Joining Words: and, but, because

What is a joining word?

A joining word glues two ideas into one sentence. It is like a little bridge. 🔗

Three friendly joining words are and, but and because.

and adds more ➕

We use and to add more.

• I like cats and dogs. 🐱🐶
• Mum and Dad are here. 👩👨
• I jump and run. 🏃

but shows a change 🔄

We use but when the next part is different.

• I am small but strong. 💪
• The cake is yummy but hot. 🍰
• I want to play but it is bedtime. 🌙

because gives a reason 💡

We use because to say why.

• I am happy because it is sunny. ☀️
• I eat because I am hungry. 🍎
• We run because it is fun. 🏃

See them work

Watch two small ideas become one:

I like milk. I like juice. → I like milk and juice. 🥛🧃

I am tired. I will play. → I am tired but I will play. 😴

Play and practise

Play the matching game to give each word its job. Then build the words and and but from the letter tiles. Say the word out loud!

Keep going

Try these next:

• Tiny helper words: Pronouns: he, she, they
• Make sentences: Reading Your First Sentences
• Word jobs: Nouns, Verbs and Adjectives

Now you can join ideas together. Great job! 🌟