Teacher Resource

Free Subordinating and Coordinating Conjunction Flashcards

Help your students confidently tell subordinating and coordinating conjunctions apart with this printable flashcard set, designed for quick, interactive practice.

Download for free

Overview

Conjunctions are the glue that holds sentences together, but knowing which type does what is a common sticking point for students. These flashcards make the difference clear and memorable.

Each card pairs a common conjunction with its type, helping students learn to identify whether a word connects equal elements or links a dependent clause to an independent one. The format suits quick recall practice and keeps the whole class involved.

Use them as a warm-up, a revision tool, or a partner activity, making them an easy addition to any grammar or writing lesson.
 

What this flashcard set provides

  • Clear learning objective – A focused goal of identifying subordinating and coordinating conjunctions.
  • Concept definitions – Simple explanations of how each conjunction type works and the difference between dependent and independent clauses.
  • Subordinating conjunction cards – Six common examples including after, because, before, as, since, and where.
  • Coordinating conjunction cards – Four common examples including but, and, yet, and so.
  • Flexible practice format – Designed for whole-class or paired use, giving you options for how to run the activity.
  • Print-ready design – A clean, classroom-friendly layout that is ready to download and use straight away.

 

Teaching Tips

  • Sort and match: Have students match each conjunction to its type, then sort the cards into two piles to check their understanding.
  • Use them in context: Ask students to write a sentence using a conjunction once they have identified it correctly, reinforcing how it works in practice.
  • Play as a quick game: Hold up a card and have students call out or signal the conjunction type for fast, low-stakes recall practice.
  • Reinforce the rule: Remind students that a dependent clause cannot stand alone, which is the key clue for spotting subordinating conjunctions.

Get started with Education Perfect