Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'and', 'but', and 'or' to link equal grammatical elements while maintaining parallel structure and logical flow.
- Use 'and' for addition: 'He likes tea and coffee.'
- Use 'but' for contrast: 'It was raining but warm.'
- Use 'or' for choices: 'Tea or coffee?'
Overview
And、but、or は、英語という言語をくっつける「のり」のようなもの。これらがないと、壊れたロボットみたいに聞こえちゃう。「ピザが好き。パスタが好き。サラダが好き。」――つまんないでしょ？ やっぱり「ピザとパスタとサラダが好き」って言いたいよね。これらの言葉は、より長い文を作るのを助けてくれるんだ。思考をつなぎ、複雑な感情を説明できるようにしてくれる。Uber Eatsで何を注文するか決める時だって役に立つよ。このガイドでは、A1レベルの必須の知識を見ていこう。シンプルに、そして実践的にいこうね。最後には、プロみたいに文をつなげられるようになっているはずだよ。10個の短い文を使うより、2つの長い文でまとめちゃうほうがスマートでしょ？ 君の英語を、ただの事実のリストじゃなく、もっと自然なものにしていこう！How This Grammar Works
Andは「プラス」記号 (+)。情報を追加したいときに使うよ。似たものどうしをつなぐんだ。「iPhoneandMacBookを持っているよ。」どんどん情報をくれる、一番フレンドリーな接続詞だね。Butは「ちょっと待って」のサイン (≠)。違いや意外なことを示したいときに使おう。反対の2つのことをつなぐんだ。「外に出たいけれど（but）、雨が降っている。」ドラマチックな要素や背景を加えてくれる、グラマー界の「どんでん返し」だね。Orは「決断」のサイン (?)。選択肢があるときに使うよ。どちらか一方はいいけれど、両方じゃない場合だね。「紅茶がいい？ それとも（or）コーヒー？」迷っているときや、オプションを提示するときに使おう。
cats and dogs）をつなぐこともできるし、2つの完全な文（I like cats, and I like dogs）をつなぐこともできる。覚えておいて。and は追加、but は対照、or は{選択}。TikTokのダンスくらい簡単だけど、ずっと役に立つよ。
Formation Pattern
Coffee or tea?
In the morning and at night.
I am tired, but I am happy.
but の前にはふつうコンマを置くんだ。and や or の場合は、文がすごく長くない限り、コンマはあってもなくてもいいことが多いよ。
Conjugation Table
| Form | Example | Translation | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- | |||||
| and | I like cats and dogs. | {私 | わたし}は{猫 | ねこ}と{犬 | いぬ}が{好 | す}きです。 | |
| but | I like cats, but I don't like dogs. | {私 | わたし}は{猫 | ねこ}は{好 | す}きですが、{犬 | いぬ}は{好 | す}きではありません。 |
| or | Do you like cats or dogs? | {猫 | ねこ}と{犬 | いぬ}、どちらが{好 | す}きですか？ |
Memory Trick
ABO という言葉を覚えよう。And（Add/追加）、But（Backtrack/逆説・対照）、Or（Option/選択肢）。血液型みたいだけど、基本の英語を作るための命綱だよ！
When To Use It
- 友達へのメッセージ: 「モールにいるよ。それでお腹が空いてる（
andI'm hungry）。」 - SNS: 「最高の景色！ でも（
but）すごく寒い！ ❄️」 - 食べ物の注文: 「バーガーか（
or）ピザがいいな。」 - 就職面接 (Zoom): 「英語と（
and）スペイン語を話せます。」 - Netflix: 「そのドラマはいいんだけど（
but）、最後がイマイチなんだよね。」
and）ローマに行った」と言ってみよう。スペースも節約できるし、ずっとスムーズに聞こえるよ。
Common Mistakes
- 1ダラダラ文（Run-on Sentence）:
andを使いすぎること。「お店に行って、andミルクを買って、and友達に会って、andおしゃべりして、and…」ストップ！ ピリオドを使おう。 - 2コンマ忘れ:
butの前のコンマを忘れること。I like him but I hate his music.
ではなく、I like him,
が正解。butI hate his music. - 3接続詞の二重使い: 2つ同時に使っちゃうこと。 ✗
I want water
→ ✓but orjuice.I want water
orjuice. - 4リストでの 'And' の使いすぎ: 「リンゴ
andオレンジandバナナが好き。」英語ではコンマを使って、andは最後のアイテムの前だけに置くよ。「リンゴ、オレンジ、andバナナが好き。」 - 5'But' と 'Or' の混乱:
Do you want milk
（これは「ミルクは欲しいけど、砂糖はどうする？」みたいな変な聞き方になっちゃう）。選択にはbutsugar?orを使おう。Do you want milk
orsugar?
