CONNECTORS PART 1

This material summarizes what it is necessary for you to know about

connectors.

I am happy, my friend is happy and we are all happy.

Connectors are also called linkers because they are words/phrases that
connect—or link—an idea with the next one in a paragraph. It is
important to use them often and well so that your reader can easily follow
your train of thought. If your reader has no difficulty following you, we
say that your writing has good coherence.

To use connectors correctly, you must take two things into consideration:

First, what is the relationship between the two ideas you want to
connect? Notice that the connectors in the chart below have been placed
in rows according to their meaning. Some connectors are used to show
contrast, some to show similarity, etc.

Before continuing, brainstorm all the linkers for cause or result that you
can think of (without looking at the chart!):

Secondly, what type of connector does the grammatical structure

require? Notice that the connectors in the chart below have been placed
in columns according to their grammatical function. As you can see, there
are four types:

 Coordinating Conjunctions: There are only seven of these in

English—and, or, nor, for, but, yet, so. They join two ideas—each
with its own subject and verb—that are considered equally
important. The formula for using a coordinating conjunction is:

<Idea 1>, CC <idea 2>.

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 Air quality in Malaysia is worsening, so respiratory diseases are on the rise.

 Subordinating Conjunctions: These are used to join two ideas

—each with its own subject and verb—where one is considered
more important than the other. The idea that immediately
follows the SC is always the less important one. The two
formulas for using a subordinating conjunction are:

SC <less important idea>, <main idea>.

Because air quality in Malaysia is worsening, respiratory diseases are on the rise.

<Main idea> SC <less important idea>.

Respiratory diseases are on the rise in Malaysia because air quality is worsening.

Before continuing, write two sentences using two subordinating

conjunctions other than because:

 Prepositions: These are used to join two ideas where one is

considered more important than the other. In this case, one
idea—the main one—has a subject and a verb, but the less
important idea is only a noun phrase. In other words,
prepositions may only be followed by noun phrases.

Like this—Due to worsening air quality in Malaysia, respiratory

diseases are on the rise.
OR Respiratory diseases are on the rise in Malaysia due to
worsening air quality.

Respiratory diseases are on the rise because the air quality is

worsening.

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  Transitional Devices: These are similar to CC’s in that they
connect two ideas—each with its own subject and verb—that
are considered equally important. They are different from
CC’s, however, in that their placement is more flexible. There
are three formulas for using transitional devices

<Idea 1>. TD, <idea 2>.

Air quality in Malaysia is worsening. Consequently, respiratory diseases are on the rise.

<Idea 1>; TD, <idea 2>.

Air quality in Malaysia is worsening; consequently, respiratory diseases are on the rise.

<Idea 1>. <idea 2>.

Air quality in Malaysia is worsening. Respiratory diseases, consequently, are on the rise.

, TD,

Before continuing, write two sentences using two transitional devices

other than consequently:

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 CONNECTORS/LINKERS

Coordinating Subordinating Prepositions Transitional Devices

Conjunctions Conjunctions
To introduce and along with additionally in addition
a new idea in addition to also moreover
on top of besides more than that
together with further plus
furthermore what’s more
To repeat or actually in other words
emphasize indeed namely
in fact that is (to say)
to put it another way
To provide for example specifically
an example for instance such as
in particular to illustrate
Coordinating Subordinating Prepositions Transitional Devices
Conjunctions Conjunctions
To show a just as like also/too in like manner
similarity similar to as well in the same way
by the same token likewise
correspondingly similarly
To show a but whereas as opposed to conversely instead
contrast while in contrast to however on the other hand
instead of in contrast on the contrary
unlike in reality
To make a compared to by comparison
comparison in comparison to

To make a although despite admittedly

concession even though in spite of
granted that regardless of
though
To show that yet all the same nevertheless
a concession even so nonetheless
has been for all that notwithstanding
made in any case regardless
in any event still
To show a so so…that accordingly hence
result such…that as a consequence that being so
as a result that’s why
consequently therefore
for that reason thus
To show a for as as a result of
cause because because of
since by reason of
due to
in view of
on account of
owing to
thanks to
To state a in order that*
purpose so that*

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To show or (else) on the one hand… otherwise
on the other hand
alternatives
To make a as a rule in general
generalization by and large on the whole
for the most part overall
generally typically
To indicate a all in all in conclusion
summary or a all things considered in summary
conclusion in a nutshell to conclude
in a word to sum up

*In order to & so as to are equivalent in meaning but are followed only by a
verb phrase: Students pursue a university degree in order to/so as to obtain
a good job after graduation.

