Coordinate conjunction

Conjunctions: contrasting

Conjunctions: contrasting Grammar > Words, sentences and clauses > Conjunctions and linking words > Conjunctions: contrasting from English Grammar Today The conjunctions but and although/though connect ideas that contrast. Whereas is also used but it is not as common: The new city hall is amazing but it's going to cost a lot. He's quite short, whereas his sister is tall. But But is a coordinating conjunction used to connect ideas that contrast. Coordinating conjunctions connect items which are the same grammatical type. main idea contrast The meal was good I want to lose weight Lara cooked roast beef for me Edinburgh is an interesting place but expensive. I hate diets. I don't eat meat. it takes a long time to get there. Warning: We can't use however as a conjunction instead of but to connect words and phrases: My teacher is very nice but a bit strict. Not: My teacher is very nice however a bit strict. See also: But Although/though Although/though can be used to contrast ideas. Although/though are subordinating conjunctions used to connect a subordinate clause to a main clause, like after, as, before, if, since, that, even though, even if. main idea although though contrast Grace is an excellent athlete she injured her leg recently. Harry is a great friend we don't see each other often. The although/though clause can come first. Although Though contrast main idea the car was destroyed, no one was injured in the crash. people say it's dangerous, I think it's an amazing country. See also: Conjunctions Position of subordinating conjunctions Although or though? But or although? But or although? But cannot be used in the same way as although/though. We use but to connect items which are the same grammatical type (coordinating conjunction). Warning: The order of clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions cannot be reversed: Although it rained a lot, we've still enjoyed our holiday. We've still enjoyed our holiday, although it rained a lot. It rained a lot but we've still enjoyed our holiday. Not: But it rained a lot, we've still enjoyed our holiday. Although can sound more formal than but. Though is much more common in speaking than in writing. Although is much more common in writing than in speaking. Even though, even if Even though and even if are also used as subordinating conjunctions in the same way as although/though. Even though is similar to although but it makes a stronger contrast: Even though I cycle to work, I don't feel very fit. Even if means 'whether or not': Even if you run, you'll still be late. (You'll be late whether you run or not.) I feel tired even if I go to bed early. (I feel tired whether I go to bed early or not.) See also: Whether Conjunctions: typical errors We use and to connect words in a list and to connect phrases and clauses in a sentence: He loves cycling, hiking and ball games. Not: He loves cycling, hiking, ball games. See also: And Adding with and After conjunctions referring to time, such as when, once and as soon as, we use the present simple when we refer to the future: It will be summer when we see you again. Not: ... when we will see you again. They'll leave once the lecture finishes. Not: ... once the lecture will finish. As soon as I hear any news, I'll call you. Not: As soon as I'll hear any news ... During is a preposition, not a conjunction, so it must be followed by a noun or a pronoun: She studies while she is on the train. Not: She studies during she is on the train. See also: Conjunctions: time When we use a so-clause to connect a cause/reason to a result, the so-clause must come second: I bought a new computer game so I have no money left. Not: So I have no money left I bought a new computer game. See also: Conjunctions: causes, reasons and results Because Since As We use although/though, not but, to connect a subordinate clause to a main clause: Although I'm tall, I'm not as tall as Bill. Not: But I'm tall, I'm not as tall as Bill. See also: But or although? When as well as or in addition to are followed by clauses, the verb is in the -ing form: [from a brochure advertising an English course in London] As well as living with a family, you practise your English. Not: As well as you live with a family ... In addition to being a wonderful seafood restaurant, it had an amazing view. Not: In addition to it was a wonderful seafood restaurant ... See also: Adding with as well as and in addition to We cannot use however to connect words and phrases: The area around Cannes has small but nice beaches. Not: ... has small however nice beaches. See also: Conjunctions: causes, reasons and results Position of subordinating conjunctions When or if? We only use one conjunction to connect words or phrases: Since she had the day off work, she went out for lunch with some friends. Not: Since she had the day off work, so she went out for lunch ...

