and, but, or, because

These four short words join two words, or two parts of a sentence.

And

And adds one more thing.

With three or more things, put commas between them and and before the last one: tea, coffee and juice.

But

But adds something different or surprising. In writing there's often a comma before it.

Or

Or gives a choice.

In a negative sentence, use or, not and.

Because

Because gives the reason. It answers the question Why?

When the because part comes first, put a comma after it.

Because comes before a whole sentence. Before a noun, use because of: because of the rain.

Common mistakes

• × I don't like tea and coffee. → I don't like tea or coffee.
• × I stayed at home. Because I was ill. → I stayed at home because I was ill.
• × because of I was late → because I was late
• × because the rain → because of the rain