2nd grade linking and transition words worksheets
Second graders choose basic linking words (also, then, but, because) that connect two sentences honestly, W.2.1's linking words in action.
Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core W.2.1.
Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.
Need one more? These are the skills next door at this grade.
The kind of sentences you'll fix
Choose the transition that truly connects the two sentences, and write it.
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We couldn’t use the field. (Also / Instead / Similarly), we chalked a court on the driveway.
Fixed: We couldn’t use the field. Instead, we chalked a court on the driveway.
- Some seeds ride the wind. (As a result / For example / In contrast), burrs hitchhike on fur.
- We washed the car together. (Afterward / However / Instead), we shared lemonade on the steps.
Every print pulls a new set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling gets a different mix.
What's on a 2nd grade sheet
2nd grade sheets draw from 40 sentences, 7 to a page. All 40 are on 3rd grade sheets too, along with 2 more. 3rd grade sheets print 8 to a page.
A few of the sentences, as the answer key corrects them:
- The library added evening hours. In addition, it now lends board games.
- The rules sound tricky. However, one round makes them clear.
- The old oak fell in the storm. In its place, the town planted three saplings.
- Fix it. Choose the transition that truly connects the two sentences, and write it. 7 sentences to fix per page.
Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.
How to teach this
Name the connection in plain words first: is sentence two MORE, or DIFFERENT, or WHY? More takes also; different takes but; why takes because. Three roads cover second grade.
Watch for: Each transition has a direction: adding, turning, concluding, timing. The wrong word sends the reader down the wrong road, however true both sentences are. The relationship BETWEEN the sentences decides everything: read both, name the connection, then choose. Transition first, meaning second, fails every time.
Common questions about 2nd grade linking and transition words
- What are linking words?
- The words that connect ideas: also, but, then, because. The writing standards name them from second grade on, because connected sentences are what writing IS.
- How do kids choose the right one?
- By the relationship: adding more takes also; turning takes but; explaining takes because. The sheets make the relationship the question.
Related worksheets
- 3rd grade linking and transition words A step harder, same skill
- 2nd grade narrative sequencing words Same grade, nearby skill
- 2nd grade opinion sentence frames Same grade, nearby skill
- 2nd grade picture writing prompts Same grade, nearby skill
- 2nd grade sentence writing Same grade, nearby skill
- Linking and transition words, all grades The full progression
- All 2nd grade English worksheets Every skill at this level
- All 2nd grade worksheets Everything at this level
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Aligned to Common Core W.2.1. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated September 2026.
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