Let's solve each sentence by choosing the correct
subordinating conjunction from the word box:
Word Box:
- even though
- before
- since
- until
- because
- when
- whenever
- while
---
1. Samantha is happy ____________ she won the championship.
✔ because
→ "Samantha is happy *because* she won the championship."
This shows cause and effect.
---
2. Jean cleaned the table ____________ her mom did the dishes.
✔ before
→ "Jean cleaned the table *before* her mom did the dishes."
This indicates sequence of events.
---
3. ____________ Dan was sick, he went to work.
✔ Even though
→ "*Even though* Dan was sick, he went to work."
This contrasts two ideas (being sick vs. going to work).
---
4. Samantha can't relax ____________ her exams are over.
✔ until
→ "Samantha can't relax *until* her exams are over."
"Until" means "not before" — she waits for the exams to end.
---
5. Liza hasn't seen her aunt ____________ she was a teenager.
✔ since
→ "Liza hasn't seen her aunt *since* she was a teenager."
"Since" refers to a point in time from which something has continued.
---
6. Patricia visits the zoo ____________ she loves animals.
✔ because
→ "Patricia visits the zoo *because* she loves animals."
Shows reason or cause.
---
7. We put away our toys ____________ Mom returns from work.
✔ when
→ "We put away our toys *when* Mom returns from work."
Indicates the time at which the action happens.
---
8. ____________ Brian watered all the plants, I didn't have to.
✔ Since
→ "*Since* Brian watered all the plants, I didn't have to."
"Since" here introduces a reason (because Brian did it, I didn’t need to).
> Note: "Because" could also seem possible, but "since" is more natural in formal writing for this kind of causal clause.
---
9. We were surprised ____________ the magician pulled the rabbit out of the hat.
✔ when
→ "We were surprised *when* the magician pulled the rabbit out of the hat."
"Surprised" is an emotion that happened at a specific moment — so "when" fits best.
---
10. ____________ Mom goes shopping, she brings a treat for me.
✔ Whenever
→ "*Whenever* Mom goes shopping, she brings a treat for me."
"Whenever" means "every time" — indicating repeated action.
---
✔ Final Answers:
1.
because
2.
before
3.
Even though
4.
until
5.
since
6.
because
7.
when
8.
Since
9.
when
10.
Whenever
---
🔍 Explanation Summary:
-
Because = reason/causality
-
Before = time order (one event precedes another)
-
Even though = contrast (despite something)
-
Until = continuation up to a point
-
Since = reason or starting point in time
-
When = at the time that
-
Whenever = every time
-
While = during the same time (not used here)
Note: "while" wasn't needed in any of these sentences — it would be used for simultaneous actions, e.g., “She read while I cooked.” But none of the sentences required that meaning.
Let me know if you'd like a printable version!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of complex sentence practice worksheet.
