A Conjunctions and Sample Paragraph
A conjunction is a word or phrase that connects words, phrases, or ideas.
Conjunctions help us show the relationship between different parts of a sentence. They can show addition, choice, contrast, a negative idea, a result, or a purpose.
Monday or Tuesday
I wanted to go, but I was busy.
I don't smoke, nor do I drink alcohol.
I was tired, so I went home.
I left early so that I could catch the bus.
I recently started a new job, and I really enjoy working there. I can take the bus or drive to work, but I usually take the bus because parking is expensive. I do not have to work at night, nor do I have to work on weekends. My office is quite busy, so I organize my tasks every morning. I also arrive a little early so that I can prepare for the day.
Tip: Look at the ideas on both sides of the conjunction. The conjunction tells us how those ideas are connected.
B And / Or
Use and to connect similar information or to add another idea.
- Sarah speaks English and French.
- I bought some bread and milk.
- I finished my work, and I went home.
Use or when there is a choice or alternative.
- Would you like tea or coffee?
- We can meet Monday or Tuesday.
- You can call me, or you can send me an email.
Remember:
and → adds another idea
or → gives another choice
We need pens and paper.
We can travel by bus or train.
C But / Nor
Use but to connect two ideas that contrast or are different from what we might expect.
- The apartment is small, but it is comfortable.
- I wanted to attend the meeting, but I was sick.
- The job is difficult, but the salary is good.
The second idea often gives a different side of the situation.
Use nor to add another negative idea.
- I don't smoke, nor do I drink alcohol.
- She doesn't drive, nor does she own a car.
- We didn't complain, nor did we ask for a refund.
After nor, the helping verb normally comes before the subject.
nor do I work
nor does she drive
nor did they complain
CLB 5–6 Tip: Nor is less common in everyday conversation. You will often hear a simpler structure:
I don't smoke, and I don't drink alcohol.
D So / So That
So and so that look similar, but they have different meanings.
Use so to introduce a result.
I was tired, so I went to bed early.
Being tired caused the person to go to bed early.
- The bus was late, so I arrived late for work.
- It was raining, so we stayed inside.
- I needed some groceries, so I went to the supermarket.
Use so that to introduce a purpose or goal.
I left home early so that I could catch the bus.
Why did I leave home early?
My purpose was to catch the bus.
- I wrote down the address so that I wouldn't forget it.
- She speaks slowly so that everyone can understand her.
- We are saving money so that we can buy a house.
Result: I made dinner because I was hungry.
I went to the store so that I could buy food.
Purpose: My reason for going was to buy food.
Remember:
so → result
so that → purpose
E Key Points to Remember
Conjunctions connect words or ideas. The conjunction you choose depends on the relationship between those ideas.
| Conjunction | Main Use | Example |
| and | addition | I work and study. |
| or | choice | Call or email me. |
| but | contrast | It's small, but comfortable. |
| nor | another negative idea | I don't smoke, nor do I drink. |
| so | result | I was tired, so I rested. |
| so that | purpose | I studied so that I could pass. |
→ and
Am I giving a choice?
→ or
Am I showing a contrast?
→ but
Am I adding another negative idea?
→ nor
Am I showing a result?
→ so
Am I explaining a purpose or goal?
→ so that
Final Tip: Don't choose a conjunction only because it sounds familiar. Read the ideas before and after the blank and decide how they are connected.
addition → and
choice → or
contrast → but
negative addition → nor
result → so
purpose → so that