Video narration
You're telling someone about your day and stop: "I played outside... and but it rained?" Which word belongs there? Here's the easy way to choose. A conjunction is a joining word. Use "and" when the second idea adds to your story. "I ate breakfast and walked to school." Both ideas fit together. One thing happened, then another. Use "but" when the second idea is different or surprising. "I wanted to play, but it rained." The rain changes the direction of the story. They need not be opposites; the second idea just surprises you. Now try your day: "I finished my homework, ___ I watched TV." The second idea adds another activity, so choose "and." "I was tired, ___ I finished my homework." That second idea is a surprise, so choose "but." When you tell your day, add with "and"; when the story changes direction, use "but."