Coordinating Conjunctions “Yet” and “And Yet” | (B-Level, Intermediate)
We use the coordinating conjunction “yet” to combine two sentences and show a contrast between the ideas.
Although ”yet” and “but” have similar meanings, “yet” is more formal and introduces a sense of surprise with it.
”Yet” — Expressing Contrast
”Yet” expresses a contrast between the sentences and a sense of surprise because the second statement is unexpected.
Examples using “yet” expressing contrast
The students worked hard all semester, yet they failed the exam.
Jack makes a lot of money, yet his parents live in poverty.
Linda has been living in Japan for 10 years, yet she does not speak any Japanese.
”And Yet” — Expressing Contrast
Both ”yet” and “and yet” express a contrast between the sentences., but “and yet” adds a slightly greater emphasis on how surprising or unexpected the result is. In many cases, “yet” and “and yet” can be used interchangeably.
Examples using “ and yet” expressing surprising contrast
You are an advocate for animal rights, and yet you eat meat.
You say you want to improve your English, and yet you refuse to participate in class.
John eats a lot and rarely exercises, and yet he is very thin.
Comparing “but,” “yet,” and “and yet”
The coordinating conjunctions “but,” “yet,” and “and yet” express contrast, but there are differences in meaning.
- ”But” is neutral.
- ”Yet” adds a sense of surprise to the result.
- ”Yet” is slightly more formal than “but.”
- ”And yet” and “yet” can be used interchangeably, but “and yet” often introduces a greater sense of surprise or unexpectedness. In spoken English, your intonation can emphasize “and yet” to show that sense of surprise.
John was invited to the party, but he never showed up.
John promised he was going to the party, yet he never showed up.
John got everyone excited about the party, and yet he never showed up.
Up Next: When to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
Go to the next lesson to learn about when to use commas or no commas before coordinating conjunctions.
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