ESL CONNECT | Conjunctions

Explanation: conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases or sentences. They help us explain reasons, contrast ideas, add information and show time.

1. Basic conjunctions: and, but, or

Conjunction	Use	Example
and	adds information	I like tea and coffee.
but	shows contrast	I like coffee, but I don’t like tea.
or	shows choice	Do you want tea or coffee?

2. Because and so

Use because to give a reason. Use so to show a result.

Conjunction	Meaning	Example
because	reason	I stayed home because I was tired.
so	result	I was tired, so I stayed home.

Important difference:
Reason: I stayed home because I was tired.
Result: I was tired, so I stayed home.

3. Although

Use although to show contrast. It means “but this is surprising”.

Examples:
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
She passed the test although it was difficult.
Although he was tired, he finished his homework.

4. When, while, before and after

Use these conjunctions to connect actions in time.

Conjunction	Use	Example
when	at the time that something happens	Call me when you arrive.
while	during the time that something is happening	I listened to music while I was studying.
before	earlier than another action	Wash your hands before you eat.
after	later than another action	I went to bed after I finished my homework.

5. If

Use if to talk about a condition.

Examples:
If it rains, I’ll stay home.
If you need help, call me.
I’ll go to the party if I finish my homework.

6. Sentence position

Some conjunctions can come at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence.

Beginning	Middle
Because I was tired, I stayed home.	I stayed home because I was tired.
Although it was cold, we went out.	We went out although it was cold.
When I arrived, I called my friend.	I called my friend when I arrived.

Comma rule: When because, although, when, while, before, after, if start the sentence, we usually use a comma after the first part.
Example: Although it was late, we continued working.

And, but or or?

Choose the correct conjunction.

1. I like apples __________ bananas.

but and because

2. I like English, __________ I don’t like maths.

or and but

3. Do you want tea __________ coffee?

or but so

4. She is kind __________ friendly.

because and although

5. The film was long, __________ it was interesting.

but or because

Because and so

Choose because for the reason and so for the result.

1. I went to bed early __________ I was tired.

so because although

2. I was tired, __________ I went to bed early.

because so but

3. She stayed home __________ she was ill.

because so or

4. It was raining, __________ we took an umbrella.

because although so

5. I didn’t go out __________ I had homework.

so because and

Rewrite the sentence

Rewrite with so: I made a sandwich because I was hungry.

Answer: I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.

Although

Use although to show contrast.

1. __________ it was cold, we went swimming.

Because Although So

2. She passed the exam __________ it was difficult.

although because so

3. It was raining, __________ we went for a walk.

because so but

4. __________ he was tired, he finished his work.

Although Because Or

Correct the mistake

Correct: Although it was late we continued working.

Answer: Although it was late, we continued working.

When, while, before and after

Choose the best time conjunction.

1. Call me __________ you arrive.

because when although

2. I listened to music __________ I was studying.

while so or

3. Wash your hands __________ you eat.

after before because

4. I went to bed __________ I finished my homework.

after but although

5. She fell asleep __________ she was watching TV.

so while because

If for conditions

Choose the correct conjunction or sentence.

1. I’ll stay home __________ it rains.

so if but

2. Call me __________ you need help.

if although or

3. Choose the correct sentence.

If I finish my homework, I’ll go out. So I finish my homework, I’ll go out. Although I finish my homework, I’ll go out.

4. Choose the correct sentence.

Because you study, but you’ll improve. If you study, you’ll improve. So you study, you’ll improve.

B1 contrast practice

Choose the best conjunction. Think about meaning: reason, result, contrast, time or condition.

1. __________ the restaurant was expensive, the food was excellent.

Because Although So

2. The restaurant was full, __________ we went somewhere else.

because although so

3. We went somewhere else __________ the restaurant was full.

because so but

4. I made dinner __________ my brother was doing his homework.

while so although

5. We’ll cancel the picnic __________ it rains.

because if but

6. Please check your answers __________ you submit the test.

after before so

Correct the mistake

Correct: I stayed home so I was ill.

Answer: I stayed home because I was ill.

Correct: I was ill because I stayed home.

Answer: I was ill, so I stayed home.

Mixed practice

Choose the best answer.

1. I’m learning English __________ I need it for work.

so because or

2. __________ she was nervous, she gave a good presentation.

Because Although So

3. Text me __________ you get home.

when although so

4. Would you like pasta __________ pizza?

but because or

5. I went for a walk __________ I finished studying.

after because but

Final writing practice

1. Write one sentence with because.

2. Write one sentence with so.

3. Write one sentence with although.

4. Write one sentence with a time conjunction: when, while, before or after.