Language
Joining words
Join two sentences with the right connecting word.
Two short sentences side by side can sound like two separate pieces of news. A joining word turns them into one sentence, and it does more than glue: it tells the reader what the second half has to do with the first.
and — one thing, then another of the same kind
She sings and she dances. Nothing has changed direction; the second half simply adds to the first.
but — something unexpected
He is only six, but he swims very well. The first half sets up what you expect, and but is the word that pulls the other way.
or — a choice between two
We can play carrom or ludo. Only one of them will happen, and or is what tells the reader to pick.
so and because — cause and result
These two are a pair, back to front. The jug was empty, so I filled it puts the reason first. I filled the jug because it was empty puts the result first. Same story, different word.
although — true anyway
Although the bag was heavy, she carried it herself. It admits something that might have stopped you, and then tells the reader it did not.
Worked example
Which joining word fits? "The bus was full, ____ we walked home."
Ask what the second half is doing: walking home is what happened as a result of the bus being full.
Naming the job first is what tells you which word to reach for.
Try it together
Let us join three pairs of short sentences.
Each answer is one joining word. Work out what the second half is doing before you choose.
1.I ran to the gate ____ I still missed the bus. Which one word joins them and shows that the second half is a surprise?
Have a go
You may choose one prize: the bat ____ the ball.
Ready to practice?
Eight questions on what you have just read. Nothing is timed, and you can play as many times as you like.