Contrast With Similar Patterns
so や because と混乱しちゃう学習者もいるよ。And（情報の追加） vs.Because（理由）。「疲れていて、andお腹が空いている」（2つの事実） vs. 「遅くまで働いたから（because）、疲れている」（理由）。But（対照） vs.So（結果）。「疲れている。でも（but）働いている」（対照） vs. 「疲れている。だから（so）寝る」（結果）。Or（選択） vs.Either...or（A2/B1レベル）。とりあえず、今はシンプルなorだけしっかり使えればOKだよ。
Quick FAQ
And で文を始めてもいいの？
いいよ！ メールやテキストではすごく一般的。ただ、フォーマルな文書ではあまりやりすぎないようにね。
and の前にコンマは必要？
普通は不要。すごく長い文のときや、リストの最後（「オックスフォード・コンマ」と呼ばれるもの）以外はね。
but と however の違いは何？
but はシンプルで日常会話向け。however はもっとフォーマルで、ビジネスやレポートなどで使われるよ。
or は疑問文でしか使わない？
そんなことないよ。「映画に行くか、or 家にいよう」みたいに、肯定文でも使えるよ。
but で文を始めてもいい？
もちろん。ポイントを強調するのにぴったりの方法だよ。「But wait, there's more!（でも待って、まだ続きがあるよ！）」みたいにね。
Real Conversations
Scenario 1: カフェにて
Waiter
or juice?Customer
and a coffee please.Waiter
or with milk?Customer
but with two sugars.Scenario 2: 週末の計画
Friend A: Are we going to the beach or the park?
Friend B: The beach is nice, but it might rain.
Friend A: True. Let's go to the park and bring an umbrella.
Progressive Practice
Instagramのシンプルなキャプションから、接続詞を探してみよう。
2つの短い文を and でつなげてみよう（例:
I am a student. I am 20.→
I am a student and I am 20.）。
or を使って、友達に選択肢を提示してみよう（例:
Pizza or Sushi?）。
「好きだけど、ここがちょっとね…」と思うことについて、but を使って文を書いてみよう（例:
I love Netflix, but it is expensive.）。
Usage of Connectors by Grammatical Category
| Category | Connector | Example | Punctuation Note |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nouns
|
and
|
Apples and oranges
|
No comma for two items
|
|
Adjectives
|
but
|
Small but mighty
|
No comma for two items
|
|
Verbs
|
or
|
Eat or drink
|
No comma for two items
|
|
Independent Clauses
|
and
|
I sang, and she danced.
|
Comma required
|
|
Independent Clauses
|
but
|
I tried, but I failed.
|
Comma required
|
|
Independent Clauses
|
or
|
Leave, or I'll call the police.
|
Comma required
|
|
Lists (3+ items)
|
and
|
Red, white, and blue
|
Oxford comma optional but recommended
|
Informal & Stylistic Variations
| Full Form | Informal/Stylistic | Context |
|---|---|---|
|
and
|
n'
|
Rock n' roll (Music/Casual)
|
|
and
|
&
|
Business names / Notes
|
|
but
|
yet
|
Formal contrast (He is old yet active)
|
|
or
|
v.
|
Legal/Sports (Team A v. Team B)
|
Meanings
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank. They establish logical relationships of addition, contrast, or alternative.
Addition (And)
Used to join two or more items or ideas that are similar or related.
“She studied hard and passed the exam.”
“We need bread, milk, and eggs.”
Contrast (But)
Used to introduce a statement that adds something different or opposite to what has already been mentioned.
“I wanted to go, but I was too tired.”
“The movie was long but interesting.”
Alternative (Or)
Used to present a choice between two or more possibilities.
“Would you like tea or coffee?”
“We can walk or take the bus.”
Logical Consequence (And)
Used in conditional-style imperatives to show a result.
“Work hard and you will succeed.”
“Touch that and you'll be sorry.”
Exception (But)
Used as a preposition meaning 'except' or 'apart from'.
“Everyone but Sarah was there.”
“I have nothing but respect for him.”
Negative Warning (Or)
Used to show what will happen if the first part of the sentence does not occur.
