Subordinate clauses · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Joining ideas with because, but, when, and if

English · Grammar & Punctuation · ages 6-9
Name ______________________   Date ____________
  1. Complete the sentence: 'We eat lunch ___ the clock says twelve.'

    • because
    • when
    • or
  2. Which word tells you why something happened? 'I stayed inside ___ it was raining.'

    • because
    • or
    • when
  3. Complete the sentence: '___ it stops raining, we can go outside.'

    • If
    • But
    • Because
  4. Complete the sentence: 'Do you want juice ___ milk?'

    • or
    • because
    • if
  5. Which start fits best? '___ , we sang happy birthday.'

    • Or the candles were lit
    • If the candles were lit
    • When the candles were lit
  6. True or false: 'If it stops raining, we can go outside' means we will go outside for sure.

    Circle one:   True   False

  7. Turn these into one sentence: 'I brought an umbrella. It might rain.' Which word fits best?

    • because
    • or
    • but
  8. Which sentence is joined correctly?

    • The bus was late, but we walked to school.
    • The bus was late, or we walked to school.
    • The bus was late, so we walked to school.
  9. Which ending makes sense? 'Nina asked for a pet cat, but ___.'

    • she got one for her birthday
    • her dad is allergic to cats
    • she loves kittens
  10. Which ending makes sense? 'I saved my ticket because ___.'

    • the show starts at two
    • I threw it away
    • it was my first show
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Joining ideas with because, but, when, and if W1-mt_wq-1OJ_8s5-s1

  1. when · 'When' points to the time something happens.
  2. because · 'Because' tells the reason something happened.
  3. If · 'If' shows something that might happen.
  4. or · 'Or' offers a choice between two things.
  5. When the candles were lit · The singing really happened at candle-lighting time, so 'when' fits. 'If' would make it only a maybe.
  6. False · 'If' means it might happen. Going outside is not sure yet.
  7. because · 'Because' explains why: I brought an umbrella because it might rain.
  8. The bus was late, so we walked to school. · The late bus made us walk, so 'so' points to the result.
  9. her dad is allergic to cats · 'But' needs a clash. Asking for a cat clashes with a dad who is allergic to cats.
  10. it was my first show · 'Because' needs a reason. Keeping a ticket from your first show is a reason to save it.
Worksheet · LightMySky