A connector is a word that is used to join words or sentences.

And, as well as, but, or, yet, nevertheless, however, so that, as long as, while, until, as if, because, when,
after, though, before.
 A boy and a girl
 An elephant and a giraffe
 A toy or a book
 The music was loud nevertheless it was enjoyable.
 Types of connectors
Coordinating conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join together clauses of equal importance.
Some examples of coordinating conjunctions are - and, but, or,
Use of 'and'
'And' is used as a conjunction when the words or phrases are of equal importance and both conditions
exist. Other words that can be used in place of and are: moreover, in addition to, along with, plus, as well
as, further more
 Tom and Harry play hockey.
 A lion and a fox live in this cave.
 We need some gloves and a ball in addition to bats.
 The soldiers rose moreover they cheered the leader.
 We found the thief along with the bags.
 The gurgling stream along with the howling wind added to the charm of the place.
Use of 'but'
The conjunction 'but' is used to show a contradiction between two phrases. Let's say the first phrase
leads you to expect a certain event and the second phrase tells you quite a contradictory outcome. In
such an event, but, is used.
Other words like: nevertheless, yet, however, can be used in place of 'but'
 He ran, but he missed the bus.
 She studied hard but could not score well in the test.
 The hill was very steep but the old man could climb it easily.
 Sharon fell from the horse nevertheless she did not cry.
 The lion was hungry yet it did not attack Androcles.
 He is from England however he speaks Chinese very well.
Use of 'Or'
When we need to express a choice between two words or phrases we use 'or'. Here only one of the two
conditions exists.
Example:
Would you take a cup of tea or coffee?
Shall we buy a book or a toy?
Sit on the bench or on the grass.
Are you tired or shall we go out for a walk?
We can learn to talk English or we can depend on sign language.
Correlative conjunctions:
Conjunctions used in pairs are correlative conjunctions
Either..... or Either Peter or John has taken the book.
Neither.....nor It is neither hot nor tasty.
Both.....and My sister is both smart and intelligent.
Whether..... or Tell me whether you know the route or not.
 Not only..... but also Not only is she stupid but also stubborn.
Compound conjunctions
Compound conjunctions are groups of words that behave like conjunctions.
In order that, on condition that, provided that, as soon as
Conjunction Usage
In order that I bought all the books in order that you may study
On condition that The teacher excused him on condition that he would not repeat the mistake.
Even if Sarah would not marry him even if he proposed to her.
So that I kept away my work so that I could spend time with my daughters
Provided that You can take leave provided that you work overtime later
As though Rex behaves as though he is the boss.
As well as Monica as well as veronica was present there
As soon as Mr. Ford plans to pay off his loan as soon as he gets his bonus.
As if It looks as if there is going to be a storm.
Subordinating conjunction
A subordinating conjunction joins a clause to another on which it depends for its full meaning. The chief
subordinating conjunctions are after, because, if, that, though, although, till, before, unless.
 I will not go to the market if it rains.
 The situation 'I will not go to the market' is dependant on the condition 'if it rains'.
 You could go and play after you have done the dishes.
 King Midas was unhappy because his daughter turned to gold.
 You must dig the earth till you find water.

Observe the use of connectors in these sentences.

 Lydia likes to sing and dance when she is happy.
 We can paint our house red or white but we must select a good painter.
 Harry is intelligent however he is lazy. He must wake up or he will regret it.
 I left the party because I was bored, moreover it was quite late.
 He was sad and tired along with being very hungry when a wizard appeared and offered him
food however he laid down some conditions.
 He is cheerful though he has worked the whole day.
 I allowed him in as I thought he was a friend but he tried to rob me.
 You will do well if you study hard.
 My daughters either watch TV or sleep on Sundays.
 Susan is very fat but very active.
 I met by friend in the park and invited her to tea.
 A student must obey or he may leave.
 Jane and Peter have been chosen to receive the guest.
 After the trip Sam came to work but he was very tired.
 Bring some sandwiches or you will be hungry.
 They jumped over the stream and ran home.
 The dog ran after the rabbit but could not catch him.
 My aunt is ill so I will visit her tomorrow.
 The show started as soon as the chief guest arrived.
 You will enjoy the concert since you love music.
 This horse will take you to the village you even if he is tired.
 He was rowing the boat while I slept.
 The bridge fell though it was made of stones.
 You will pass if you work hard.
 He will not try unless he is forced to.
 We will come after we complete the work.
 The old man cared for the puppy as though she was his baby.