“Hurry up, or we'll be late.”
“Stop that, or I'm leaving.”
Reference Table
| 接続詞 | 機能 | 例文 | 現代的な文脈 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
and
|
追加（＋）
|
I like coffee and tea.
|
自己紹介で趣味を挙げる時
|
|
but
|
対比（≠）
|
I'm tired, but happy.
|
オンラインで映画をレビューする時
|
|
or
|
選択（？）
|
Tea or coffee?
|
フードアプリで注文する時
|
|
and
|
順序
|
I woke up and showered.
|
Vlogのキャプション
|
|
but
|
訂正
|
Not red, but blue.
|
チャットで誤字を訂正する時
|
|
or
|
可能性
|
Maybe today or tomorrow.
|
Zoom会議のスケジュール調整
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
The results were statistically significant; however, the sample size was limited. (Research reporting)
The results were significant, but the sample was small. (Research reporting)
It worked, but it was a tiny test. (Research reporting)
It's cool but kinda mid. (Research reporting)
The Logic of Connectors
Addition
- And Plus / Sequence
Contrast
- But Opposite / Exception
Choice
- Or Alternative / Warning
Conjunctions vs. Conjunctive Adverbs
The Comma Decision
Are you joining two full sentences?
Is it a list of 3+ items?
Rhetorical Uses of 'And'
Sequence
- • I went home and slept.
- • He ate and left.
Condition
- • Do it and see.
- • Try and you'll know.
Emphasis
- • Better and better
- • On and on
レベル別の例文
I have a cat and a dog.
It is hot but sunny.
Do you want milk or juice?
She is tired and hungry.
I like to swim, and I like to run.
He studied for the test, but he failed.
You can stay here, or you can go home.
The hotel was cheap but very clean.
The project was difficult, and it took a long time to finish.
I don't like coffee, tea, or soda.
She is not only talented but also very humble.
We could go to the beach, or we could visit the museum.
The data was collected over six months, and the analysis was performed by experts.
The results were promising, but the sample size was too small.
Applicants must have a degree, three years of experience, and a valid license.
You must submit the report by Friday, or you will lose the contract.
The theory is elegant in its simplicity, but its practical application remains elusive.
He was anything but pleased with the final outcome of the negotiations.
The city was a labyrinth of narrow streets, and dark alleys, and hidden courtyards.
Whether we succeed or fail depends entirely on our collective resolve.
The argument was not merely flawed but fundamentally deceptive in its premise.
He sought neither fame nor fortune, but a simple life of quiet contemplation.
The storm raged with a ferocity that was at once terrifying and awe-inspiring.
One must adapt to the changing landscape, or risk becoming a relic of the past.
間違えやすい
Learners use 'however' as a direct replacement for 'but' without changing punctuation.
Learners use 'or' after 'neither'.
Learners think 'as well as' is a coordinating conjunction.
よくある間違い
I like apples, oranges.
I like apples and oranges.
I want tea but coffee.
I want tea or coffee.
He is tall, and.
He is tall and strong.
I like and apples.
I like apples and pears.
I went home, I slept.
I went home, and I slept.
It was cold but, it was sunny.
It was cold, but it was sunny.
Do you like red and blue?
Do you like red or blue?
He is rich but he is unhappy.
He is rich, but he is unhappy.
I like hiking and to swim.
I like hiking and swimming.
I don't like tea and coffee.
I don't like tea or coffee.
He is smart, however he is lazy.
He is smart, but he is lazy.
We can go by bus, or train.
We can go by bus or train.
The report was detailed, accurate, and it was timely.
The report was detailed, accurate, and timely.
He was anything or happy.
He was anything but happy.
I have no choice but leaving.
I have no choice but to leave.
The project failed, but, we learned a lot.
The project failed, but we learned a lot.
文型パターン
I like ___ and ___.
It was ___, but ___.
You can either ___ or ___.
Not only was the ___ ___, but it was also ___.
Real World Usage
On my way but traffic is bad.
I am hardworking and I have five years of experience.
I'll have the burger, but no onions please.
The hypothesis was tested, and the results were recorded.
Pizza or Tacos? Vote now!
We can visit the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre.
リストのルール
「but」とコンマ
文頭の「But」や「And」
Smart Tips
Use the Oxford Comma to ensure each item is clearly separated and distinct.
Replace 'but' with 'yet' or 'however' (with proper punctuation).
