English Grammar Guide for ESL

CONJUNCTIONS

Description

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses.

Examples:

  • My brother and my sister

  • Tea or coffee

  • She said that you are leaving.

Common English conjunctions include:

  • and

  • if

  • that

  • but

  • or

  • nor

  • so

  • yet

Using Conjunctions

1. And

Use and to join similar ideas.

Examples:

  • I like tofu and rice.

  • She can sing and dance.

  • My brother and my sister live in Calgary.

Comma Rule with and

Use a comma before and when it joins two complete sentences (independent clauses).

Examples:

  • I work at night, and she works during the day.

  • He studied hard, and he passed the exam.

Do not use a comma when and joins words or simple phrases.

Examples:

  • I play and sing.

  • I like tofu and rice.

  • She bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

❌ I play, and sing.
❌ I like tofu, and rice.

2. But

Use but to show a contrast or difference.

Examples:

  • I wanted to go, but I was busy.

  • She is tired, but she is still working.

  • The book is long, but it is interesting.

Comma Rule with but

Usually, put a comma before but when it joins two complete sentences.

Examples:

  • I wanted to help, but I didn't have time.

  • He studied hard, but he failed the test.

3. Other Common Conjunctions

or – shows a choice

  • Would you like tea or coffee?

  • You can walk or take the bus.

if – shows a condition

  • Call me if you need help.

  • If it rains, we will stay home.

so – shows a result

  • I was tired, so I went to bed early.

  • It was raining, so we stayed inside.

yet – shows an unexpected contrast

  • She is young, yet very talented.

  • He worked hard, yet he did not succeed.

nor – joins two negative ideas

  • He does not drink coffee, nor does he drink tea.

that – introduces a clause

  • She said that she was busy.

  • I know that he is right.

Remember

  • Conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses.

  • Use a comma before and when it joins two complete sentences.

  • Do not use a comma before and when it joins words or simple phrases.

  • Usually use a comma before but when it joins two complete sentences.

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