Because, although and so

Approximate A2–B1 · editorial content label, not a certified rating.

Conjunctions connect ideas. Because introduces a reason; although introduces a concession or contrast; so can introduce a result. Read both clauses and decide the relationship before choosing a connector. Either clause can be short while still making a complete point.

Try the three exercise formats

Examples to compare

  • We stayed inside because it rained.
  • Although it rained, we walked home.
  • It rained, so we stayed inside.

Watch the meaning and the limits

In standard edited English, do not combine although with a redundant but to link the same two clauses. Similarly, avoid using because and so as duplicate links in one construction. Punctuation depends on clause order and sentence structure.

Read each example aloud, then change one detail to make a sentence you could use. Continue with focused practice when you want a different set.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Mistake: Although it rained, but we walked home.

Use: Although it rained, we walked home.

In standard edited English, although already links the contrast; do not add a redundant but.

Try the pattern

3 choose questions · 2 sentence completions · 2 word gaps. Read the reason after every answer. No timer.

Typed answers stay on this page. This guided set checks the requested construction; it does not judge general writing. Read the accepted answers and reasons.

Use it in your own sentence

Write one sentence about your own routine or situation. Check the subject, verb form and intended meaning against the rule above. A different sentence may need a different form: these exercises accept the reviewed answers for their stated context.

Try the next practice set, or choose another grammar point.

All drill answers and reasons

  1. We stayed inside ___ it was raining. Give the reason.

    Choices: because / although / unless

    Accepted: because

    Because introduces why we stayed inside.

  2. ___ it rained, we enjoyed the walk. Concede a difficulty.

    Choices: Although / Because / So

    Accepted: Although

    Although presents a contrast with the enjoyable walk.

  3. It was raining, ___ we stayed inside. State the result.

    Choices: so / because / unless

    Accepted: so

    So introduces the resulting action.

  4. Complete using because and the words it was raining: We stayed inside ___ .

    Accepted: because it was raining

    Because introduces the reason for staying inside.

  5. Complete using although and it was raining: ___ , we enjoyed the walk.

    Accepted: Although it was raining

    Although introduces a difficulty that contrasts with the enjoyable walk.

  6. We stayed inside ___ it was raining. Use because, so or although to give the reason.

    Accepted: because

    Because introduces the cause of staying inside.

  7. It was raining, ___ we stayed inside. Use because, so or although to give the result.

    Accepted: so

    So connects the rain to the resulting decision.

Practice questions

How do the three exercise formats work?

Choose asks you to pick an answer. Complete the sentence asks you to type the missing phrase. Fill in the word asks for one word, or no article where stated. Every checked answer includes a reason.

Which typed answers are accepted?

Use the form and meaning requested in the prompt. Reviewed alternatives and contractions are accepted where they fit. Capital letters, surrounding spaces, straight or curly apostrophes and a final full stop, question mark or exclamation mark do not affect marking. The answer reference lists the accepted forms.

Are my typed answers sent or saved?

Typed answers stay on this page in your browser. They are not sent to the server or saved. If device progress is available, completing a set records only the activity and study points on this device.

Can this check my own writing or certify my level?

No. This is a small guided set with reviewed answers, not a general grammar checker or a level certificate. An unlisted answer does not mean it is always wrong in English. Read the prompt and the explanation for this construction.

Further reference: Cambridge English Grammar Today. The explanations, examples and exercises here are original; each lesson covers a useful pattern rather than every exception.