List of Sentence Connectors in English

with Examples
‘Connectors’ are used to link large groups of words: phrases and sentences. You
can also use them to connect paragraphs to give them coherence. Sentence
connectors are usually placed at the beginning of a sentence and may be
categorized as follows:

CONTRAST

1. HOWEVER

 This restaurant has the best kitchen in town. However, their staff are
quite rude.

2. IN CONTRAST

 House prices have gone up this year. In contrast, car prices seem to be
stagnating.

3. NEVERTHELESS

 I was in so much pain I didn’t want to get up in the morning.

Nevertheless, I went to football practice as usual.

4. NONETHELESS
 I don’t think Sean has serious behavioural problems. Nonetheless, I’ll
talk to him first thing in the morning.

5. YET

 I’ve asked you a thousand times not to leave your dirty socks on the
floor. Yet, you keep doing it.

6. ON THE OTHER HAND

 England has the best language schools. On the other hand, it has the
worst weather.

7. BY COMPARISON

 Going out with Jim has its risks. By comparison, being with Tim is as
easy as falling off a log.

8. ON THE CONTRARY

 I don’t hate Jim. On the contrary, I’m rather fond of him.

9. INSTEAD

 I didn’t want to take a side in the argument. Instead, I put my

headphones on and listened to some smooth jazz.

10. IN ANY CASE

 I was thinking of going round Jim’s place. In any case, I haven’t been
invited.

11. ALL THE SAME

 Yes, he’s very good-looking. All the same, I don’t think you should go
out with him.

SIMILARITY

1. LIKEWISE

 You can’t give your phone number to every man who asks for it.
Likewise, you can’t go out with everyone who fancies you.

2. SIMILARLY

 You’re not allowed to use your phone here. Similarly, you have to
switch it off when you’re in the library.

3. CORRESPONDINGLY

 She’s an excellent photographer. Correspondingly, her paintings are

works of art.

4. IN THE SAME WAY

 Cutting down on sugar will help you lose weight. In the same way,
doing more exercise will help you get rid of a few kilos.
5. ALSO

 I want to talk to Prince Harry when I’m in England. Also, I want to

meet his sister-in-law.

RESULT

1. AS A RESULT

 I’ve done a pranic healing course. As a result, I’ve been able to cure my
neighbour’s sick cat.

2. AS A CONSEQUENCE

 Zack has skipped school on many occasions. As a consequence, he’s

failed his French test.

3. THEREFORE

 We’re going to experience some meteor showers in the next few days.
Therefore, the number of miraculous self-healings will rise.

4. THUS

 You didn’t tell me you wanted to come. Thus, we won’t be taking you
with us.

5. ACCORDINGLY
 Plenty of tourists visit the area in summer. Accordingly, selling hand-
made objects is the main source of income for locals.

SEQUENCING

1. FIRST, FIRSTLY, FIRST OF ALL, IN THE FIRST PLACE

 First of all, I’d like to talk about the benefits of having a pet pig.

2. TO BEGIN WITH

 To begin with, pet pigs are cleaner than dogs.

3. FOR ONE THING

 For one thing, they’re completely loyal to their owners.

4. SECOND, SECONDLY, IN THE SECOND PLACE

 Secondly, their impressive numeracy skills must be mentioned.

5. FOR ANOTHER THING

 For another thing, you might want to consider how cute they look in
pyjamas.

6. THIRD, THIRDLY, IN THE THIRD PLACE

 In the third place, you can always count on your pet pig to perform
some tricks for you when you’d like to impress a pretty girl.

7. ALSO

 Also, they don’t eat much.

8. BESIDES

 Besides not eating much, they won’t ever chew on your electric cords.

9. IN ADDITION

 In addition, they can be taught to feed themselves if you allow them

access to your pantry.

10. FURTHERMORE

 Furthermore, they make wonderful walking buddies.

11. MOREOVER

 Moreover, they’ll show you the way home when you’re drunk.

