Coordination

What you'll learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to use coordinating conjunctions to join equal clauses with the right balance.

When do I use it?

Coordinating conjunctions join two EQUAL elements — two clauses, phrases or words:

and — add: "She sings and dances."
but — contrast: "I tried hard but failed."
or — alternatives: "You can stay or leave."
so — result: "It was late, so we left."
yet — surprising contrast: "He's old yet very active."

With two clauses, you can use a comma before the conjunction: "It was raining, so we stayed home."

How do I form it?

Structure

clause + and/but/or/so/yet + clause

We planned the trip, and everyone agreed.
The film was long but worth watching.
Would you like tea or coffee?
The shop closed early, so we missed it.
She was tired yet she kept going.

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Warning

Do not use two conjunctions together — "and but", "but so" are wrong, like Spanish "y pero". Also, "so" (result) and "then" (sequence) are different: "it rained so we stayed" (result) vs "we arrived then we ate" (sequence). Avoid the comma splice: "it rained, we stayed" (no conjunction) needs "so" or a semicolon. And do not start too many sentences with "and"/"but" in formal writing.

Hint

and (add), but (contrast), or (choice), so (result), yet (surprise). One conjunction per pair.

Practice

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

Fill in the Blank

He is old very energetic.

Hint: 'Yet' adds a surprising contrast.

Find the Error

Click on the incorrect word:

Sentence Transformation

Original

The train was late. We missed the meeting.

Task: Join with 'so'

Hint: Clause + so + clause.

Practice Speaking

Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.

Level: C1

Learning Objectives