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Frequent learner mistakes involving conjunctions and linking expressions.
Practice: build the sentences →Use and to connect items that are included together and or to present alternatives.
For example, You can have tea and coffee includes both, while You can have tea or coffee presents alternatives.
You can have tea and coffee.
Ты можешь взять и чай, и кофе.
"And" includes both items together.
You can have tea or coffee.
Ты можешь взять чай или кофе.
"Or" presents two alternatives.
We visited Paris and Rome.
Мы посетили Париж и Рим.
"And" includes both places.
We can visit Paris or Rome.
Мы можем посетить Париж или Рим.
"Or" presents two alternatives.
She speaks English and French.
Она говорит по-английски и по-французски.
"And" includes both languages.
She speaks English or French.
Она говорит по-английски или по-французски.
"Or" presents two alternatives.
I like apples and oranges.
Я люблю яблоки и апельсины.
"And" includes both fruits.
I will buy apples or oranges.
Я куплю яблоки или апельсины.
"Or" presents two alternatives.
Use but to connect ideas that contrast rather than simply adding related information.
For example, She is tired but she is working contrasts the two ideas.
She is tired but she is working.
Она устала, но работает.
"But" contrasts tiredness with working.
She is tired and she is working.
Она устала и работает.
"And" simply adds information.
The book is long but interesting.
Книга длинная, но интересная.
"But" contrasts length with interest.
The book is long and interesting.
Книга длинная и интересная.
"And" adds information.
He studied hard but failed.
Он усердно учился, но провалился.
"But" contrasts effort with failure.
He studied hard and passed.
Он усердно учился и сдал.
"And" connects two compatible ideas.
The car is old but reliable.
Машина старая, но надёжная.
"But" contrasts age with reliability.
The car is old and reliable.
Машина старая и надёжная.
"And" simply adds information.
Because introduces a reason, while so introduces a result.
For example, We stayed home because it was raining versus It was raining, so we stayed home.
We stayed home because it was raining.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь.
"Because" introduces the reason.
It was raining, so we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
"So" introduces the result.
She was tired because she worked all day.
Она устала, потому что работала весь день.
"Because" introduces the reason.
She worked all day, so she was tired.
Она работала весь день, поэтому устала.
"So" introduces the result.
He was late because the traffic was bad.
Он опоздал, потому что пробки были ужасные.
"Because" introduces the reason.
The traffic was bad, so he was late.
Пробки были ужасные, поэтому он опоздал.
"So" introduces the result.
She studied hard because she wanted to pass.
Она усердно училась, потому что хотела сдать.
"Because" introduces the reason.
She wanted to pass, so she studied hard.
Она хотела сдать, поэтому усердно училась.
"So" introduces the result.
Although introduces a concessive subordinate clause, while but coordinates contrasting clauses.
For example, Although it was raining, we went out. Do not normally combine although and but in the same basic construction.
Although it was raining, we went out.
Хотя шёл дождь, мы вышли на улицу.
"Although" introduces a concessive subordinate clause.
It was raining, but we went out.
Шёл дождь, но мы вышли на улицу.
"But" coordinates two contrasting clauses.
Although she was tired, she continued.
Хотя она устала, она продолжала.
"Although" introduces a concessive clause.
She was tired, but she continued.
Она устала, но продолжала.
"But" coordinates contrasting clauses.
Although he studied hard, he failed.
Хотя он усердно учился, он провалился.
"Although" introduces a concessive clause.
He studied hard, but he failed.
Он усердно учился, но провалился.
"But" coordinates contrasting clauses.
Although the car is old, it runs well.
Хотя машина старая, она хорошо едет.
"Although" introduces a concessive clause.
The car is old, but it runs well.
Машина старая, но хорошо едет.
"But" coordinates contrasting clauses.
Although is a conjunction followed by a clause, while despite is normally a preposition followed by a noun phrase or gerund.
For example, Although it was raining, we went out versus Despite the rain, we went out.