Websites:
http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/cae/students/writing/linking/
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/570/pulp/hemp7.htm

NB If you cannot find information under “Connectors” look under

“Conjunctions” or “Linkers”.

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 CONNECTORS
PART 2
.

1.

X There are two reasons why people should become vegetarians.

First, a vegetarian diet is better for one’s health. On the other
hand, vegetarianism is more ethical as it does not involve killing
animals.

Secondly, furthermore,

2.

X Even students learn all school subjects in English, there are no

guarantee that their English language skills will improve.

Even though, although

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3.

X Despite it was raining very hard, the Observatory did not raise the
rainstorm warning.
X Due to Japanese culture is very popular among young people, many
of them want to study the Japanese language.

Despite it raining very hard(verb phrase)/ despite the heavy rain.

Due to the popularity of Japanese

4.

X Surveys in Malaysia show that moviegoers would prefer Western

films to be dubbed into Cantonese. So that they do not have to strain
their eyes by reading subtitles. They can enjoy a movie better if the
dialogue is in their native language.

So. No need ‘ that’

5.

X Very thin models send a bad message to girls. No matter they

exercise two hours every day, ordinary girls will never look like their idols.

how

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6.

X Although the economy is improving, but the unemployment rate is

still too high.
X Because the sexual behavior of adults is not the government’s
business, so prostitution should be legalized.

i. No need ‘but’
ii. No need ‘so’

7.

X Employers today expect job applicants to know about computers so

that it is a good idea to take some IT courses at university.
X The sunshine was bright so that Professor Li had to wear his
sunglasses while addressing the students in the stadium.

‘So’ only

8.

X This essay will discuss three reasons why degree courses should
last four years. First, there would be less intense pressure on
students if they had more time to learn their fields. Second, students
would have more leisure to get involved in extracurricular activities.
At last, students could gain more practice to improve their language
abilities before working.

Finally/ lastly - list

At last- I have been looking for you all morning at last I see

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SECTION C—PRACTICE ACTIVITIES

Task 1
Rewrite each sentence using the connector in brackets

1. Regardless of the fact that world opinion was against him, the
president persisted in launching the war. (all the same)

2. On top of her day job as a sales clerk, Daisy works at night as a

waitress. (in addition)

3. Thai cuisine is well-known around the world; likewise, Vietnamese

cuisine is popular outside Vietnam’s borders. (similar to)

4. In spite of the widespread use of Pinyin on the Mainland, most people

there are not comfortable with this writing system. (even though)

5. Whereas it is quite difficult to find pirated CD’s in most Western

countries, they are sold openly throughout south east Asia. (on the
other hand)

6. Grace believed strongly that the stock market would crash;

consequently, she liquidated all her investments. (on account of)

7. Despite the long-term presence of UN peacekeepers, the two sides

have still not learned to live together. (yet)

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Task 2
The following passage is grammatical—except for all the fragments! Make
changes to join smaller pieces together so that all sentences are complete
and the passage flows smoothly.

If you can survive a Hangzhou winter. You can survive almost everything.
When the temperature is zero degrees. You know that you are in for
trouble unless you can learn how to defeat the cold. How can you
overcome the cold? Here are some suggestions.
First, you must learn to dress warmly. To do this, you must forget about
how you look. And think only about staying warm. One way to stay warm
is to wear layers of clothes. With a shirt and one or two sweaters under
your coat. You should also buy long underwear for your legs. When you go
out, you may look like a fat panda bear, but don’t worry about that. You’ll
be warm.
Secondly, in Hangzhou you have to worry about frostbite. There are
three areas on your body. Which frostbite can hit—your ears, hands and
feet. How can you avoid frostbite? You should never go outside. When it
is below zero. Without a hat or scarf covering your ears. And warm
gloves or mittens covering your hands. For your feet, you need some very
warm socks and a pair of padded shoes or warm boots. When you are
dressed warmly, you can go outside. Even if it is snowing and the
temperature is falling.
Thirdly, if you want to stay warm. You need to learn a few more points.
You must learn to avoid standing on the corner. Waiting for the bus. How
can you avoid this? It helps if you live close to the bus stop. Because you
can wait in your room until the bus comes. Then, when it comes, you can
just hurry to the bus stop. If you don’t live close to the stop. You must
find a shelter. That can protect you from the wind. If you can’t find a
shelter, you must keep moving. You should walk back and forth. Stamping
your feet. Some people may think you are nervous. But you won’t care,
because you will be warm. If you follow this advice. You are sure to
survive a winter in Hangzhou.
You have one other choice. You can move for the winter to Hainan Island.
Which is always warm during the winter months.

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