Conjunctions when if that although
Conjunctions such as 'when', 'if', 'that' and 'although' are joining words used to link a main clause to a subordinate clause, creating a more detailed sentence than two short simple sentences alone. In Year 3 grammar pupils learn to choose the right conjunction for time, condition, extra information or contrast, and to punctuate the joined sentence correctly.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Learn that 'when', 'if', 'that' and 'although' are subordinating conjunctions that introduce a subordinate clause.
- Identify the main clause, which makes sense on its own, and the subordinate clause, which needs the main clause to make full sense.
- Choose the conjunction that matches the meaning you want: 'when' for time, 'if' for a condition, 'that' to add information, 'although' for contrast.
- Join the two clauses together, adding a comma if the subordinate clause comes first in the sentence.
- Read the whole sentence back to check it makes sense and only has one full stop at the end.
Worked example
Combine these two sentences using the conjunction 'although': 'Sam wanted to play outside. It was raining heavily.'
- Identify the main clause: 'Sam wanted to play outside.'
- Identify the clause that shows a contrast in meaning: 'It was raining heavily.'
- Choose 'although' because it links two ideas that contrast with each other.
- Join the clauses, placing a comma after the subordinate clause since it comes first.
- Final answer: Although it was raining heavily, Sam wanted to play outside.
Practice questions
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Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a English exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Rewrite the following two sentences as one sentence using the conjunction 'when'. Add correct punctuation: 'The alarm went off. Everyone left the building.'
Write one sentence about a school trip using the conjunction 'although' to show a contrast.
Look at this sentence: 'I hope that we win the match if the weather stays dry.' Identify the two conjunctions used and explain what type of link each one makes.
Free printable worksheet
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