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
I like you and your dog.（我喜欢你和你的狗。）你的约会对象笑了。现在，想象一下你说：
I like you, but your dog...（我喜欢你，但是你的狗……）你的约会对象僵住了。这一个小小的词改变了整个晚上的气氛。这就是基本连词的力量。
And、but 和 or 是英语的粘合剂。没有它们，我们听起来就像坏掉的机器人。I like pizza. I like pasta. I like salad.（我喜欢披萨。我喜欢意面。我喜欢沙拉。）很无聊，对吧？我们要说：
I like pizza, pasta, and salad.（我喜欢披萨、意面和沙拉。）这些词帮你构建更长的句子。它们连接你的想法。它们让你能解释复杂的情感。它们甚至能帮你决定在 Uber Eats 上点什么。在本指南中，我们关注的是 A1 级别的基础知识。我们会保持简单。我们会保持实用。到最后，你就能像专业人士一样连接句子了。如果两个长句就能搞定，为什么要用十个短句呢？让我们让你的英语听起来更自然，而不是像在列清单。
How This Grammar Works
And是你的“加号” (+)。当你想要添加更多信息时使用它。它连接相似的事物。I have an iPhone
它就是最友好的连词，因为它一直在给予。anda MacBook.But是你的“等一下”标志 (≠)。当你想要表示不同或惊喜时使用它。它连接两个相反的事物。I want to go out,
它增加了戏剧性。它增加了语境。它是语法的“剧情反转”。butit is raining.Or是你的“决定”标志 (?)。当有选择时使用它。你可以拥有一样东西，但不能两者兼得。Do you want tea
当你犹豫不决或提供选项时使用它。orcoffee?
and dogs）或两个完整的句子（I like cats, and I like dogs）。只要记住：and 添加，but 对比，or 选择。就像 TikTok 舞蹈一样简单，但有用多了。
Formation Pattern
Coffee or tea?
In the morning and at night.
I am tired, but I am happy.
but 连接两个完整的句子时，我们通常在它前面加一个逗号。对于 and 和 or，除非句子很长，否则逗号通常是可选的。
Conjugation Table
| Form | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- |
| and | I like cats and dogs. | 我喜欢猫和狗。 |
| but | I like cats, but I don't like dogs. | 我喜欢猫，但我不喜欢狗。 |
| or | Do you like cats or dogs? | 你喜欢猫还是狗？ |
Memory Trick
记住单词 ABO：And (Add/添加)，But (Backtrack/Contrast/折返/对比)，Or (Option/选项)。听起来像血型，但它是你基本英语句子的生命线！
When To Use It
- 给朋友发短信： "I'm at the mall
andI'm hungry." - 社交媒体：
Great view,
butso cold! ❄️ - 点餐：
I want a burger
ora pizza. - 工作面试 (Zoom)：
I speak English
andSpanish. - Netflix：
The show is good,
butthe ending is bad.
But why though? 或者 And then he left!虽然你老派的英语老师可能会倒吸一口凉气，但这正是当今人们真实的说话方式。它创造了一种对话的流动感。不过，在正式论文中，尽量把它们放在句子中间。用它们来避免重复。不要说
I went to Paris. I went to Berlin. I went to Rome,而是说
I went to Paris, Berlin, and Rome. 这既节省篇幅，听起来也更流利。
Common Mistakes
- 1流水句 (The Run-on Sentence)： 使用
and次数太多。I went to the store
停！用句号。andI bought milkandI saw my friendandwe talkedand... - 2缺失逗号 (The Missing Comma)： 忘记在
but前面加逗号。I like him but I hate his music.
应该是：I like him,
butI hate his music. - 3双重连词 (Double Conjunctions)： 同时使用两个。✗
I want water
✓but orjuice.I want water
orjuice. - 4在列表中过度使用 'And'：
I like apples
在英语中，我们使用逗号，并且只在最后一项前加andorangesandbananas.and：I like apples, oranges,
andbananas. - 5混淆 'But' 和 'Or'：
Do you want milk
（这听起来像个奇怪的挑战）。表示选择时用butsugar?or：Do you want milk
orsugar?
Contrast With Similar Patterns
so 或 because 混淆。And添加信息 vs.Because给出理由。"I'm tiredandhungry«（两个事实）vs. »I'm tiredbecauseI worked late"（理由）。But表示对比 vs.So表示结果。"I'm tired,butI'm working«（对比）vs. »I'm tired,soI'm sleeping"（结果）。Or表示选择 vs.Either...or（A2/B1 级别）。目前，坚持使用简单的or就好。
Quick FAQ
我可以用 And 开头写句子吗？
可以！在邮件和短信中这非常常见。只是在正式写作中不要用得太多。
我需要在 and 前面加逗号吗？
通常不需要，除非句子很长或者是列表的一部分（«牛津逗号»）。
but 和 however 有什么区别？
But 很简单，用于对话。However 更正式，用于商务或学术写作。
or 只能用于问句吗？
不。你可以用在陈述句中，比如
We can go to the cinema or stay home.
我可以用 but 来开始一个句子吗？
当然。这是强调观点的好方法。"But wait, there's more!"
Real Conversations
Scenario 1: At a Café
Waiter
or juice?Customer
and a coffee please.Waiter
or with milk?Customer
but with two sugars.Scenario 2: Planning a Weekend
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
找出一条简单的 Instagram 配文中的连词。
用 and 连接两个短句（例如：
I am a student. I am 20.->
I am a student and I am 20.）。
用 or 为朋友创建一个选择（例如：
Pizza or Sushi?）。
写一个句子，关于你喜欢某样东西 but 你不喜欢它的某个方面（例如：
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
| 连词 | 功能 | 例句 | 现代语境 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
and
|
增加 (+)
|
I like coffee and tea.
|
在个人简介上列出爱好
|
|
but
|
对比 (≠)
|
I'm tired, but happy.
|
在线影评
|
|
or
|
选择 (?)
|
Tea or coffee?
|
在点餐应用上点餐
|
|
and
|
顺序
|
I woke up and showered.
|
日常Vlog字幕
|
|
but
|
修正
|
Not red, but blue.
|
聊天中修正错别字
|
|
or
|
可能性
|
Maybe today or tomorrow.
|
安排Zoom会议
|
正式程度
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
按水平分级的例句
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.
容易混淆
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.
常见错误
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.
句型
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.
列表规则
“But”的逗号
句首使用
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'.
发音
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.
记住它
记忆技巧
Remember FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. (Focus on the 'Big Three': And, But, Or).
视觉联想
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
挑战
Write a 5-sentence story where every sentence must use either 'and', 'but', or 'or' to connect two independent clauses.
文化笔记
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).
对话开场白
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?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
I like football ___ I don't like tennis.
选择表达选择的最佳句子：
Find and fix the mistake:
I am tall and I am not fast.
Score: /3
练习题
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.
选择最自然的句子：
Is your car blue and red?
coffee / but / I / like / I / tea / hate
Ich bin müde, aber ich bin glücklich.
将功能与连词匹配：
He is rich ___ he is not happy.
哪一个听起来像现代短信？
I can pay with cash but card.
tired / and / I / am / hungry
Score: /10
常见问题 (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
相关视频
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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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