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Year 1 English Grammar

Joining Words

Joining words (conjunctions) connect two ideas together in a sentence. The most common joining words are and, but and because!

What You Need to Know

Joining words (conjunctions) are used to connect two ideas or two sentences together. They help our writing flow and give more information. The three main joining words for Year 1 are: and (to add information), but (to show a contrast or difference), and because (to give a reason).

Key Concepts

and

Adds more information

but

Shows a contrast

because

Gives a reason why

Conjunction

Grammar word for joining words

Using AND (adds information):

I like cats and I like dogs.

Using BUT (shows contrast):

I like cats but I am allergic to them.

Using BECAUSE (gives a reason):

I stayed inside because it was raining.

Key Vocabulary

Conjunction

The grammar word for a joining word — a word that connects two ideas together.

And

A joining word used to add extra information, e.g. I read books and play sport.

But

A joining word used to show a contrast or difference, e.g. I tried hard but I did not win.

Because

A joining word used to give a reason, e.g. I wore a coat because it was cold.

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which joining word best completes the sentence: "I wanted to go to the park ___ it was raining."

Question 2

Which joining word best completes the sentence: "I brushed my teeth ___ went to bed."

Question 3

Which joining word gives a reason: "She was tired ___ she had been running."

Question 4

What is the grammar name for a joining word?

Key Concepts Summary