✏️ WritingGrade 2Lesson 3
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Join Ideas Using Conjunctions

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What you will learn

  • 1Name the five common conjunctions: and, but, so, or, because
  • 2Join two short sentences into one using the right conjunction
  • 3Choose the conjunction that matches the relationship between two ideas
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Mini Lesson

When you write two short sentences that belong together, you can join them into one using a special joining word called a conjunction.

The Five Conjunctions

  • and — adds one idea to another: I like cats, and I like dogs.
  • but — shows a difference or surprise: I like cats, but I am allergic.
  • so — shows a result: It was cold, so I wore my coat.
  • or — shows a choice: Do you want juice or water?
  • because — gives a reason: I smiled because I was happy.

How to Join Two Sentences

  • Write the first sentence without the period.
  • Add a comma before and, but, so, or (no comma before because), then the conjunction.
  • Add the second idea after it.
  • Example: I was tired. I went to bed. Joined: I was tired, so I went to bed.

Choosing the Right Conjunction

  • Ask: are the ideas similar? Then use and.
  • Ask: are the ideas opposite or surprising? Then use but.
  • Ask: is the second idea a result? Then use so.
  • Ask: is it a choice? Then use or.
  • Ask: is the second idea a reason? Then use because.

Words to know

Conjunction

A joining word that connects two ideas or sentences into one longer sentence

e.g. and, but, so, or, because

And

Adds one idea to another — used when the ideas are similar

e.g. I like apples, and I like pears.

But

Shows a difference or surprise between two ideas

e.g. It was sunny, but cold.

So

Shows that the second idea is a result of the first

e.g. I was tired, so I slept.

Or

Gives a choice between two options

e.g. Juice or water?

Because

Gives the reason why something happens

e.g. I smiled because I was happy.

Five conjunction words with their meaningsFive pill-shaped labels showing and, but, so, or, because — each with a short meaning underneath.Conjunction Wordsandadds ideas togetherbutshows a differencesoshows a resultorgives a choicebecausegives a reasonThese joining words are called conjunctions.
Five conjunction words — and, but, so, or, because — each with its meaning in a color-coded label.
Two sentences joined into oneTwo short sentences before joining, and the compound sentence after using the conjunction so.Before and AfterIt was raining. I stayed inside.Two short sentences↓join with so↓It was raining, so I stayed inside.One longer sentence — much better!
Two short sentences joined into one using the conjunction "so."
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Ask yourself: "What is the relationship between these two ideas? Which conjunction fits best?"

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