Although it was raining, we went out.
Хотя шёл дождь, мы вышли на улицу.
"Although" is followed by a clause.
Despite the rain, we went out.
Несмотря на дождь, мы вышли на улицу.
"Despite" is followed by a noun phrase.
Although she was tired, she continued.
Хотя она устала, она продолжала.
"Although" introduces a clause.
Despite being tired, she continued.
Несмотря на усталость, она продолжала.
"Despite" is followed by a gerund phrase.
Although he studied hard, he failed.
Хотя он усердно учился, он провалился.
"Although" introduces a clause.
Despite his hard work, he failed.
Несмотря на его усердную работу, он провалился.
"Despite" is followed by a noun phrase.
Although the car is old, it runs well.
Хотя машина старая, она хорошо едет.
"Although" introduces a clause.
Despite its age, the car runs well.
Несмотря на возраст, машина хорошо едет.
"Despite" is followed by a noun phrase.
Because is a conjunction followed by a clause, while because of is a prepositional expression followed by a noun phrase.
For example, We stayed home because it rained versus We stayed home because of the rain.
We stayed home because it rained.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь.
"Because" is followed by a clause.
We stayed home because of the rain.
Мы остались дома из-за дождя.
"Because of" is followed by a noun phrase.
She was late because she missed the bus.
Она опоздала, потому что пропустила автобус.
"Because" introduces a clause.
She was late because of the bus delay.
Она опоздала из-за задержки автобуса.
"Because of" is followed by a noun phrase.
He was happy because he passed.
Он был счастлив, потому что сдал.
"Because" introduces a clause.
He was happy because of his exam results.
Он был счастлив из-за результатов экзамена.
"Because of" is followed by a noun phrase.
We left because it was late.
Мы ушли, потому что было поздно.
"Because" introduces a clause.
We left because of the late hour.
Мы ушли из-за позднего часа.
"Because of" is followed by a noun phrase.
Since can introduce a reason when its meaning is because.
For example, Since you are here, we can begin.
Since you are here, we can begin.
Поскольку ты здесь, мы можем начать.
"Since" introduces a reason.
Since it was late, we went home.
Поскольку было поздно, мы пошли домой.
"Since" introduces a reason.
Since she had no money, she could not buy it.
Поскольку у неё не было денег, она не могла это купить.
"Since" introduces a reason.
Since the weather was bad, we stayed inside.
Поскольку погода была плохой, мы остались дома.
"Since" introduces a reason.
Since you have experience, you should lead.
Поскольку у тебя есть опыт, ты должен возглавить.
"Since" introduces a reason.
Since he was tired, he went to bed early.
Поскольку он устал, он рано лёг спать.
"Since" introduces a reason.
Since we have no time, we must hurry.
Поскольку у нас нет времени, мы должны спешить.
"Since" introduces a reason.
Since the roads were closed, we took another route.
Поскольку дороги были закрыты, мы поехали другим маршрутом.
"Since" introduces a reason.
Since can introduce a starting point in time and should not automatically be interpreted as because.
For example, I have lived here since I was a child.
I have lived here since I was a child.
Я живу здесь с детства.
"Since" introduces a starting point in time.
She has worked here since 2015.
Она работает здесь с 2015 года.
"Since" introduces a starting point in time.
We have been friends since we met.
Мы друзья с тех пор, как познакомились.
"Since" introduces a starting point in time.
He has not called since he left.
Он не звонил с тех пор, как уехал.
"Since" introduces a starting point in time.
I have known her since university.
Я знаю её с университета.
"Since" introduces a starting point in time.
They have lived here since 2010.
Они живут здесь с 2010 года.
"Since" introduces a starting point in time.
She has been ill since last week.
Она болеет с прошлой недели.
"Since" introduces a starting point in time.
I have been waiting since noon.
Я жду с полудня.
"Since" introduces a starting point in time.
While can introduce a time clause or contrast between two situations.
