Connecting clauses with e, mas, ou and porque

In brief

Use e (and), mas (but), ou (or), and porque (because) to connect simple ideas in Brazilian Portuguese. These words show whether you are adding information, making a contrast, offering a choice, or giving a reason.

Form

Idea + e / mas / ou / porque + idea. The verb in each clause follows its usual form.

Usage

• Use e to add a second action or fact.
• Use mas when the second idea contrasts with the first.
• Use ou to present alternatives, including in questions.
• Use porque to introduce a reason; it answers ‘why?’.

Examples

• Ela trabalha de manhã e estuda à noite. — She works in the morning and studies at night.
• Quero ir, mas estou cansado. — I want to go, but I’m tired.
• Você quer café ou prefere chá? — Do you want coffee or would you prefer tea?
• Não saí porque estava chovendo. — I didn’t go out because it was raining.

Common mistake

❌ Não saí por que estava chovendo.

✅ Não saí porque estava chovendo.

For ‘because’ introducing a reason, write porque as one word. Por que is used in questions meaning ‘why’.

Remember

For a reason, choose porque; for a contrast, choose mas.