i, però, perquè

Basic Connectors

Level 2

I adds information, però contrasts it, and perquè gives a cause.

How It Works

Use i to join parallel items and o for alternatives. Catalan keeps these forms before similar vowel sounds: llapis i imants. O bé can make a choice more explicit.

When joining clauses, identify the relationship before choosing a connector. Treballo i estudio simply adds two activities; treballo, però no estudio sets up a contrast. No estudio perquè estic cansat supplies a reason.

Keep each finite clause complete enough to recover its subject. The same subject need not be repeated, but changing subjects can require a noun or pronoun for clarity. A comma is common before però between clauses; it is not compulsory between every short contrasted word pair. Do not use doncs to supply a cause merely because it links two sentences.

Examples (3)

  1. Cuino i escolto música.

    I cook and listen to music.

  2. Tinc gana, però no tinc temps.

    I am hungry, but I do not have time.

  3. Em quedo a casa perquè plou.

    I am staying home because it is raining.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

i, però, perquèLevel 2Basic Connectors

Learn This First

Understand addition and contrast before linking full clauses.

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