Subordination with 'when' and 'if' | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Tick the joining words.

• the

• if

• because

• my

• when

Answer explanation

Joining words join two words or ideas together. They each have a different function. Here is an example of ‘when’ being used to join two ideas: 'I will order my hot chocolate when the queue has got smaller.'

Which word in this sentence is being used to stretch the first idea? The bird sang tunefully when the dazzling sun rose in the sky.

• when

• the

• in

• sky

Answer explanation

The joining word ‘when’ has stretched the first idea in the sentence with a time frame for when the bird sang.

Match the joining word with its function.

• if

• for giving a reason

• when

• for giving conditions

• because

• for giving a time frame

Answer explanation

Some joining words work better than others in sentences. Here is an example of the joining word ‘when’ working well within a sentence: 'We can go to school when you put your shoes on.'

Using ‘when’ or ‘if’ to stretch a simple sentence forms...

• a statement.

• a compound sentence.

• a complex sentence.

• an opinion.

Answer explanation

Using ‘when’ or ‘if’ to stretch a simple sentence forms another idea that depends on the first idea. We call this a complex sentence.

Which joining word is missing from this sentence? I want to be a vet __________ I grow up.

Answer explanation

The joining word ‘when’ is missing. It fits because the stretched second idea ('when I grow up') gives a time frame for the first idea ('I want to be a vet').

Tick the sentence that uses the joining word to give conditions to the first idea.

• You can join the team if you train every day.

• You can join the team when you are in Year 3.

Answer explanation

This sentence uses the joining word ‘if’ to give a condition. The condition is that if you train every day, you can join the team.