Ensure all verbs are in the same tense and form.
Use 'or' to mean 'neither of these things'.
発音
Weak Form of 'And'
In natural speech, 'and' is often reduced to /ən/ or just /n/.
Glottal Stop with 'But'
In many British dialects, the 't' in 'but' is replaced by a glottal stop /bʌʔ/.
Linking 'Or'
When 'or' is followed by a vowel, the 'r' is often pronounced to link the words (e.g., 'tea or_apple').
Lists
Apples (rising), pears (rising), and bananas (falling).
Shows the list is finished.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Remember FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. (Focus on the 'Big Three': And, But, Or).
視覚的連想
Imagine 'And' as a bridge connecting two identical islands, 'But' as a wall with a small door leading to a different landscape, and 'Or' as a fork in the road with two signs.
Rhyme
And adds more to the score, But shows a different door, Or gives a choice to explore.
Story
I went to the market AND bought a fish. I wanted to cook it, BUT I had no fire. I thought, 'Should I buy wood OR just eat it raw?'
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write a 5-sentence story where every sentence must use either 'and', 'but', or 'or' to connect two independent clauses.
文化メモ
The Oxford Comma is less common in UK journalism (like the BBC) but still used in academic writing (Oxford University Press).
The Oxford Comma is standard in most US style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago).
In legal documents, 'and/or' is frequently used to avoid ambiguity, though it is often criticized as clunky in general writing.
All three words have Old English roots: 'and' (and), 'but' (be-utan - meaning 'outside'), and 'or' (othther).
会話のきっかけ
Do you prefer working in an office or working from home?
Tell me about a time you tried something new but didn't like it.
In your opinion, is it better to be rich and unhappy or poor and happy?
Discuss the impact of technology on society: is it a blessing or a curse?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
I like football ___ I don't like tennis.
Choose the best sentence for a choice:
Find and fix the mistake:
I am tall and I am not fast.
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercisesI wanted to buy the dress, ___ it was too expensive.
You can have the blue shirt ___ the red one, but not both.
Find and fix the mistake:
The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.
He is very rich. He is very unhappy.
I like swimming, dancing, and to play tennis.
A: Should we take the train? B: We could, ___ it might be faster to drive.
Select the contrast word.
1. Addition, 2. Choice, 3. Contrast
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesI have a brother ___ a sister.
Pick the most natural sentence:
Is your car blue and red?
coffee / but / I / like / I / tea / hate
Ich bin müde, aber ich bin glücklich.
Match function to conjunction:
He is rich ___ he is not happy.
Which one sounds like a modern text?
I can pay with cash but card.
tired / and / I / am / hungry
Score: /10
よくある質問 (8)
Yes, you can! It is common in modern writing for emphasis, though some very formal teachers might still discourage it.
It is the comma before the final 'and' or 'or' in a list of three or more items (e.g., 'A, B, and C').
Use a comma before 'but' when it connects two full sentences (independent clauses).
It means using the same grammatical form for all items in a list (e.g., 'I like running, jumping, and swimming').
In some cases, yes! 'Work hard and you'll pass' means 'If you work hard, you'll pass.'
It is common in legal and technical writing but should be avoided in creative or casual writing.
It's a mistake where you join two sentences with only a comma and no conjunction.
Usually, but it can also mean 'except', as in 'Everyone but me was there.'
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
y, pero, o
English conjunctions do not change based on the following sound.
et, mais, ou
French uses 'ou' (or) vs 'où' (where), which are homophones.
und, aber, oder
English uses 'but' for both 'aber' and 'sondern' contexts.
と (to), しかし (shikashi), か (ka)
English uses 'and' for almost all grammatical categories.
و (wa), لكن (lakin), أو (aw)
Arabic often starts sentences with 'wa', which is less common in formal English.
和 (hé), 但是 (dànshì), 或者 (huòzhě)
English 'and' is much more versatile than Chinese 'hé'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
09:32 The Hidden Politics of Home: Crash Course Latin American Literature #8
06:42 Tumbleweeds Aren't From Here
05:59 The tale of the Monkey King and the Buddha - Ji Hao
Conjunctions – English Grammar Lessons
Ellii (formerly ESL Library)
What is a Conjunction? 3 Types of Conjunctions | Coordinate | Subordinate | Correlative (free PDF)
The Learning Depot
What are Conjunctions? ► Learn English Grammar with Joining Words
Maple Online Learning
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