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Grammar Worksheet

Because, So, But, Although

A2–B1 basic connectors for reasons, results, contrast
Explanation

Use because to give a reason.

Use so to give a result.

Use but and although to show contrast. Although is a little more formal than but.

Form
ConnectorUseExample
becausereasonI stayed home because I was tired.
soresultI was tired, so I stayed home.
butcontrastI was tired, but I went out.
althoughcontrastAlthough I was tired, I went out.

Because and although can begin a sentence.

When although begins the sentence, use a comma after the first clause.

Examples
  1. I opened the window because it was hot.
  2. It was hot, so I opened the window.
  3. She is friendly, but she is very quiet.
  4. Although the test was difficult, I passed.
  5. We took a taxi because we were late.
  6. The shop was closed, so we went home.
  7. He speaks slowly but clearly.
  8. Although it was raining, they played football.
Common Mistakes
Exercises
1 Choose the connector

Choose because, so, but, or although.

  1. I was hungry, I made a sandwich.
  2. She went to bed early she was tired.
  3. it was expensive, I bought it.
  4. He is young, he is very responsible.
  5. The train was late, we missed the meeting.
2 Match reason and result

Complete with because or so.

  1. I took an umbrella it looked like rain.
  2. It looked like rain, I took an umbrella.
  3. She did not study, she failed.
  4. She failed she did not study.
3 Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake.

  1. Although I was ill, but I went to work.
  2. Because it was late, so we left.
  3. I like him so he is funny.
  4. The food was good because the service was terrible.
4 Join the sentences

Join each pair with the connector in brackets.

  1. I was tired. I finished the homework. (although)
  2. It was raining. We stayed inside. (so)
  3. She bought the shoes. They were cheap. (because)
  4. He speaks English well. He makes small mistakes. (but)
5 Your sentences

Write four true sentences using the connectors.

  1. because
  2. so
  3. but
  4. although
Speaking Activity

Answer and give reasons, results, or contrasts.

Use a different connector in each answer.