Correlative Conjunctions Guide | Grade 4 ELA Printable

This printable reference guide helps fourth-grade students master the tricky rules of subject-verb agreement when using correlative conjunctions. By clearly illustrating how verbs must align with the closest subject, this resource ensures students write grammatically correct and structurally sound sentences across all their writing assignments.

At a Glance

• Grade: 4 · Subject: ELA
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1 — Use standard English grammar and usage.
• Skill Focus: Subject-Verb Agreement with Correlative Conjunctions
• Format: 1 page · 1 task · No answer key · PDF
• Best For: Anchor chart or grammar notebook
• Time: 5–10 minutes

This single-page resource serves as a highly visual anchor chart for grammar instruction. It features a clear, color-coded explanation of the subject-verb agreement rule for correlative conjunctions, complete with a highlighted example sentence demonstrating exactly how the verb agrees with the second subject.

• Guided instruction: Use the visual rule breakdown to introduce the concept during whole-class mini-lessons.
• Supported practice: Students reference the color-coded example while completing paired grammar exercises.
• Independent practice: Keep the chart accessible in student folders to scaffold independent writing tasks.

This reference tool perfectly supports a gradual-release, I Do, We Do, You Do instructional model by providing a constant visual anchor.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1 requires students to demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. This chart directly supports that goal by clarifying complex agreement rules. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Display this chart on a smartboard before direct instruction to anchor the day's grammar lesson. Alternatively, print it at a reduced size for students to glue into their interactive writing notebooks. As a formative assessment observation tip, watch whether students physically point to the second subject in a sentence when determining the correct verb tense. Expected review time is 5 to 10 minutes.

This resource is designed for fourth-grade general education students, but its highly visual nature makes it exceptionally effective for English Language Learners and students needing IEP accommodations for grammar. It pairs perfectly with a direct instruction lesson on paired conjunctions like either/or and neither/nor.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1 requires students to use standard English grammar and usage. According to Fisher & Frey (2014), providing clear visual anchors and reference tools significantly reduces cognitive load, allowing students to focus on applying complex grammar rules rather than simply memorizing them. This correlative conjunctions guide serves as that essential visual scaffold, ensuring students can confidently master subject-verb agreement in their independent writing. When educators implement this type of targeted visual support, they create an environment where young writers feel empowered to take risks with more advanced sentence structures. By explicitly showing how the verb must agree with the noun closest to it, this resource eliminates the common confusion associated with paired conjunctions like either/or and neither/nor. Consistent use of this anchor chart during both guided practice and independent writing sessions will help solidify these foundational grammar skills. Ultimately, this leads to stronger, more coherent student writing across all academic subjects, building a solid foundation for future language arts success.