Conjunctions are joining words. And, but and or join ideas of equal weight; because, when, if and that add extra information. Using them turns short, choppy sentences into longer, clearer ones.
What your child will learn
- Join ideas with and, but and or
- Use because, when, if and that to add extra information
- Choose the conjunction that makes the meaning right
Each joining word has a meaning
“And” adds, “but” shows a difference, “or” gives a choice, “so” shows a result and “because” gives a reason. Swapping one for another changes what the sentence means: “I stayed in because it rained” is not the same as “I stayed in but it rained”.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. Which word fits? “The cat is black ___ white.”
- and
- because
- if
- but
Show answer
Answer: and. The cat is both colours, so we use “and”.
2. Which word fits? “You can have a biscuit ___ an apple.”
- if
- or
- so
- because
Show answer
Answer: or. You can choose one — “or” gives a choice.
3. Which word fits? “I like swimming ___ I don’t like diving.”
- if
- because
- but
- or
Show answer
Answer: but. “But” shows a difference between the two ideas.
Tips for grown-ups
- Start a sentence and let your child finish it: “I like ice cream because…”
- When reading, spot the joining words and talk about what they do.