Conjunctions — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Because it was raining. We stayed inside.
Corrected: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
Grade 4 rule: subordinating conjunctions create dependent clauses that must attach to an independent clause with a comma.
2. Fix the sentence:
Although Tia studied hard but she missed two questions.
Corrected: Although Tia studied hard, she missed two questions.
Grade 4: subordinating conjunctions like 'although' already show contrast, so adding 'but' creates a doubled connector error.
3. Fix the sentence:
We will leave when, the bus arrives.
Corrected: We will leave when the bus arrives.
Grade 4 rule: a comma is used only when the subordinating clause comes FIRST in the sentence, not when it follows the main clause.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. I will help you with homework after I finish dinner.
Grade 4: 'after' is a subordinating conjunction signaling that one event follows another in time.
2. Carlos was happy because he won the spelling bee.
Grade 4: 'because' introduces a dependent clause that explains why something happened.
3. If it snows tonight, school will be canceled tomorrow.
Grade 4: 'if' begins a conditional clause showing what must happen for the result to occur.
4. The dog barked loudly when the mail carrier walked by.
Grade 4: 'when' is a time-based subordinating conjunction connecting two events that happen together.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. What is a subordinating conjunction, and how is it different from a coordinating conjunction in Grade 4 writing?
Sample answer: A subordinating conjunction joins a dependent clause to an independent clause and shows a relationship like cause, time, or condition. Examples are because, although, when, since, while, and if. Unlike FANBOYS, which join equal parts, subordinating conjunctions make one clause depend on another.
Grade 4: subordinating conjunctions create complex sentences with dependent clauses, while FANBOYS create compound sentences with two equal independent clauses.
2. Write a complex sentence using 'although' that includes both a dependent and an independent clause.
Sample answer: Although the soup was very hot, Mia ate it quickly because she was hungry. The clause 'Although the soup was very hot' is the dependent clause, and 'Mia ate it quickly' is the independent clause. A comma separates them since the dependent clause comes first.
Grade 4: when a subordinating clause begins a sentence, it must be followed by a comma before the independent clause.