Causal conjunctions word mat

Support teaching of causal conjunctions with this useful word mat and display resource that makes learning about cause and effect connections engaging and memorable.

What's included

• Versatile word mat featuring essential and additional causal conjunctions
• Example sentences showing conjunctions in context

Available as a free PDF download, or access the editable version with a primary subscription.

What is a causal conjunction?

A causal conjunction is a word or phrase that connects two clauses by showing a cause-and-effect relationship. These conjunctions help explain why something happens or what happens as a result of an action.

Causal conjunction examples

Examples of causal conjunctions used in sentences include:

• The ice cream melted because it was a hot day.
• She studied hard, therefore she passed her exam.
• It started to hail, consequently the football match was cancelled.

Using this causal conjunctions word mat

The word mat is a useful tool when used as a visual reference. You can display it on the walls, stick it into children’s books or have printed and laminated versions to use on desks. Children can:

• Refer to it when completing independent writing tasks
• Use different conjunctions to vary their sentence starters
• Create their own sentences using the example structures

What are the 7 main conjunctions?

The seven most commonly used causal conjunctions are:

1. because
2. so
3. therefore
4. since
5. as
6. consequently
7. as a result

What is the difference between a causal conjunction and a subordinating conjunction?

While some words can function as both, the key difference is that causal conjunctions show cause and effect relationships, whereas subordinating conjunctions create dependent clauses and can show various relationships (time, condition, contrast) as well as cause and effect.

For example, 'because' and 'since' can be both causal and subordinating conjunctions, depending on how they're used in a sentence.

Looking for more like this?

Explore these additional resources to support teaching of conjunctions and connectives:

More useful conjunctions and connectives lists

• Connectives word lists for KS2
• Time conjunctions word mat & activities

Activities to build understanding and skills

• Getting connected
• Cool connectives
• Using connectives
• Conjunction jigsaws