1.1.1: Connecting Sentences Using "And" and "But"

Joining Sentences with "And" and "But"

Conjunctions like "and" and "but" are used to connect ideas and make your writing flow better. Here's how they work:

Conjunction	Purpose	Example
And	Adds information or continues the idea	I went to the store, and I bought some apples.
But	Shows contrast or introduces a different idea	I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
So	Introduces a result	Marcos has two jobs, so he works very hard.

Rules for Joining Sentences

1. Use a comma before "and" or "but" when joining two independent clauses (complete sentences).
   • Example: "She likes coffee, and he prefers tea."
2. No comma is needed when the second part is not an independent clause.
   • Example: "She likes coffee and prefers tea."

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Exercise 1.6: Sentence-Combining Activity

Combine the following pairs of sentences using "and" or "but" to create cohesive statements. Don't forget to include commas where they are necessary.

1. I enjoy reading. I don't have much time for it.
2. The movie was exciting. The ending was disappointing.
3. He studies every night. He still struggles with the material.
4. I love hiking. My brother prefers staying indoors.
5. Juan likes coffee. I don't like coffee.

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Challenge Question:
Combine these three sentences into one using "and" and "but":

I like to watch YouTube videos. I like to play video games. I don't like to spend a lot of time online.

Exercise 1.7: Write a Paragraph

Directions: Write a paragraph comparing your daily schedule with a partner’s daily schedule. Use the simple present tense, adverbs of frequency, and time expressions.

Pre-writing:

• Write 6 questions to ask your partner. Use 6 different wh-question words. There is a place to write each question in the chart that follows.
• Answer the 6 questions for yourself.
• Choose a partner, ask your questions, and then write down your partner’s answers.

Question	My Answer	My Partner’s Answer
Example: What time do you eat breakfast?	I usually eat breakfast at 7am.	Liu usually eats breakfast at 6am.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Format:

• Use your own 8.5″ x 11″ lined paper. Do not use other paper sizes, please.
• Heading: Put your full name, the due date, and Writing Assignment #1 at the top of your paper. Write a heading on the left  side.
• Indent the first sentence, skip lines (double space), and leave a 1-inch margin on the sides and bottom.

Writing and Grammar:

• First sentence: begin writing by using this topic sentence: [Partner’s name] and I are classmates, but we are very different.
• In your sentences, write your answer and your partner’s answer.

Example

I always wake up at 6:00 am. My partner wakes up at 8:00 am.

• Use 3 adverbs of frequency.
• Write 2 negative sentences.
• Use full forms; do not use contractions.
• Use capital letters and punctuation correctly.
• Use the rubric below to check your work.

Model Paragraph:

My partner and I are classmates, but we are very different. I get up very early at 5:00 am. My partner doesn’t get up early. She often gets up at 9:00 am. I usually drink coffee in the morning, but my partner doesn’t like coffee. She likes tea instead. I have two children, so I am busy with them. My partner is married, but she doesn’t have any children. I leave for school at 8:30 am. My partner never goes straight to school. She goes to her parents house first. She always helps them because they are very old. My parents are still young at age 50 and 55.

Assignment Rubric:

Heading: Full Name, Due Date, Writing Assignment #1	1 point
Format: Indent, double space, margins	5 points
Your paragraph has at least 10 sentences	20 points
Every sentence has a subject and verb, & they agree	50 points
There are 3 adverbs of frequency	15 points
There are 2 negative sentences	10 points
Total	100 points