12. FINALLY

 Finally, pet pigs are fantastic guards. No burglar would ever have the
heart to hurt a pet pig.
13. LAST, LASTLY, LAST OF ALL

 Lastly, your reputation as an eccentric will rapidly grow in the

neighbourhood if you’re seen walking a pet pig on a leash every morning.

ORDER OF IMPORTANCE

1. MOST IMPORTANTLY

 I’d like to talk to you about how to keep calm at your workplace. Most
importantly, never go to the canteen while your boss is there.

2. PRIMARILY

 You’ll have to focus on your immediate surroundings. Primarily, on

your computer screen.

3. ABOVE ALL

 Above all, don’t ever look up from your notes when people are around.

4. MOST SIGNIFICANTLY

 Most significantly, avoid eye-contact at all costs.

5. ESSENTIALLY, BASICALLY (usually spoken)

 How can I put this? Essentially, having an affair with one of your
colleagues should be the last thing on your mind.
PARTICULARIZATION

1. IN PARTICULAR, PARTICULARLY

 Nearly a third of marriages end in divorce. In particular, it’s middle-

aged couples that yearn for much more from life.

2. MORE SPECIFICALLY

 Couples tend to argue about financial issues. More specifically, they

argue when one of them is out of work.

EXAMPLIFICATION

1. FOR EXAMPLE

 To solve this problem, you might want to try making small gestures.
For example, making your spouse’s favourite meal for dinner or giving
him a massage after a tiring day.

2. FOR INSTANCE

 Appreciate the small things your spouse does for you. For instance,
leave thank-you notes for them every now and then.

3. TO ILLUSTRATE
 Misunderstandings can be highly destructive. To illustrate, if your
spouse sees you with a friend of the opposite sex in a café, he might not
understand why he hasn’t been invited and demand an explanation.

EXPLANATION

1. THAT IS TO SAY, THAT IS

 Keep romance alive. That is to say, don’t let your lovelife fall into
routine.

2. NAMELY

 I have a very good reason for not trusting my ex. Namely, he’s a
convicted felon.

3. IN OTHER WORDS

 Don’t be unsociable. In other words, go out and make some friends.

4. PUT DIFFERENTLY

 John has managed to get over Jane. Put differently, he’s started seeing
other women.

EMPHASISING

1. AS A MATTER OF FACT
 I love sleeping with my pet pig. As a matter of fact, I can’t fall asleep
unless he’s in my bed.

2. IN FACT

 I told them not to invite Rachel to the party. In fact, I was the only
person who saw what a party pooper she really was.

3. ACTUALLY

 I think it would be a good idea to send her some flowers. Actually, you
should get her a hundred orchids.

4. INDEED

 He may be the best-dressed man around. Indeed, he has a really good

taste in fashion.

FOCUSING AND LINKING

1. AS FOR (often suggests disinterest or dislike)

 I’m going to Janet’s party at the weekend. As for Mary’s, I think I’ll
pass.

2. WITH RESPECT TO
 Starting your own IT company may be the one of the best things you
can do right now. With respect to opening a pet shop, it’s hard to say the
same thing.

3. REGARDING

 Start your day with making the most important phone calls. Regarding
emails, you might put them off until later.

4. WITH REGARD TO

 With regard to handling complaints, you might want to keep in mind

that your customers are always right.

5. AS REGARDS

 Working from home has many advantages. As regards disadvantages,

it might be difficult to keep your cat off your keyboard.

6. TALKING OF

 Talking of cats, you can’t trust them to keep you company when you
need it. They’re quite selfish creatures.

7. AS FAR AS … CONCERNED

 As far as dogs are concerned, they might give you a chance to get up
from your desk and get some exercise during the day.
CONCLUSION

1. IN CONCLUSION

 In conclusion, it may be said that pigs make the best pets.

2. IN BRIEF

 Meeting my boss at the pub was an interesting experience. In brief, it

was a disaster.

3. IN SUMMARY

 In summary, it may not be the best idea to frequent the same pubs as
your boss.

4. TO SUM UP

 To sum up, some people are better suited to working from home than
others.

5. ALL IN ALL

 All in all, you have to make sure both you and your customers are
satisfied with your work.