And

and conjunction (ALSO) A1 used to join two words, phrases, parts of sentences, or related statements together: Ann and Jim boys and girls knives and forks We were wet and tired. We kissed and hugged each other. Tidy up your room. And don't forget to make your bed! and so on A2 (also and so forth) together with other similar things: schools, colleges, and so on and all and everything else: She bought the whole lot - house, farm, horses, and all. UK slang too: I'd like some and all. and all that informal and everything related to the subject mentioned: She likes grammar and all that. and/or used to mean that either one of two things or both of them is possible: Many pupils have extra classes in the evenings and/or at weekends. More examples The Australians have won three gold medals and two silvers in the swimming events. It costs a lot to feed and clothe five children. Snakes and lizards are cold-blooded animals. Your shoes will be repaired and ready for you to collect on Thursday. I'm afraid those days are gone and they'll never come again. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words and conjunction (THEN) A1 used to join two parts of a sentence, one part happening after the other part: I got dressed and had my breakfast. as a result: Bring the flowers into a warm room and they'll soon open. Stand over there and you'll be able to see it better. A2 With certain verbs, "and" can mean "in order to": I asked him to go and find my glasses. Come and see me tomorrow. Wait and see (= wait in order to see) what happens. informal Try and get (= try to get) some tickets for tonight's performance. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words and conjunction (FOR EMPHASIS) B1 If "and" is used to join two words that are the same, it makes their meaning stronger: She spends hours and hours (= a very long time) on the phone. The sound grew louder and louder (= very loud). We laughed and laughed (= laughed a lot). More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words and conjunction (BUT) used to express surprise: You're a vegetarian and you eat fish? Adding with and One of the main uses of conjunctions is to add phrases and clauses together. The most common conjunction for adding is and: Adding words I love pictures of [word]puppies and [word]kittens. Adding phrases It was not a very nice walk because of [phrase]the wind and [phrase]the rain. Adding clauses [clause]Some of the rooms have one big bed and [clause]some of them have two smaller beds. Adding sentences [sentence]They worked together for more than twenty years. And [sentence]made a lot of money, too. In formal writing we don't normally start a sentence with and. Adding prefixes Tell me how much it will cost [prefix]pre- and [prefix]post-tax. Warning: When and is used in a list, it is normally only used between the last two items in the list: We had pasta, roasted peppers and salad. Not: We had pasta, and roasted peppers, and salad. In British English, a comma is optional before and in lists. In American English, we usually do put a comma before and: I need envelopes, paper clips, pens and printer ink. (BrE) I need envelopes, paper clips, pens, and printer ink. (AmE) See also: And Punctuation British and American English Adding with and ... too Spoken English: In speaking, we can also use and ... too to connect words, phrases and clauses. Too focuses on the addition: We bought lots of ice cream for the party, and sweets too. We went to the circus, and Hilda came too. See also: And Conjunctions Too Adding with as well as and in addition to As well as is more common than in addition to. In addition to is more formal and used more in writing than in speaking: As well as offering a 15% discount on the furniture, Smith's Furniture delivered it free to our house. In addition to cutting jobs, the company has announced that its profits are down for this year. Warning: When they are followed by clauses as well as or in addition to can only be followed by a verb in the -ing form (non-finite clauses): You become less selfish as well as learning how to interact with other people. Not: You become less selfish as well as you learn how to interact.... If we worked in this shop, I think we would get good work experience in addition to practising our English. In addition to doing an exam, applicants also had to do an interview. Grammar And is a coordinating conjunction. We use and to connect two words, phrases, clauses or prefixes together: Televisions and computers are dominating our daily life. (noun + noun) I have to shower and change. (verb + verb) The photos are black and white. (adjective + adjective) My best friend and my father's father both come from Wales. (phrase + phrase) She got to the door and put the key in the latch. (clause + clause) The houses were a mix of pre- and post-war build. (prefix + prefix) See also: And, but, either ... or, etc. (coordinating conjunctions) Go and, come and Spoken English: In informal speaking we often use and after go and come before verbs like ask, buy, check, collect, do, find, get: Why don't you go and ask her? I need to go and buy myself some running shoes. Can you come and do the washing up? She should go and find another job. In informal American English speaking, we often leave out and: Dad will come collect you on the way back from work. I was expecting him to go get the keys. Fixed expressions with and We often use and in common fixed expressions. The order of the words cannot change: peace and quiet, pick and choose, come and go, knife and fork, black and white. And + adjective Spoken English: In informal speaking, when we want to emphasise something positive, we often use and after nice or lovely with another adjective: The kitchen's looking nice and clean. You're lovely and tanned. And in numbers When we speak or write numbers, we use and to separate hundred, thousand, million from numbers smaller than a hundred: 625: six hundred and twenty-five 1,000,410: one million, four hundred and ten 6,492: six thousand, four hundred and ninety-two 101: one hundred and one We also use and between whole numbers and fractions: 23½: twenty three and a half

