Writing skills · lesson 3 of 27 · free

Joining sentences: and, but, because, so — English writing skills for kids

Two short sentences often sound better as one. The joining word you choose must show how the two ideas are linked — is the second idea an extra fact, a surprise, a reason or a result?

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Writing tip

Ask how the ideas are linked — “adding → and, different → but, reason → because, result → so”

and → adds a similar idea (I brushed my teeth and I washed my face).
but → the ideas are different or surprising (The box was small but it was very heavy).
because → the second part is the REASON; so → the second part is the RESULT (It was very hot, so we went for a swim).

Use it for: Writing longer, smoother sentences in stories and answers, and “join the sentences” exercises.

Worked example: Fill the gap with the best joining word: → because

The sentence: We stayed indoors ___ it was raining.
“It was raining” is the reason why we stayed indoors. A reason takes “because”: We stayed indoors because it was raining.

Check: Flip it with “so”: It was raining, so we stayed indoors — same meaning ✓

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✓ Written and checked by the TalentJR team · Updated 13 Oct 2026 · How we make our lessons

✏️ Practice

Read every choice carefully, then tap the one that is written correctly. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

Right: 0 · Tried: 0

🏁 Lesson 3 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Joining Sentences Worksheet

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