Level A2

Coordinating: and, but, or, so

I like tea and coffee.

I like tea and coffee. Here and adds the second drink to the first.

Forms

• I like tea and coffee. — and adds: this one and the other one too
• I like tea, but not coffee. — but contrasts: one yes, the other no
• Tea or coffee? — or offers a choice: one of the two
• It was late, so we left. — so gives the result: that is why we left

A common mistake

Wrong: He doesn't smoke and drink.

Right: He doesn't smoke or drink.

A common mistake is He doesn't smoke and drink. After not we say He doesn't smoke or drink.

More examples

She called, but nobody answered.

Contrast again: She called, but nobody answered.

We can walk or take the bus.

A choice again: We can walk or take the bus.