For example, While I was cooking, he called refers to time, while While I like coffee, I prefer tea expresses contrast.
While I was cooking, he called.
Пока я готовил, он позвонил.
"While" expresses time here.
While I like coffee, I prefer tea.
В то время как я люблю кофе, я предпочитаю чай.
"While" expresses contrast here.
While she was reading, the phone rang.
Пока она читала, зазвонил телефон.
"While" expresses simultaneous time.
While she is talented, she lacks confidence.
В то время как она талантлива, ей не хватает уверенности.
"While" expresses contrast.
While they were talking, I made coffee.
Пока они разговаривали, я приготовил кофе.
"While" expresses simultaneous time.
While the plan is practical, it is expensive.
В то время как план практичный, он дорогой.
"While" expresses contrast.
While I was studying, my brother watched TV.
Пока я учился, мой брат смотрел телевизор.
"While" expresses simultaneous time.
While I admire his work, I disagree with his methods.
В то время как я восхищаюсь его работой, я не согласен с его методами.
"While" expresses contrast.
As can function as a conjunction or preposition in structures expressing role, function, or comparison, while like commonly introduces a noun phrase in comparisons.
For example, As your teacher, I recommend this book versus He runs like his father.
As your teacher, I recommend this book.
Как ваш учитель, я рекомендую эту книгу.
"As" expresses role or function.
He runs like his father.
Он бегает как его отец.
"Like" introduces a noun phrase in comparison.
She works as a doctor.
Она работает врачом.
"As" expresses function or role.
She looks like her mother.
Она похожа на свою мать.
"Like" introduces a noun phrase in comparison.
He used the box as a table.
Он использовал коробку как стол.
"As" expresses function.
He swims like a fish.
Он плавает как рыба.
"Like" introduces a comparison.
As a parent, I understand your concern.
Как родитель, я понимаю вашу озабоченность.
"As" expresses role.
She sings like a professional.
Она поёт как профессионал.
"Like" introduces a comparison.
If generally introduces a condition, while whether introduces alternatives or uncertainty between possibilities.
For example, If it rains, we will stay home versus I do not know whether it will rain.
If it rains, we will stay home.
Если пойдёт дождь, мы останемся дома.
"If" introduces a condition.
I do not know whether it will rain.
Я не знаю, пойдёт ли дождь.
"Whether" introduces uncertainty between possibilities.
If you study hard, you will pass.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь.
"If" introduces a condition.
I wonder whether she will come.
Интересно, придёт ли она.
"Whether" introduces uncertainty.
If he apologizes, she will forgive him.
Если он извинится, она его простит.
"If" introduces a condition.
I am not sure whether he apologized.
Я не уверен, извинился ли он.
"Whether" introduces uncertainty.
If you need help, just ask.
Если тебе нужна помощь, просто попроси.
"If" introduces a condition.
We need to decide whether to stay or leave.
Нам нужно решить, остаться или уйти.
"Whether" introduces alternatives.
Unless generally means if not, but the two forms are not always interchangeable in every context.
For example, Unless you hurry, you will be late is equivalent to If you do not hurry, you will be late.
Unless you hurry, you will be late.
Если ты не поторопишься, ты опоздаешь.
"Unless" introduces a negative condition.
If you do not hurry, you will be late.
Если ты не поторопишься, ты опоздаешь.
"If not" expresses the same negative condition.
Unless it rains, we will go for a walk.
Если не пойдёт дождь, мы пойдём гулять.
"Unless" introduces a negative condition.
If it does not rain, we will go for a walk.
Если не пойдёт дождь, мы пойдём гулять.
"If not" expresses the same negative condition.
Unless you study, you will fail.
Если ты не будешь учиться, ты провалишься.
"Unless" introduces a negative condition.
If you do not study, you will fail.
Если ты не будешь учиться, ты провалишься.
"If not" expresses the same negative condition.
Unless she apologizes, I will not speak to her.
Если она не извинится, я не буду с ней разговаривать.
