Lesson 34 of 46

Linking ideas: and, but, so, because, although, however

Join sentences with the right connector and punctuation.

The rules

1.And adds, but contrasts, so gives a result, because gives a reason, and or offers a choice.
2.Use only one connector per idea: "Because I was tired, I slept" or "I was tired, so I slept" — not both.
3.Although/though already show contrast, so do not add but: "Although it rained, we went."
4."However" and "therefore" are not conjunctions. Use a period or semicolon before them, and a comma after: "It was late; however, we stayed."

Incorrect: ~~Because I was tired, so I slept.~~

Correct: Because I was tired, I slept.

Drop "so".

Incorrect: ~~Although it was raining, but we went.~~

Correct: Although it was raining, we went.

Drop "but".

Incorrect: ~~It was late, however we stayed.~~

Correct: It was late; however, we stayed.

Comma alone cannot join with "however".

Watch out: If you have two connectors doing the same job, delete one.

1. Which is correct?

2. I missed the bus, ___ I was late.

3. Which is correct?

Paste any text and see exactly what to fix, with the rule explained.