But

conjunction UK strong /bʌt/ weak /bət/ US strong /bʌt/ weak /bət/ A1 used to introduce an added statement, usually something that is different from what you have said before: She's very hard-working but not very imaginative. This is not caused by evil, but by simple ignorance. The play's good, but not that good - I've seen better. I'm sorry, but I think you're wrong when you say she did it deliberately. Call me old-fashioned, but I like handwritten letters. I can understand his unhappiness. But to attempt suicide! "She said she's leaving." "But why?" You can invite Keith to the party, but please don't ask that friend of his. We must not complain about the problem, but (= instead we must) help to put it right. She's not a painter but a writer (= she is a writer, not a painter). She's not only a painter but also a writer (= she is both). UK He said he hadn't been there, but then (= it is not surprising that) he would say that. UK I think it's true, but then (= it should be understood that), I'm no expert. More examples We ran after him, but he escaped. It's a nice dress, but it creases very easily. He looked disappointed at their decision, but didn't argue. Everyone in the office complains that he smells awful, but nobody dares mention it to him. I haven't got any grapefruit juice, but I've got some orange juice. Will that do? Grammar But is a conjunction. But as a linking word We use but to link items which are the same grammatical type (coordinating conjunction). But is used to connect ideas that contrast. main idea but contrast I love fruit They've bought a house in Manchester I am allergic to strawberries. they still haven't sold their house in London. The phrase but not is common: The room has been painted but not in the colour that I asked for. I'd love to go for a pizza with you but not tonight. See also: Conjunctions: contrasting But meaning 'except' But means 'except' when it is used after words such as all, everything/nothing, everyone/no one, everybody/nobody: The cleaning is done now, all but the floors. They still have to be washed. I arrived at the airport and realised that I'd brought everything but my passport! Everyone but Anna has checked in. Nobody but the receptionist was left in the lobby of the hotel. We use object pronouns after but (me, you, him, us, etc.) even in subject position: Everybody but me has paid. No one but him would get a job like that. In formal situations, we can use subject pronouns after but: Everyone but she knew how the drama was going to end. But for + reason But for is used to introduce the reason why something didn't happen: But for the traffic, I would have been here an hour ago. (The traffic was very heavy - if it weren't for the traffic, I'd have been here an hour ago.) They would have been badly injured but for the fact that they were wearing seat belts. (They were wearing seat belts - if it weren't for the fact that they were wearing seat belts, they would have been badly injured.) All but meaning 'almost completely' I had all but finished the essay when the computer crashed and I lost it all. His parents had all but given up hope of seeing him again.

