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And, but, because, so, then, after that
A2 A2 grammar · lesson 22 of 25
Linking words join your ideas and make your speaking and writing clear. With them you can give reasons, results and the order of events.
Joining ideas: and, but, because, so
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | adds information | I like tea and coffee. |
| but | shows a contrast (different idea) | It’s cheap but good. |
| because | gives the reason (why?) | I stayed home because I was ill. |
| so | gives the result | I was ill, so I stayed home. |
Ken plays football and his brother plays tennis.
I wanted to go out, but it was raining.
Mia is happy because she passed her exam.
The shop was closed, so we went home.
Ali was hungry, so he made a sandwich.
Order of events: first, then, after that, finally
When you tell a story or explain steps, use first, then, next, after that and finally. We often put them at the start of a sentence.
First, I got up and had a shower.
Then I had breakfast with my family.
After that, I took the bus to school.
Finally, I got home at five o’clock and relaxed.
Note: after that is followed by a comma and a full sentence. Do not use after alone in the same way: say After that, I went home, not After, I went home.
Common mistakes
✗ I was tired, because I went to bed.
✓ I was tired, so I went to bed.
✗ Because I was late. (one sentence)
✓ I took a taxi because I was late.
✗ After, we watched a film.
✓ After that, we watched a film.
✗ She is rich and she isn’t happy.
✓ She is rich, but she isn’t happy.