How does this improve essays?

Transitions are the visible skeleton of an argument: first evidence, additional evidence, the counterpoint, the conclusion. W.4.2.c asks for exactly this connective tissue.

Which transitions should a fourth grader own?

A working dozen: also, however, instead, therefore, meanwhile, for example, in addition, finally, and their kin. The sheets rotate through all of them.

4th grade linking and transition words

4th grade linking and transition words worksheets

Fourth graders choose precise transitions for adding, contrast, cause, and example, W.4.2.c, at essay speed.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core W.4.2.c.

Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.

The kind of sentences you'll fix

Choose the transition that truly connects the two sentences, and write it.

He guarded the base closely. (Also / Even so / Therefore), I tagged it on a dive.
Fixed: He guarded the base closely. Even so, I tagged it on a dive.
Some seeds ride the wind. (As a result / For example / In contrast), burrs hitchhike on fur.
Keep your goggles on during the lab. (Also / However / Instead), tie back long hair.

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 4th grade sheet

4th grade sheets draw from 42 sentences, 8 to a page. 3rd to 6th grade print from the same 42 sentences. The teaching notes below are written for this grade.

A few of the sentences, as the answer key corrects them:

She trained all winter. As a result, her mile time dropped a minute.
She outlined her speech. Next, she practiced it for the mirror.
We built the track uphill. As a result, the marbles needed a push.

Fix it. Choose the transition that truly connects the two sentences, and write it. 8 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

Read the two sentences WITHOUT the transition and ask what changed between them. The relationship was always there; the transition just labels it. That insight is the whole skill.

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 4th grade linking and transition words

How does this improve essays?: Transitions are the visible skeleton of an argument: first evidence, additional evidence, the counterpoint, the conclusion. W.4.2.c asks for exactly this connective tissue.
Which transitions should a fourth grader own?: A working dozen: also, however, instead, therefore, meanwhile, for example, in addition, finally, and their kin. The sheets rotate through all of them.

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Aligned to Common Core W.4.2.c. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated September 2026.

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