4th grade subordinating conjunctions worksheets

Fourth graders work the fuller set (since, unless, though) and sharpen the contrasts: because versus although is the reason-versus-surprise fork, until versus while splits the timing. Reading the whole sentence before choosing is the skill.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core L.3.1.h.

A new sheet every click.

Tap to see another sample sheet.

The kind of sentences you'll get

Circle the letter of the joining word the sentence's logic needs.

  1. the oven broke, we baked at Grandma’s house. Before · Because · Although

    Answer: Because

  2. the museum was crowded, we saw every exhibit. Because · If · Although
  3. it rains tonight, the garden won’t need watering. If · Although · Whether

Every print pulls a fresh set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.

What's on each sheet

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.

How to teach this

The productive struggle at this level is because versus although. Ask: does the second half follow naturally from the first (because), or does it push back against what you'd expect (although)? "Although Kenji practiced daily, he felt nervous" earns its although from the surprise. Add unless as if's negative twin once the core set is steady.

Watch for: Each conjunction names a different relationship, so they aren't swappable: because gives a reason, although signals a surprise, until marks time. Starting a sentence with because is fine, as long as the main idea follows: 'Because it rained, we stayed in.'

Common questions about subordinating conjunctions

How do students pick between because and although?
By expectation. If the second half is what you'd predict from the first, the link is because: it rained, so indoors. If the second half defies the setup, it's although: practiced daily, yet still nervous. One question, expected or surprising, settles it.
Why does "since" cause trouble?
It moonlights: since can mean because (since you're here, help me) or mark time (since Monday). Our practice items use it only in the causal sense to keep answers clean, and the time job stays with until, before, and after where it's unambiguous.

Related worksheets

Ready to print one?

Need a fresh set of questions? Download another copy.

Aligned to Common Core L.3.1.h. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 137, updated August 2026.

Spot a mistake on this sheet? Tell us. · About these worksheets