Joining words: and, but, or, so
You learn to find the conjunction that joins two equal parts: and, but, or, so.
How to do the test
- Read the sentence in two parts.
- Find the word that joins the parts together.
- That word is the conjunction.
A worked example
Tap the conjunction. We had tea and cake.
- A conjunction joins two parts of a sentence.
- And joins what comes before it to what comes after it.
- It shows an extra thing.
- And is the conjunction.
More examples
Tap the conjunction. It was raining so we stayed inside.
- A conjunction joins two parts of a sentence.
- So joins what comes before it to what comes after it.
- It shows a result.
- So is the conjunction.
Tap the conjunction. You can swim or you can paddle.
- A conjunction joins two parts of a sentence.
- Or joins what comes before it to what comes after it.
- It shows a choice.
- Or is the conjunction.
Watch out
You tap a verb or noun next to the joining word instead of the joining word itself.
Split the sentence in two. The conjunction is the small word between the parts, and it is never part of either.
Tips
- And adds, but contrasts, or gives a choice, and so gives a result.
Why it works
These words join words or whole clauses of equal weight. Read the sentence in two parts. The word that sits between the parts and joins them is the conjunction.