Conjunctions

The point

A conjunction joins words or sentences. And adds. But contrasts. Because gives a reason. Do not tie because and but together.

Form and use

A conjunction joins words or clauses. Coordinating conjunctions join equals. The set here is and, but, or, and so. And adds: She called and she wrote. But contrasts: He is tired, but he is here. Or offers a choice: tea or coffee. So gives a result: It was late, so we left. A comma often comes before but and before so when each side is a full clause. Two short nouns need no comma: bread and milk.

A subordinating conjunction starts a clause that depends on the main clause. The set here is because, when, if, and although. Because gives a reason: She stayed because the shop was open. When gives time: Call me when you arrive. If sets a condition: If it rains, we will wait. Although, used lightly here, accepts a contrast: Although it was cold, they walked. It means the fact does not stop the main clause.

The dependent clause can come second or first. If it comes first, put a comma after it. We will wait if it rains. If it rains, we will wait. She stayed because she had the key. Because she had the key, she stayed. The meaning stays the same. Only the order and the comma change.

Do not put because and but in one sentence. Choose one link. Because it was late, but we left is wrong. It was late, so we left is a result. We left because it was late is a reason. It was late, but we stayed is a contrast. Because already marks the reason, so but is an extra join. The same limit holds for although. Although it was cold, but they walked is wrong. Although it was cold, they walked is enough.

Don't translate it like this

But is the contrast. Because would need a reason, not a second conjunction.

Short examples