English · Writing and tracing worksheet
Conjunctions Worksheet: because, but and so (Free KS2)
This free printable worksheet helps children in Years 3 and 4 join two short ideas into one richer sentence using everyday conjunctions such as and, but, so, because, when and if. Linking words like these are the building blocks of more confident, fluent writing, and the rainy-day scene gives plenty of opportunity to practise expressing time, cause and contrast.
It prints neatly onto a single A4 page. Children can colour the picture first to settle in, trace the key conjunctions to fix the spellings, and then complete each sentence so the two halves make sense together.
Conjunctions: because, but and so
Free English worksheet · Ages 7 to 9
Trace the joining words
Colour the rainy-day picture, then trace each joining word carefully. Say each word aloud as you write it.
Join the two halves
Choose a joining word from the box to complete each sentence so that both halves make sense together. Write your word on the line. Some sentences could use more than one word.
It started to rain, ____ we went inside to read.
I picked up my umbrella ____ the sky looked grey.
We can play in the garden ____ the rain stops.
Tom likes reading ____ his sister likes drawing.
The book was long, ____ I read every page.
You will get wet ____ you go out without a coat.
Conjunctions: because, but and soowee.worldAnswer key
- It started to rain, ____ we went inside to read. — so
- I picked up my umbrella ____ the sky looked grey. — because
- We can play in the garden ____ the rain stops. — when / if
- Tom likes reading ____ his sister likes drawing. — and / but
- The book was long, ____ I read every page. — but
- You will get wet ____ you go out without a coat. — if
What conjunctions are and why they matter
A conjunction is a word that joins two parts of a sentence together. Coordinating conjunctions such as and, but and so link two ideas of roughly equal weight (for example, 'It was raining, so we stayed indoors'). Subordinating conjunctions such as because, when and if add extra information about cause, time or condition, and the part they introduce cannot stand alone as a sentence. Helping children move from lots of short, choppy sentences to fewer, well-joined ones is one of the most noticeable steps forward in their writing during Year 3.
How to use this worksheet at home or in class
Begin by reading the two short clauses in each sentence aloud and asking what kind of link is needed: are the ideas being added together, contrasted, or explained? Encourage the child to say the whole sentence before they write it, then choose the conjunction that makes the meaning clearest. Many sentences could take more than one answer, so the suggested answers below are a guide rather than the only possibility. The tracing strip is a useful warm-up, since because in particular is a word children often misspell.
Common mistakes and how to support your child
Children frequently overuse and, stringing several ideas together in one breathless sentence. Gently nudging them towards but, so or because adds variety and shows the relationship between ideas. Another common point of confusion is the difference between so (which signals a result) and because (which signals a reason): 'I wore a coat because it was cold' and 'It was cold, so I wore a coat' carry the same meaning but face in opposite directions. Talking through this difference aloud tends to be far more effective than a rule on its own.
Building on conjunctions in everyday talk
Conjunctions are best reinforced little and often, away from the worksheet. At mealtimes or on the school run, you might offer the first half of a sentence ('We can play outside if...') and invite the child to finish it. Reading together also helps, as pointing out a well-joined sentence in a favourite book shows conjunctions doing their job in real writing. The more children hear and use these linking words in conversation, the more naturally they reach for them on the page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a conjunction for Year 3 children?
A conjunction is a joining word that links two parts of a sentence together. In Year 3, children practise coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so) and subordinating conjunctions (because, when, if) to express time, cause and contrast, turning two short sentences into one richer one.
What is the difference between 'so' and 'because'?
Both link a reason and a result, but they point in opposite directions. 'Because' introduces the reason ('I stayed in because it rained'), while 'so' introduces the result ('It rained, so I stayed in'). The meaning is the same, but the order of the ideas is reversed.
Is this conjunctions worksheet free to print?
Yes. The worksheet is completely free to download and print. It is designed to fit onto a single A4 page so you can use it straight away at home or in the classroom, with no sign-up needed.
What age and key stage is this worksheet for?
It is aimed at children aged 7 to 9 in Key Stage 2, covering Years 3 and 4. Confident Year 2 children may also enjoy it, as coordination and subordination first appear in the Year 2 curriculum.
What is the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so) join two ideas of equal weight, each of which could be its own sentence. Subordinating conjunctions (because, when, if) introduce extra information that depends on the main part of the sentence and cannot stand alone.
Curriculum links
- English Appendix 2 (Year 3): expressing time, place and cause using conjunctions, for example when, before, after, while, so, because.
- Year 2 (English Appendix 2): using subordination (using when, if, that, because) and co-ordination (using or, and, but).
- Years 3 to 4 grammar and punctuation: using a range of conjunctions to build a varied and rich vocabulary and to extend sentences.
- Writing composition (Years 3 to 4): organising paragraphs and linking ideas within and across sentences to write with increasing coherence.
Made by The Owee education team. Updated 02/06/2026. Free to print and share.
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