"Unless" introduces a negative condition.
If she does not apologize, I will not speak to her.
Если она не извинится, я не буду с ней разговаривать.
"If not" expresses the same negative condition.
In case introduces a precaution against a possible event, while if introduces a condition for an event or result.
For example, Take an umbrella in case it rains differs from We will stay home if it rains.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Возьми зонт на случай, если пойдёт дождь.
"In case" expresses a precaution.
We will stay home if it rains.
Мы останемся дома, если пойдёт дождь.
"If" introduces a condition.
I will bring extra money in case we need it.
Я возьму дополнительных денег на случай, если они понадобятся.
"In case" expresses a precaution.
If we need extra money, I will bring it.
Если нам понадобятся дополнительные деньги, я их принесу.
"If" introduces a condition.
She took a map in case she got lost.
Она взяла карту на случай, если заблудится.
"In case" expresses a precaution.
If she gets lost, she will use the map.
Если она заблудится, она воспользуется картой.
"If" introduces a condition.
Bring a jacket in case it gets cold.
Возьми куртку на случай, если похолодает.
"In case" expresses a precaution.
If it gets cold, put on a jacket.
Если похолодает, надень куртку.
"If" introduces a condition.
Even if introduces a hypothetical or possible condition, while even though introduces a fact that contrasts with the main clause.
For example, Even if it rains, we will go versus Even though it is raining, we are going.
Even if it rains, we will go.
Даже если пойдёт дождь, мы пойдём.
"Even if" introduces a hypothetical condition.
Even though it is raining, we are going.
Даже хотя идёт дождь, мы идём.
"Even though" introduces a fact presented as true.
Even if she apologizes, I will not forgive her.
Даже если она извинится, я её не прощу.
"Even if" introduces a hypothetical condition.
Even though she apologized, I still feel hurt.
Даже хотя она извинилась, мне всё ещё больно.
"Even though" introduces a fact presented as true.
Even if you study all night, you will not pass.
Даже если ты будешь учиться всю ночь, ты не сдашь.
"Even if" introduces a hypothetical condition.
Even though he studied all night, he still failed.
Даже хотя он учился всю ночь, он всё равно провалился.
"Even though" introduces a fact presented as true.
Even if it is cold, we will go for a walk.
Даже если будет холодно, мы пойдём гулять.
"Even if" introduces a hypothetical condition.
Even though it is cold, we are going for a walk.
Даже хотя холодно, мы идём гулять.
"Even though" introduces a fact presented as true.
Either...or presents two or more alternatives.
For example, You can either stay here or come with us.
You can either stay here or come with us.
Ты можешь либо остаться здесь, либо пойти с нами.
"Either...or" presents two alternatives.
We can either go by bus or by train.
Мы можем поехать либо на автобусе, либо на поезде.
"Either...or" presents two alternatives.
You can have either tea or coffee.
Ты можешь выпить либо чай, либо кофе.
"Either...or" presents two choices.
She will either call you or send an email.
Она либо позвонит тебе, либо отправит письмо.
"Either...or" presents two possible actions.
We could either watch a movie or play a game.
Мы могли бы либо посмотреть фильм, либо поиграть в игру.
"Either...or" presents two leisure options.
You can pay either now or later.
Ты можешь заплатить либо сейчас, либо позже.
"Either...or" presents two times for payment.
Either John or Mary will help you.
Либо Джон, либо Мэри поможет тебе.
"Either...or" presents two possible helpers.
You can either walk or take a taxi.
Ты можешь либо пойти пешком, либо взять такси.
"Either...or" presents two alternatives.
Neither...nor presents two negative alternatives and normally avoids an additional negative marker.
For example, Neither John nor Mary was available.
Neither John nor Mary was available.
Ни Джон, ни Мэри не были доступны.
"Neither...nor" presents two negative alternatives.
She likes neither tea nor coffee.
Она не любит ни чай, ни кофе.
"Neither...nor" presents two negative alternatives.
