But, and, or: Basic conjunctions

Each conjunction has a specific job to do.

• and is for addition. It is like a plus sign (+). Use it to join similar things.
• but is for contrast. It is like a U-turn sign. Use it to show a difference or surprise.
• or is for options. It is like a fork in the road. Use it when there is a choice.

Think of and as a friendly neighbor. It brings people together. Think of but as a bit of a rebel. It likes to disagree. Think of or as a waiter. It asks you what you want. These words usually sit right in the middle of two ideas. They act as a bridge between two smaller sentences.

1. 1Start with your first idea or sentence.
2. 2Choose the correct conjunction based on your goal.
3. 3Put a comma before the conjunction if the sentences are long.
4. 4Add your second idea or sentence.
5. 5For lists, use commas between items and the conjunction before the last one.
6. 6Example: I like tea (Idea 1) + and (Conjunction) + I like coffee (Idea 2).
7. 7Result: I like tea and I like coffee.

You will use these words in almost every conversation.

• Ordering Food: "I want a burger and fries."
• Asking Directions: "Is the bank here or on the next street?"
• Job Interviews: "I am hard-working but I am still learning."
• Shopping: "I like this shirt but it is too expensive."
• Daily Plans: "We can go to the park or watch a movie."

Using these words makes you sound more natural. Without them, you sound like a robot. "I like cats. I like dogs." sounds choppy. "I like cats and dogs" sounds like a real person talking. It is like adding salt to a meal. It just makes everything better.

Do not use and to start every single sentence. This is a common habit for new learners. It makes your speaking feel like a never-ending list.

• Avoid: "And I went home. And I ate. And I slept."
• Instead: Use a mix of short and long sentences.

Also, do not use but when you are just adding information. If the second part of your sentence is positive like the first, use and.

• Avoid: "I have a car but it is fast."
• Instead: "I have a car and it is fast."

One big mistake is the "comma splice." This is when you join two sentences with only a comma.

• ✗ "I am tired, I am happy."
• ✓ "I am tired but I am happy."

Another mistake is using or when you mean and in negative sentences.

• ✗ "I don't like tea and coffee."
• ✓ "I don't like tea or coffee." (This means you don't like either one).

Sometimes people forget the comma before but. In short sentences, it is okay to skip it. In long sentences, your reader needs a tiny break. Think of the comma as a quick breath before the "but" surprise.

You might know the word so. While and adds info, so shows a result.

• and: "It is raining and I have an umbrella."
• so: "It is raining, so I stayed home."

You might also know because. This shows a reason.

• but: "I am hungry but the fridge is empty."
• because: "I am hungry because I skipped lunch."

Also is similar to and. However, also usually starts a new sentence or sits next to the verb. And stays in the middle to join things. It is the social butterfly of the group.