For

for preposition (INTENDED FOR) A1 intended to be given to: There's a phone message for you. I'd better buy something for the new baby. There's a prize for the fastest three runners in each category. More examples We're having a collection for Tom's retirement present. Your shoes will be repaired and ready for you to collect on Thursday. A young girl came up to me and asked for money. There's a letter for you on the table. There'll be a prize for the best entry. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (PURPOSE) A2 having the purpose of: There's a sign there saying "boats for hire". This pool is for the use of hotel guests only. I'm sorry, the books are not for sale. They've invited us for dinner on Saturday. Everyone in the office is contributing money for his leaving present. I need some money for tonight. Which vitamins should you take for (= in order to cure) skin problems? Put those clothes in a pile for washing (= so that they can be washed). More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (BECAUSE OF) A2 because of or as a result of something: I'm feeling all the better for my holiday. "How are you?" "Fine, and all the better for seeing you!" She did 15 years in prison for murder. I don't eat meat for various reasons. I couldn't see for the tears in my eyes. The things you do for love! He's widely disliked in the company for his arrogance. She couldn't talk for coughing (= she was coughing too much to talk). Scotland is famous for its spectacular countryside. He's best remembered for his novels. I didn't say anything for fear of (= because I was frightened of) offending him. if it wasn't/weren't for (also if it hadn't been for) without: If it wasn't for the life jacket, I would have drowned. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (TIME/DISTANCE) A1 used to show an amount of time or distance: We walked for miles. She's out of the office for a few days next week. I'm just going to lie down for an hour or so. I haven't played tennis for years. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (OCCASION) A2 on the occasion of or at the time of: What did you buy him for Christmas? I'd like an appointment with the doctor for some time this week. We're having a party for Jim's 60th birthday. I've booked a table at the restaurant for nine o'clock. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (COMPARING) C1 used for comparing one thing with others of the same type: She's very mature for her age. For every two people in favour of the law there are three against. The winter has been unusually cold for Florida. It was a difficult decision, especially for a child. For a man of his wealth he's not exactly generous. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (RESPONSIBILITY) C1 used to say whose responsibility something is: She knew the driver of the other car was not responsible for her son's death. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (SUPPORT) B2 in support of or in agreement with: I voted for the Greens at the last election. Those voting for the motion, 96, and those voting against, 54. Most of the Republicans voted for the measure. So let's hear some applause for these talented young performers. Who's for (= who wants to play) tennis? be all for sth to approve of or support something very much: I've got nothing against change - I'm all for it. I'm all for gender equality, but I think the most qualified person should get the job. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (HELP) B1 in order to help someone: Let me carry those bags for you. Hello, what can I do for you? My sister will take care of the dog for us while we're away. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (IN RELATION TO) in relation to someone or something: Her feelings for him had changed. He felt nothing but contempt for her. I've got a lot of admiration for people who do that sort of work. He's quite good-looking but he's too short for me. The ice-cream was a little bit sweet for me. That jacket looks a little big for you. Jackie's already left and, as for me, I'm going at the end of the month. Luckily for me (= I was lucky), I already had another job. How are you doing for money/time (= do you have enough money/time)? for all C2 despite: For all her qualifications, she's still useless at the job. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (PAYMENT) A2 (getting) in exchange: How much did you pay for your glasses? I've sponsored her £1 for every mile that she runs. She sold the house for a lot of money. The mechanic said he'd repair my car for £300. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (REPRESENTING) B1 being employed by or representing a company, country, etc.: She works for a charity. He swam for the United States in the 2000 Olympics. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (TOWARDS) A2 towards; in the direction of: They looked as if they were heading for the train station. Just follow signs for the museum. This time tomorrow we'll be setting off for the States. It says this train is for (= going to stop at) Birmingham and Coventry only. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (MEANING) A2 showing meaning: What's the Spanish word for "vegetarian"? What does the "M.J." stand for? Maria José? More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (TO GET) A2 in order to get or achieve: I hate waiting for public transport. I had to run for the bus. Did you send off for details of the competition? I've applied for a job with another computer company. More examples Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (DUTY) the duty or responsibility of: As to whether you should marry him - that's for you to decide. It's not for me to tell her what she should do with her life. "How many people should I invite to the party?" "It's not really for me to say." Thesaurus: synonyms and related words for preposition (IN TROUBLE) for it UK informal (mainly US in for it) in trouble: You'll be for it when she finds out! for conjunction (BECAUSE) because; as: She remained silent, for her heart was heavy and her spirits low. Grammar that/there's ... for you disapproving used to say that you think something is a typical example of something bad: You spend two hours cooking a meal and they say "it's disgusting" - that's children for you! what ... for? why: What did you do that for? What are you emptying that cupboard for? For + -ing: function We use for + the -ing form of a verb to talk about the function of something or how something is used: I need something for storing CDs. [a PC is a personal computer] The PC is still the most popular tool for developing software systems. For + -ing: reason We use for + the -ing form of a verb to refer to the reason for something: You should talk to Jane about it. You know, she's famous for being a good listener. (A lot of people know she's such a good listener.) For + -ing or to + infinitive? Warning: We don't use for + -ing to express our purpose or intention. We use to + infinitive: We're going to Lisbon to visit my aunt. Not: We're going to Lisbon for visiting my aunt. or ... for visit my aunt. He's now studying to be a doctor. Not: He's now studying for to be a doctor. or ... for being a doctor. You don't need to bring anything. There'll be sandwiches to eat and juice to drink. Not: There'll be sandwiches for eat and juice for drink.