He is neither intelligent nor hardworking.
Он ни умный, ни трудолюбивый.
"Neither...nor" presents two negative qualities.
Neither the manager nor the assistant was present.
Ни менеджер, ни ассистент не присутствовали.
"Neither...nor" presents two negative subjects.
We can neither stay here nor go home.
Мы не можем ни остаться здесь, ни пойти домой.
"Neither...nor" presents two negative alternatives.
She can neither sing nor dance.
Она не умеет ни петь, ни танцевать.
"Neither...nor" presents two negative abilities.
Neither my brother nor my sister lives abroad.
Ни мой брат, ни моя сестра не живут за границей.
"Neither...nor" presents two negative subjects.
He neither apologized nor explained.
Он ни извинился, ни объяснил.
"Neither...nor" presents two negative actions.
Both...and connects two elements that are included together.
For example, Both Sarah and John attended the meeting.
Both Sarah and John attended the meeting.
И Сара, и Джон присутствовали на собрании.
"Both...and" includes both people.
She likes both tea and coffee.
Она любит и чай, и кофе.
"Both...and" includes both items.
He is both intelligent and hardworking.
Он и умный, и трудолюбивый.
"Both...and" includes both qualities.
We visited both Paris and Rome.
Мы посетили и Париж, и Рим.
"Both...and" includes both places.
Both my brother and my sister live abroad.
И мой брат, и моя сестра живут за границей.
"Both...and" includes both people.
She can both sing and dance.
Она умеет и петь, и танцевать.
"Both...and" includes both abilities.
The film was both long and boring.
Фильм был и длинным, и скучным.
"Both...and" includes both qualities.
Both the teacher and the students were happy.
И учитель, и ученики были счастливы.
"Both...and" includes both groups.
Not only...but also adds emphasis while connecting two parallel elements or clauses.
For example, She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
Она не только умна, но и трудолюбива.
"Not only...but also" adds emphasis to the second element.
He is not only a teacher but also a writer.
Он не только учитель, но и писатель.
"Not only...but also" adds emphasis.
The film is not only entertaining but also educational.
Фильм не только развлекательный, но и образовательный.
"Not only...but also" adds emphasis.
She not only sings but also dances.
Она не только поёт, но и танцует.
"Not only...but also" connects two actions.
He not only apologized but also offered to help.
Он не только извинился, но и предложил помощь.
"Not only...but also" connects two actions.
The book is not only informative but also well written.
Книга не только информативная, но и хорошо написанная.
"Not only...but also" adds emphasis.
She is not only a doctor but also a researcher.
Она не только врач, но и исследователь.
"Not only...but also" adds emphasis.
The system is not only fast but also secure.
Система не только быстрая, но и безопасная.
"Not only...but also" adds emphasis.
Coordinated elements should normally have parallel grammatical form.
For example, She likes swimming, running, and cycling uses parallel gerund forms.
She likes swimming, running, and cycling.
Она любит плавание, бег и велосипед.
Parallel gerund forms.
She likes swimming, to run, and cycling.
Она любит плавание, бегать и велосипед.
Non-parallel: mixes gerund and infinitive.
He is intelligent, hardworking, and reliable.
Он умный, трудолюбивый и надёжный.
Parallel adjectives.
He is intelligent, works hard, and reliable.
Он умный, усердно работает и надёжный.
Non-parallel: mixes adjective and verb phrase.
We can go by bus, by train, or by car.
Мы можем поехать на автобусе, на поезде или на машине.
Parallel prepositional phrases.
We can go by bus, take a train, or by car.
Мы можем поехать на автобусе, сесть на поезд или на машине.
Non-parallel: mixes prepositional and verb phrases.
She opened the door, walked inside, and sat down.
Она открыла дверь, вошла и села.
Parallel past-tense verb phrases.
She opened the door, walking inside, and sat down.
Она открыла дверь, входя внутрь, и села.
Non-parallel: mixes finite verb and participle.
