- "Or" gives a choice: You pick one, not both. "Do you want to draw or colour?"
- "Because" gives a reason: It answers the question "Why?" "I brought my umbrella because it was cloudy."
Common Mistakes
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I like ice cream or cake. (when you like both) | I like ice cream and cake. | Use "and" when both are true, not "or" |
| She is happy but kind. | She is happy and kind. | "Happy" and "kind" go together, so use "and", not "but" |
| Do you want milk and juice? (only pick one) | Do you want milk or juice? | Use "or" when there is a choice |
| Because I was tired. | I slept early because I was tired. | "Because" needs a main idea before or after it |
Clue Words
Use "and" when:
both things are true, you want to add something
Use "but" when:
something is different, surprising, or opposite
Use "or" when:
there is a choice, you can only pick one
Use "because" when:
you want to give a reason, you answer the question "Why?"
Tip: Think of it this way -- "and" = plus (+), "but" = however (!), "or" = pick one (?), "because" = the reason why.
Practice Tips
- Ask "Why?": If your sentence answers "Why?", use "because". "I am smiling because I am happy."
- Check for surprise: If the two ideas are different or surprising, use "but". "It is raining but I am not wet."
- The choice test: If someone must pick one thing, use "or". If both are true, use "and".
Quick Reference
| Joining word | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | Adds ideas together | I eat rice and chicken. |
| but | Shows a difference | He ran fast but he lost. |
| or | Gives a choice | Is it a cat or a dog? |
| because | Gives a reason | I am late because the bus broke down. |