What are conjunctions?

This page has been put together to help you practise and revisit some of the brilliant skills you’ve learned all through primary school.

It’s a great way to boost your confidence in English and get you ready for the exciting next step into Year 8!

A conjunction is a word that joins two shorter sentences together, helping ideas flow more smoothly.

Common conjunctions include ‘and’ which adds similar ideas, and ‘but’ which shows contrast.

As you move through this page, you’ll learn how to:

• explore and identify different types of conjunctions in sentences

• use conjunctions to join ideas effectively

• understand how conjunctions change the meaning of a sentence

The most common conjunctions used to join two sentences are 'and' and 'but'. These create compound sentences.

A compound sentence is a sentence made of two smaller ideas that each have their own verb.

We use and to join ideas that are similar or that add extra information, for example:

We use and to join ideas that are similar or that add extra information

Kathy washed her car. She waxed it until it shone.
Kathy washed her car and waxed it until it shone.

Or

Jonah was playing rugby. Jonah scored a try. Jonah was playing rugby and scored a try.

We use but to join ideas that show contrast or an unexpected outcome, for example:

I love playing football. I broke my ankle. I love playing football but I broke my ankle.

Or

Peter is going for a run. It is raining heavily. Peter is going for a run but it is raining heavily.

When joining two sentences together you have to remember to remove the capital letter, full stop and maybe even a word or two.

When two full sentences are joined using a conjunction such as and or but, a comma is placed before the conjunction.

Example:

• I wanted to play football, but it was raining.

Remember:

• Two full sentences + conjunction = comma before the conjunction.

When joining sentences, remember to:

• Remove the capital letter from the second sentence

• Remove the full stop

• Check that the sentence still makes sense

Have a go and choose the correct conjunction to complete each of the following sentences:

Other conjunction words include;

For (reason)

Or (choice)

Yet (contrast)

So (result)

Because (reason)

Always read both parts of the sentence carefully before choosing a conjunction.

Ask yourself: Am I adding information, showing contrast, giving a reason or offering a choice?

Write the sentences down on paper and underline all the conjunctions you can see.

I want to play on the roundabout and on the swings.

My brother wanted to have spaghetti for tea but I wanted pizza.

Tony went to his dad’s house after his karate class finished.

Katy had to tidy her room because it was a mess.

Aarav couldn’t have a biscuit until he had eaten his carrots.

You can check your answers using this answer sheet .

Watch this clip about the ocean and answer the questions below.

Write these sentences out adding in the correct conjunction from the list to fill in each gap.

Conjunctions

• and
• but
• while
• so
• because

Sentences

1. There are little fish ____ big fish living in the sea.
2. The octopus swam away ____ it wouldn’t get hit by the passing fish.
3. The seaweed looks like a plant ____ it is an algae.
4. Whales eat plankton ____ they are swimming.
5. Whales come up to the surface of the sea ____ they have to breathe.

You can check your answers using this answer sheet.

Think about these questions to stretch your thinking and sharpen your skills!

• Why do you think writers use conjunctions instead of writing lots of short sentences?

• Can you think of a time when using but instead of and completely changed the meaning of a sentence? Share your example.

• How can conjunctions make your writing more interesting and easier to read?

Have a chat about your answers with a parent, teacher or your class.