With structures such as either...or and neither...nor, verb agreement can depend on the nearest subject when subjects differ in number.
For example, Either the teacher or the students are responsible, but Either the students or the teacher is responsible.
Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
Ответственны либо учитель, либо студенты.
The verb agrees with the nearest subject "the students".
Either the students or the teacher is responsible.
Ответственны либо студенты, либо учитель.
The verb agrees with the nearest subject "the teacher".
Neither the manager nor the assistants are available.
Ни менеджер, ни ассистенты не доступны.
The verb agrees with the nearest subject "the assistants".
Neither the assistants nor the manager is available.
Ни ассистенты, ни менеджер не доступны.
The verb agrees with the nearest subject "the manager".
Either John or his friends are coming.
Либо Джон, либо его друзья придут.
The verb agrees with the nearest subject "his friends".
Either his friends or John is coming.
Либо его друзья, либо Джон придёт.
The verb agrees with the nearest subject "John".
Neither the cat nor the dogs are making noise.
Ни кошка, ни собаки не шумят.
The verb agrees with the nearest subject "the dogs".
Neither the dogs nor the cat is making noise.
Ни собаки, ни кошка не шумят.
The verb agrees with the nearest subject "the cat".
A comma is commonly used before and, but, or, so, yet, or for when the conjunction joins two independent clauses.
For example, I called him, but he did not answer.
I called him, but he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, но он не ответил.
A comma is used before "but" joining two independent clauses.
It was raining, so we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
A comma is used before "so" joining two independent clauses.
She studied hard, and she passed.
Она усердно училась, и она сдала.
A comma is used before "and" joining two independent clauses.
We can stay here, or we can go home.
Мы можем остаться здесь или пойти домой.
A comma is used before "or" joining two independent clauses.
He was tired, yet he continued working.
Он устал, но продолжал работать.
A comma is used before "yet" joining two independent clauses.
We left early, for the weather was getting worse.
Мы ушли рано, так как погода ухудшалась.
A comma is used before "for" joining two independent clauses.
She opened the door, and he followed her.
Она открыла дверь, и он последовал за ней.
A comma is used before "and" joining two independent clauses.
It was late, so we left.
Было поздно, поэтому мы ушли.
A comma is used before "so" joining two independent clauses.
Do not normally use two conjunctions together when one already expresses the intended relationship.
For example, Because it was raining, we stayed home is correct; Because it was raining, so we stayed home is normally incorrect.
Because it was raining, we stayed home.
Поскольку шёл дождь, мы остались дома.
Correct: one conjunction expresses the relationship.
Because it was raining, so we stayed home.
Поскольку шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Incorrect: "because" and "so" together are redundant.
Although it was expensive, we bought it.
Хотя это было дорого, мы купили это.
Correct: one conjunction expresses the contrast.
Although it was expensive, but we bought it.
Хотя это было дорого, но мы купили это.
Incorrect: "although" and "but" together are redundant.
Unless you hurry, you will be late.
Если ты не поторопишься, ты опоздаешь.
Correct: one negative condition.
Unless you do not hurry, you will be late.
Если ты не поторопишься, ты опоздаешь.
Incorrect: double negative with "unless" and "not".
If you study, you will pass.
Если ты будешь учиться, ты сдашь.
Correct: one condition.
If you study, so you will pass.
Если ты будешь учиться, поэтому ты сдашь.
Incorrect: "if" and "so" together are redundant.
Although and but should not normally be combined to mark the same contrast in one simple sentence.
Use Although it was expensive, we bought it or It was expensive, but we bought it.
Although it was expensive, we bought it.
Хотя это было дорого, мы купили это.
Correct: "although" introduces a concessive clause.
It was expensive, but we bought it.
Это было дорого, но мы купили это.
Correct: "but" coordinates contrasting clauses.
Although it was expensive, but we bought it.
Хотя это было дорого, но мы купили это.
Incorrect: "although" and "but" together are redundant.
Although she was tired, she continued.