CORRECTION

1. RATHER
 I thought it was a good idea to get a ferret. Rather, it had always been
my dream to get one.

2. TO BE MORE PRECISE

 You might want to change a few things. To be more precise, I think you
should start again from scratch.

TIME

1. AT FIRST

 It wasn’t a piece of cake to learn English. At first, I couldn’t pronounce

all the words correctly.

2. THEN

 Then, I couldn’t spell all the words correctly.

3. AFTERWARDS

 Afterwards, I had a hard time understanding the tenses.

4. LATER

 Later, I couldn’t memorize phrasal verbs and idioms.

5. IN THE MEANTIME
  In the meantime, I was getting some help from my English teacher.

6. MEANWHILE

 Meanwhile, I was enjoying my Skype lessons more and more.

DISMISSAL (of what was said before)

1. ANYWAY

 I couldn’t get my head around the Passive Voice. Anyway, I don’t think
it’s important to use it all the time.

2. ANYHOW

 Anyhow, I’ve just decided to learn Russian next.

3. AT ANY RATE

 At any rate, I don’t want to become a simultaneous interpreter in five

languages.

Linkers
 

#Form
#Reasons and results
#Contrast
#Comparing
#Adding points
#One sentence or two?
#Linkingwith prepositions
#Other ways of linking and other relationships
 

Form

clause + conjunction + clause

It was raining so I stayed at home.
 
conjunction + clause + clause
Although it was raining, I went for a walk.
 
preposition + noun (phrase) + clause
Despite the rain, I went for a walk.
 
sentence + adverbial + sentence
It was a cold winter afternoon and the sky threatened rain. Nevertheless, we decided to go for
a walk.
 

Reasons and results

Linkers are words or phrases that we use to link (i.e. connect or join) ideas.

It was raining. I stayed at home.

In this example, we can see that the first idea, 'It was raining.' is the reason for the second idea,
'I stayed at home.' Or, 'I stayed at home' is a result of 'It was raining.' We can use linkers such
as so or therefore to make the relationship between the two ideas clear.

It was raining, so I stayed at home.

It was raining. Therefore, I stayed at home.

We could also change the order and put the result before the reason and use a linker such
as because.

I stayed at home because it was raining.

The linkers so, because and therefore show a relationship of reason and result, or cause and

effect.
 

Contrast

Let’s look at another example:

It was raining. I went for a walk.

This time there is a different relationship between the two ideas. People don't usually go for a
walk if it is raining. The second idea doesn't normally follow from the first one. It is unexpected.
This relationship, where the ideas are different or opposing, is called contrast.

We can use linkers such as but, although and however to show contrast and make the
relationship between the ideas clear.

It was raining, but I went for a walk.

Although it was raining, I went for a walk.
It was raining. However, I went for a walk.
 

Comparing

Sometimes we want to compare two things that are different:

I always go to bed early.

My sister goes to bed very late.

This is also a kind of contrast and we can make the relationship clear using linkers such
as while, whereas, but, however or on the other hand.

I always go to bed early, whereas my sister goes to bed very late.

I always go to bed early. My sister, on the other hand, goes to bed very late.
 

Adding points
One other common relationship between ideas is addition, when we want to add ideas. These
can be very simple:

I like seafood.
I like spicy food.

We could add these ideas with linkers such as and, also and too:

I like seafood and spicy food.

I like seafood. I also like spicy food.
I like seafood. I like spicy food too.

In written English, we sometimes want to add ideas such as points in an argument. This is
common when writing essays and reports:

The cost of relocation would be very high.

There are no suitable premises currently available.
A move would be unpopular with staff.

In formal writing we can join ideas like these with linkers such as furthermore, moreover, what is
more, in addition and besides
.
The cost of relocation would be very high. Furthermore, there are no suitable premises currently
available and a move would be unpopular with staff.

Note that simple linkers like and, too and also are often used in formal writing along with the
more formal ones. But linkers such as moreover and furthermore are mostly used for more
formal writing and would sound strange in simple conversation:

I like seafood. What is more, I like spicy food.

 

One sentence or two?