or

or conjunction (POSSIBILITIES) A1 used to connect different possibilities: Is it Tuesday or Wednesday today? You can pay now or when you come back to pick up the paint. Are you listening to me or not? The patent was granted in (either) 1962 or 1963 - I can't quite remember which. It doesn't matter whether you win or lose - it's taking part that's important. There were ten or twelve (= approximately that number of) people in the room. He was just kidding - or was he (= but it is possible that he was not)? A2 used after a negative verb to mean not one thing and also not another: The child never smiles or laughs. Compare nor More examples If the product doesn't work, you are given the choice of a refund or a replacement. Are the photos in colour or black and white? Are you comfortable or shall I turn the heat down? You can move the cursor either by using the mouse or by using the arrow keys on the keyboard. Is it my imagination or is David behaving strangely at the moment? Thesaurus: synonyms and related words or conjunction (IF NOT) B1 if not: You should eat more, or you'll make yourself ill. More examples "Clear off or I'll call the police!" Do your coat up, Joe, or you'll freeze. Are you comfortable or shall I turn the heat down? Come on, stir yourselves, or you'll be late! I heard him shout "Stop, or I'll shoot!" Thesaurus: synonyms and related words or conjunction (EXPLAIN) B2 used to show that a word or phrase means the same as, or explains, limits, or corrects, another word or phrase: Rosalind, or Roz to her friends, took the initiative. Things have been going very well recently. Or they were, until two days ago. More examples I'll do it later. Or, at least I'll try to do it. Football, or soccer as it's sometimes called, is very popular in the country. Or is a conjunction that connects two or more possibilities or alternatives. It connects words, phrases and clauses which are the same grammatical type: Which do you prefer? Leather or suede? You can have some freshly baked scones or some chocolate cake or both. We use or after the negative form of a verb, instead of and. Compare I like tea and coffee. I like both tea and coffee. I don't like tea or coffee. I don't like tea and I don't like coffee. When we connect two or more nouns using or, we use a singular verb with singular nouns, and a plural verb with plural countable nouns: A banjo or a mandolin is what we need. (singular nouns) I think more pictures or ornaments are needed in this room. (plural nouns) See also: Conjunctions Either ... or For emphasis, we can use either ... or: You can pay either by cash or by credit card. (the same as: You can pay by cash or by credit card.) Warning: The negative form of either ... or is neither ... nor: Neither Joe nor Maria will be at the wedding. In more formal language we sometimes use nor instead of or, even when neither is not used. It sometimes comes after a pause when someone adds another option: No one knew from where they came - nor to where they went. See also: Conjunctions Neither, neither ... nor and not ... either Typical errors We use or, not and, after the negative form of a verb: There weren't any facilities at all. There were no bathrooms, telephones or even pillows. Not: There were no bathrooms, telephones and even pillows. We only use or to connect alternative possibilities. We use and when we mean 'in addition to': In this essay, I will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of killing animals for food. Not: I will discuss both the advantages or disadvantages ... or no informal used to emphasize that the stated thing will not make any difference: Extra pay or no extra pay, I'm not going to work late again tonight. or so informal B1 approximately: They raised two hundred dollars or so for charity. or two informal C1 approximately or a little more than: I'll be with you in a minute or two. It's a good year or two since we last met.