Basic Connectors: and/but/or/so/because
What Is It?
Basic Connectors: and/but/or/so/because refers to common linking words that join ideas and show relationship.
B1-B2 reference topic in Connectors and Discourse.
Why Use It?
- Connect addition, contrast, choice, result, and reason.
- Write longer sentences without losing clarity.
- Avoid comma splices.
Formation and Patterns
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | clause + and + clause | I revised, and I practised. |
| Contrast/choice | but/or | It was hard, but I finished. |
| Reason/result | because/so | I practised because I had a test. I practised, so I improved. |
Common Mistakes
- Using because and so together for one relation.
- Starting every sentence with the same connector.
- Forgetting a comma before so when it joins two independent clauses.
Exceptions & Nuances
- Because can start a sentence if the dependent clause is completed by a main clause.