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Connectives

Discover how connectives like because, so and when join ideas and explain reasons, helping KS1 writers turn simple sentences into clear, interesting stories.

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Fascinating Fact:

Connective “because” gives a reason, like “We stayed inside because it was raining.”

In KS1 English, pupils start using connectives such as because, so and when to link ideas. These joining words help explain reasons, show results, and build clearer, flowing sentences.

Key Terms

Connective: A word that joins ideas or sentences, helping the writing flow.
Because: A connective that explains why something happens, giving a reason.
Clause: A group of words with a verb that can be joined to another with a connective.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is a connective in KS1 English?

In KS1 English, a connective is a joining word like because, so or when. It links parts of a sentence to make ideas clearer and more detailed.

How do I teach because to KS1 children?

Show simple sentences such as “I wore my coat because it was cold” and ask children to match actions with reasons using the word because.

Why are connectives important in early writing?

Connectives are important because they help young writers explain reasons, add detail, and avoid very short, choppy sentences in their stories and information writing.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

'You can do it yourself'/'you are so clever' - Which connective/conjunction would you use to join these two sentences together?

yet

and

because

however

As you can see, there are many connectives and conjunctions available, so make sure you write two clause sentences with one in!

2 .

Which of these words is not a connective or a conjunction?

horse

and

but

Connectives work in the same way as a conjunction. They are words that link two clauses (or sentences) together.

3 .

Which word is not a connective?

whereas

however

she

nevertheless

Again, these are all connectives that disagree with the first part of the sentence.

4 .

'It's horrible'/'I'll eat it all.' Which connective/conjunction would you not use to join these two sentences together?

however

and

but

yet

When you join two sentences make sure you still only have one capital letter for the beginning of the sentence and one full stop at the end.

5 .

Which of these words is not a connective?

but

yet

although

hands

These connectives would all oppose or disagree with the first part of a sentence.

6 .

Finish this sentence: I'll lend you some money...

however I don't have any money on me right now.

but the horse is asleep.

so you should tiptoe.

and always count your sheep.

The first coins were made around 2,500 years ago.

7 .

'The weather was terrible'/'they still played outside.' Which connective/conjunction would you use to join these two sentences together?

because

however

also

We have different names for types of clouds.

8 .

'He climbed as high as he could'/'he didn't like the view.' Which connective/conjunction would you not use to join these two sentences together?

but

yet

although

Koala bears have long claws to help them climb trees.

9 .

Finish this sentence: A cat chased a mouse...

but the mouse got away.

because the mouse got away.

mouse got away.

clause the mouse got away.

Remember that the two sentences you are joining should still make sense when put together.

10 .

Finish this sentence: They loved maths...

yet they all knew their times tables.

yet they all went fishing.

yet none of them knew their times tables.

yet none of them went fishing.

The word 'yet' means 'despite', so here it is saying they loved maths but....then something to do with them not liking it - that's why it's an opposing connective.

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Using coordinating conjunctions

Author: Finola Waller (MEd, Primary School Teacher & KS1 English Quiz Writer)