Overview
Use basic connectors — and, also, too, but, however — to link sentences and ideas clearly in spoken and written English.
Adding & contrasting
- andShe is kind and generous. (adding)
- butHe is clever but lazy. (contrast)
- howeverThe price was high. However, the quality was excellent.
- also/tooI enjoy swimming. I enjoy running too. / I also enjoy running.
Cause & result
- soShe was tired, so she went to bed.
- becauseHe stayed home because he was ill.
- alsoShe can sing. She can also dance.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ She is kind but generous. → ✅ She is kind and generous.
- ❌ He was tired, but he went to bed. → ✅ … tired, so he went to bed.
- ❌ Because it was raining, so we stayed. → ✅ Use one connector only.
When to use
Writing paragraphs
She worked hard, and she passed.
Spoken links
I like it, but it's too expensive.
Showing results
It rained, so we cancelled.
Adding detail
She speaks French. She also speaks Italian.