6th grade subordinating conjunctions worksheets

Sixth graders pick subordinators in sentences where several are grammatical but only one matches the logic: although concedes, because explains, unless sets a condition. This is the sentence machinery of academic writing, tested one joint at a time.

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

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The kind of sentences you'll get

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

the tide retreated, researchers photographed the exposed reef. Unless · While · Whether
Answer: While
the marathon route climbed two steep hills, records fell that year. Even though · Until · Because
the hypothesis failed, the experiment produced valuable data. Because · Until · Even though

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

Choose the word. Circle the letter of the joining word the sentence's logic needs. 10 questions per page.

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

How to teach this

Run the swap test on wrong-but-grammatical options: read the sentence with although, then with because, and ask what each version claims. Sixth graders should be able to say why the losing word loses. That articulation is the difference between grammar practice and thinking practice.

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

What should a 6th grader do differently with these?: Defend the choice. Any middle schooler can fill the blank; the grade-6 move is explaining why although beats because in THIS sentence. That reasoning shows up directly in their own essays, where subordinators carry the argument's joints.
Does the comma placement change with these words?: Yes, and it's worth noticing here: when the subordinate clause leads, a comma follows it (Although it rained, we played). When it trails, usually no comma. Our introductory-commas worksheets drill exactly that pattern if it needs work.

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

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