How do I know whether to use and, but or because?

Use and when two ideas match or add together, but when they contrast or surprise you, and because when the second idea explains the reason for the first. Reading the relationship between the two ideas usually tells you which word fits.

Does this conjunctions test have answers?

Yes. All 50 questions in the five exercises show the right answer and a short, simple explanation when you check them. Nothing is hidden, the test is completely free, and you do not need to make an account before you start.

Can I join two sentences with just a comma instead of a conjunction?

No. English needs a conjunction like and, but, or or because to join two clauses into one sentence. Writing I stayed home, I felt ill with only a comma is a common mistake called a comma splice; the correct version is I stayed home because I felt ill.

What is the difference between and and but?

And joins two ideas that match or add together, such as kind and generous. But joins two ideas that contrast or surprise, such as small but strong.

When do I use or instead of and?

Use or when you are offering a choice between two things, such as tea or coffee. Using and there would mean both, not a choice.

Conjunctions – A1 Grammar Test (with Answers)

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Practice Questions & Answers

All A1 questions for “Conjunctions – A1 Grammar Exercises with Answers”, each with the correct answer and a short explanation. Try the interactive exercises above, then check your answers here.

✅ Correct	❌ Wrong
I was tired but I kept working.	I was tired and I kept working.

Addition, Contrast, Choice or Reason? Choosing the Right Conjunction

1. I like tea ___ coffee.
- A. and ✓
- B. because
- C. but
- D. or
Answer: and
And adds a matching idea: liking two drinks.
2. She is tired ___ she keeps working.
- A. or
- B. but ✓
- C. and
- D. because
Answer: but
But shows a contrast between tired and still working.
3. Do you want juice ___ water?
- A. because
- B. and
- C. or ✓
- D. but
Answer: or
Or offers a choice between two drinks.
4. I stayed home ___ I felt ill.
- A. but
- B. or
- C. and
- D. because ✓
Answer: because
Because gives the reason for staying home.
5. He plays football ___ basketball every week.
- A. or
- B. and ✓
- C. but
- D. because
Answer: and
And adds a matching idea: playing two sports.
6. The bag is small ___ it is very strong.
- A. but ✓
- B. because
- C. or
- D. and
Answer: but
But shows a contrast between small and strong.
7. You can call me ___ send an email.
- A. and
- B. but
- C. or ✓
- D. because
Answer: or
Or offers a choice between two actions.
8. We left early ___ the traffic was bad.
- A. but
- B. and
- C. or
- D. because ✓
Answer: because
Because gives the reason for leaving early.
9. She is kind ___ generous.
- A. because
- B. and ✓
- C. but
- D. or
Answer: and
And adds a matching idea: two good qualities.
10. It was cold ___ we stayed inside.
- A. because ✓
- B. or
- C. and
- D. but
Answer: because
Because gives the reason for staying inside.

Conjunctions in a Story: Tom's Saturday

1. It is Saturday morning. Tom wants to relax. He makes tea _____ reads his book.
Answer: and
And adds a matching idea: two calm activities.
2. The tea is hot. He wants to play football _____ it starts to rain.
Answer: but
But shows a contrast: wanting to play, but rain stops him.
3. Tom looks out the window sadly. He cannot play football _____ the ground is too wet.
- A. because ✓
- B. and
- C. but
- D. or
Answer: because
Because gives the reason he cannot play.
4. He decides to stay inside instead. He can watch a film _____ play a video game.
Answer: or
Or offers a choice between two activities.
5. He thinks for a moment. He chooses the film _____ he loves adventure stories.
Answer:

Odd One Out: Conjunction Mistakes

1. Which option does not belong?
- A. I was tired but I kept working.
- B. I was hungry and I ate nothing. ✓
- C. I was late but I still won.
- D. I was hungry but I ate nothing.
Answer: I was hungry and I ate nothing.
These two ideas contrast, so they need but, not and.
2. Which option does not belong?
- A. She is kind but generous. ✓
- B. She is kind and generous.
- C. She is smart and funny.
- D. She is quiet and shy.
Answer: She is kind but generous.
These two ideas match, so they need and, not but.
3. Which option does not belong?
- A. Choose juice or water.
- B. Choose cake or fruit.
- C. Choose tea or coffee.
- D. Choose tea and coffee. ✓
Answer: Choose tea and coffee.

Planning the Weekend: And, But, Or and Because

1. Do you want to watch a film ___ play a game?
- A. or ✓
- B. and
- C. but
- D. because
Answer: or
Or offers a choice between two activities.
2. A film! ___ I need to finish my homework first.
- A. and
- B. but ✓
- C. or
- D. because
Answer: but
But shows a contrast: wanting a film, but homework first.
3. OK. I can help you, ___ we can finish quickly.
- A. or
- B. but
- C. and ✓
- D. because
Answer: and
And adds a matching idea: helping leads to finishing quickly.
Thanks! I am stuck ___ this question is hard.

Combining Two Sentences with a Conjunction

1. I like tea. I like coffee.
Answer: I like tea and coffee.
The two ideas match, so they need and.
2. She is young. She is very wise.
Answer: She is young but very wise.
The two ideas contrast, so they need but.
3. You can pay by card. You can pay by cash.
Answer: You can pay by card or by cash., You can pay by card or cash.
The two ideas offer a choice, so they need or.
4. We stayed home. It was raining.
Answer: We stayed home because it was raining.
The second idea is the reason, so it needs because.
5. He runs fast. He runs far.
Answer: He runs fast and far.
The two ideas match, so they need and.
6. The film was long. It was very good.
Answer:

Conjunctions – A1 Grammar Exercises with Answers

I like tea ___ coffee.

Keep practising

Adjectives: Word Order and Basic Rules

Adverbs of Manner: Quickly, Well, Carefully

Articles: A, An, The or No Article

Making Questions: Do, Does, Is and Are

More A1 English Practice

A Day in the Life of an Airline Pilot (A1 Reading)

A Day in the Life of an Airline Pilot: A1 Reading Practice

Practice Questions & Answers

Addition, Contrast, Choice or Reason? Choosing the Right Conjunction

Conjunctions in a Story: Tom's Saturday

Odd One Out: Conjunction Mistakes

Planning the Weekend: And, But, Or and Because

Combining Two Sentences with a Conjunction

A Simple Restaurant Menu (A1 Reading)

A Study Timetable (A1 Reading)

An Email to a Friend (A1 Reading)

Looking for the Perfect Home (A1 Reading)