And, but, so and because are the glue of everyday English. They join two short ideas into one smooth sentence, so you sound less like a list and more like a real conversation.
The pattern
It was raining, so we stayed home.
We stayed home because it was raining.
01And and but
Use and to add a similar idea. Use but to show a contrast, when the second idea is different from what we expect.
- I work downtown, and my wife works from home.
- The apartment is small, but the rent is cheap.
- I called the office, but nobody answered.
- We had dinner and watched a movie.
02So or because?
Because gives the reason (why?). So gives the result (what happened next?). They tell the same story from opposite ends: I was hungry, so I ate. I ate because I was hungry.
You can start a sentence with because, but then you need both parts: Because I was hungry, I ate. Never use because and so together in one sentence.
| because = reason | so = result |
|---|---|
| I left early because I was sick. | I was sick, so I left early. |
| She's happy because she got the job. | She got the job, so she's happy. |
| We took a cab because it was late. | It was late, so we took a cab. |
03Commas: the American way
When and, but or so join two complete sentences (each with its own subject and verb), American writers usually put a comma before the linking word. If there is no new subject, don't use a comma: I cooked dinner and washed the dishes.
With because, don't use a comma in the middle. Use a comma only when the because part comes first.
- My phone died, so I couldn't call you.
- I'm tired because I worked a double shift.
- Because the store was closed, we went to Target.
04Also, too and either
Also and too both mean "in addition." Put too at the end of the sentence. Put also before the main verb, but after am, is, are, was and were. In negative sentences, use either at the end, not too.
- I speak Spanish too.
- I also speak Spanish.
- She is also a nurse.
- I don't eat meat, and my sister doesn't either.
05Common mistakes
Because it was late, so we took a cab.
Because it was late, we took a cab.
Use because or so, not both in the same sentence.
I was hungry, because I ate a burger.
I was hungry, so I ate a burger.
Eating is the result of being hungry, so use so.
I don't like horror movies too.
I don't like horror movies either.
Negative sentences use either, not too.
I'm also work on Saturdays.
I also work on Saturdays.
Also goes right before the main verb. Don't add am.