Хотя она устала, она продолжала.
Correct: "although" introduces a concessive clause.
She was tired, but she continued.
Она устала, но продолжала.
Correct: "but" coordinates contrasting clauses.
Although she was tired, but she continued.
Хотя она устала, но она продолжала.
Incorrect: "although" and "but" together.
Although he studied hard, he failed.
Хотя он усердно учился, он провалился.
Correct: "although" introduces a concessive clause.
Although he studied hard, but he failed.
Хотя он усердно учился, но он провалился.
Incorrect: "although" and "but" together.
Because and so should not normally be used together to express the same cause-result relationship.
Use Because it was late, we left or It was late, so we left.
Because it was late, we left.
Поскольку было поздно, мы ушли.
Correct: "because" introduces the reason.
It was late, so we left.
Было поздно, поэтому мы ушли.
Correct: "so" introduces the result.
Because it was late, so we left.
Поскольку было поздно, поэтому мы ушли.
Incorrect: "because" and "so" together are redundant.
Because it was raining, we stayed home.
Поскольку шёл дождь, мы остались дома.
Correct: "because" introduces the reason.
It was raining, so we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Correct: "so" introduces the result.
Because it was raining, so we stayed home.
Поскольку шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Incorrect: "because" and "so" together.
Because she was tired, she went to bed.
Поскольку она устала, она легла спать.
Correct: "because" introduces the reason.
Because she was tired, so she went to bed.
Поскольку она устала, поэтому она легла спать.
Incorrect: "because" and "so" together.
Different conjunctions and linking expressions vary in meaning, formality, and typical context.
For example, though and although are common in general English, whereas whereas and on condition that can have more specialized or formal uses.
Although it was raining, we went out.
Хотя шёл дождь, мы вышли на улицу.
"Although" is common in general English.
Though it was raining, we went out.
Хотя шёл дождь, мы вышли на улицу.
"Though" is common in general English and more conversational.
John prefers tea, whereas Mary prefers coffee.
Джон предпочитает чай, тогда как Мэри предпочитает кофе.
"Whereas" can have a more formal or specialized use.
The agreement will be accepted on condition that all parties sign it.
Соглашение будет принято при условии, что все стороны его подпишут.
"On condition that" is formal.
It was raining, so we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
"So" is common in conversation.
The evidence was insufficient. Consequently, the case was dismissed.
Доказательств было недостаточно. Следовательно, дело было закрыто.
"Consequently" is formal.
We can go ahead providing that everyone agrees.
Мы можем продолжить при условии, что все согласны.
"Providing that" is neutral to formal.
He spoke quietly lest anyone should hear him.
Он говорил тихо, чтобы никто его не услышал.
"Lest" is formal or literary.
Choose conjunctions according to their grammatical pattern and precise relationship between clauses or ideas.
Common mistakes include confusing because with because of, although with despite, if with whether, in case with if, combining although with but, combining because with so, and breaking parallel structure after coordinating conjunctions.
We stayed home because it rained.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь.
Correct: "because" is followed by a clause.
We stayed home because of it rained.
Мы остались дома из-за того, что шёл дождь.
Incorrect: "because of" cannot be followed by a clause.
Although it was raining, we went out.
Хотя шёл дождь, мы вышли на улицу.
Correct: "although" introduces a clause.
Despite it was raining, we went out.
Несмотря на то, что шёл дождь, мы вышли на улицу.
Incorrect: "despite" cannot be followed directly by a clause.
If it rains, we will stay home.
Если пойдёт дождь, мы останемся дома.
Correct: "if" introduces a condition.
I do not know if it will rain.
Я не знаю, пойдёт ли дождь.
Correct: "if" can introduce uncertainty in some contexts, but "whether" is often clearer.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Возьми зонт на случай, если пойдёт дождь.
Correct: "in case" expresses a precaution.
Take an umbrella if it rains.
Возьми зонт, если пойдёт дождь.
Correct: "if" introduces a condition.