- English
- Classes 6-8
- 4 min read
Conjunctions and joining sentences
Use and, but, or, so, because, although and when to join short sentences into smooth, well-connected ones.
Let us begin
The big idea
Short sentences one after another sound jerky: I was tired. I finished my homework. A conjunction is a joining word that links them: I was tired, but I finished my homework. This lesson shows you which conjunction to pick and how the meaning changes.
Coordinating conjunctions join two equal parts. The most useful are and (adds), but (contrasts), or (gives a choice), so (shows a result) and yet (surprising contrast). I like tea and coffee. She ran fast, but she missed the bus. Hurry up, or we will be late. It rained, so the match was cancelled.
Subordinating conjunctions join a main idea to a less important one, and they tell us the relationship. Because and since give a reason. Although and though show contrast. When, while, before, after and until show time. If and unless show a condition. So that shows purpose.
A subordinating conjunction can go at the start or in the middle. If it starts the sentence, put a comma after the first part: Because it rained, the match was cancelled. The match was cancelled because it rained.
Do not use two conjunctions for one job. Although is enough; do not add but: Although he was ill, he came to school (not: Although he was ill, but he came). Because is enough; do not add so.
Some conjunctions work in pairs: both ... and, either ... or, neither ... nor, not only ... but also. Either you apologise or you leave. She is not only clever but also kind.
Worked examples
See how it works
Choosing between and, but, so
Two ideas: Priya studied hard. Priya passed. Joined with so (result): Priya studied hard, so she passed. Two ideas: Amit studied hard. Amit failed. Joined with but (contrast): Amit studied hard, but he failed.
Because versus although
We stayed indoors because it was raining (reason). We went out although it was raining (contrast: the rain did not stop us). The conjunction tells the reader how the two facts are connected.
Joining three sentences
The bell rang. The students stood up. The teacher walked in. Joined: When the bell rang, the students stood up and the teacher walked in.
Try it at home
Conjunction dice
You will need
- Six small slips of paper
- A cup
- Paper and a pencil
What to do
- Write one conjunction on each slip: and, but, because, although, so, when. Fold them and put them in the cup.
- Write five pairs of short sentences about your day, such as: I woke up late. I missed the bus.
- Pick a slip. Join the first pair using that conjunction. Does the sentence make sense? If not, pick again.
- Write the best joined sentence for each pair.
- Read your five joined sentences aloud and underline the conjunction in each.
Practice sheet
Check what you learned
Practice sheet: Conjunctions and joining sentences (Classes 6-8, English)
- Join with a suitable conjunction: I was hungry. I ate a banana.
- Join with a suitable conjunction: He is rich. He is not happy.
- Join with a suitable conjunction: Take an umbrella. You will get wet.
- Fill in: We could not play ___ it was raining. (because / although)
- Fill in: ___ she was tired, she finished the race. (Because / Although)
- Fill in: Wash the vegetables ___ you cook them. (before / so)
- Correct the sentence: Although he is small, but he is strong.
- Which conjunction shows a result: and, so or when?
- Complete the pair: Neither Ravi ___ Sita came to the party.
- Join using when: The lights went out. We were watching TV.
Answer key
Answers: Conjunctions and joining sentences
- I was hungry, so I ate a banana. (Or: I ate a banana because I was hungry.)
- He is rich, but he is not happy.
- Take an umbrella, or you will get wet.
- because (gives a reason).
- Although (shows contrast).
- before.
- Although he is small, he is strong. (Remove but.)
- so.
- nor.
- The lights went out when we were watching TV. (Or: When we were watching TV, the lights went out.)