Simple Conjunctions and but or because
A conjunction is a joining word that links two words, phrases or clauses in a sentence, and 'and', 'but', 'or' and 'because' are the simple conjunctions taught in Year 2. They let pupils combine short ideas into one longer sentence, for example joining 'I like apples' and 'I like pears' into 'I like apples and pears.'
Method
- Find two short sentences or ideas that are closely related.
- Choose the conjunction that best shows the relationship between them: 'and' for adding, 'but' for contrast, 'or' for choice, 'because' for a reason.
- Join the two ideas into one sentence using the chosen conjunction.
- Remove the extra full stop and capital letter that separated the two original sentences.
- Read the new sentence to check it makes sense and flows naturally.
Worked example
Join these two sentences using the best conjunction: 'I wanted to play outside. It was raining.'
- Look at the relationship between the two ideas: wanting to play outside is stopped by the rain, so this is a contrast.
- Choose the conjunction 'but' to show contrast.
- Join the sentences: 'I wanted to play outside but it was raining.'
- Check the capital letter only stays at the start and the full stop only at the end.
- Final answer: 'I wanted to play outside but it was raining.'
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a English exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Join these two sentences using the conjunction 'because': 'Sam wore a coat. It was cold outside.'
Write three sentences of your own, each joining two ideas with a different conjunction from 'and', 'but' and 'or'.
Read the two short sentences: 'The dog barked. A stranger walked past.' Choose the most suitable conjunction to join them, explain why you chose it rather than a different conjunction, and write the full joined sentence correctly.
Free printable worksheet
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