You will notice that we can link two ideas in one sentence or two. Your choice will usually
depend on how complicated each idea is and whether you are speaking or writing. Simple ideas
in spoken English are often joined with simple linkers like and, but, because and so:

I felt tired, so I went to bed early.

More complex ideas in written English are often joined in two sentences:

The disadvantages of relocating to a new site on the coast are considerable. Therefore we
recommend retaining the existing premises in London for the time being.

When we link ideas in one sentence, each idea usually has a clause and the linker is usually
a conjunction
:
The linkers and, but, so, while, whereas, and although are conjunctions and join ideas
as clauses in one sentence.

The linkers however, on the other hand, therefore, furthermore etc. are adverbs and link ideas
in two sentences.
 

Linking with prepositions

Some linkers are prepositions. They can link the same kinds of ideas as conjunction and
adverbs, but the grammar is different. They don’t link clauses or sentences. They show a link
between a word or phrase, usually a noun or noun phrase, and the whole sentence.

Contrast

We can use the preposition despite and the phrase in spite of (which works in the same way) to
show contrast:

I went for a walk despite the rain.

In spite of her heavy cold, she managed to give a brilliant presentation.

Note that the ideas following despite (the rain) and in spite of (her heavy cold) are not clauses,
they are nouns or noun phrases.

Reason and result

We can use due to and because of (not because) in the same way:

Due to the terrible weather we have cancelled the picnic.

Note that the idea following due to (the terrible weather) is a noun phrase.

Addition.
Besides can be used as a preposition to add ideas (it can also be used as an adverb).

Besides the problem with transport, we also had to deal with a difficult financial situation.

Note how the idea following besides (the problem with transport) is a noun phrase.
 

Linking words exercise

Fill in the blanks with appropriate linking words. Each question is followed by three suggested
answers. Choose the most appropriate one.

1. She was …………………… unable to attend the

meeting.
in particular

therefore

as well as

2. …………………, we are satisfied with your

performance.
For example

In general

As well as
3. I am not quite sure what time I will arrive, maybe half
past eight or a quarter to nine. ………………… I will be
there before nine o’clock.
Anyhow

In particular

In general

4. It is a small house and requires a lot of repairs.

…………………, it is a long way from the center.
Nonetheless

In particular

Moreover

5. Everybody had heard of Einstein, …………………

hardly anyone could understand his theory of relativity.
and

but

of course

6. He was always popular with women and even got

married twice. ……………………, the women closest to
him were invariably unhappy.
Certainly

All the same

Even so
7. It is true that the British did some good in India.
……………………, colonialism is basically bad.
Even so

of course

in particular

8. Can you help me in …………………?

anyway

any way

by the way

9. The car broke down on the way. …………………… ., I

managed to reach in time.
Certainly

Therefore

In spite of this

10. ‘Interesting movie?’ ‘…………………., it was a

complete waste of time’.
However

On the contrary

Certainly

Answers

1. She was therefore unable to attend the meeting.

2. In general, we are satisfied with your performance.

3. I am not quite sure what time I will arrive, maybe half past eight or a quarter to nine. Anyhow, I will
be there before nine o’clock.

4. It is a small house and requires a lot of repairs. Moreover, it is a long way from the center.

5. Everybody had heard of Einstein, but hardly anyone could understand his theory of relativity.

6. He was always popular with women and even got married twice. All the same, the women closest
to him were invariably unhappy.

7. It is true that the British did some good in India. Even so, colonialism is basically bad.

8. Can you help me in any way?

9. The car broke down on the way. In spite of this, I managed to reach in time.

10. ‘Interesting movie?’ ‘On the contrary, it was a complete waste of time’.

PASSAGEWISE EXERCISE
 now in its third year , this production of the musical is still attracting
crowds all over the world.   everyone knows , the story revolves
around an inventor, who buys an old magic racing car   please his
children.  , the evil Baron Bomburst also wants the car and there are
many attempts to capture it  , eventually, the Baron is defeated.

 the fact that many of the cast have changed in the last few years,
what this production still has is the highly professional way in which it is
directed.  , the star of the show is the flying car!

This is a delightful piece of entertainment which   pleases

children   parents   they watch their young ones cry
with laughter.
Complete the sentences with ALTHOUGH / IN SPITE OF / BECAUSE /BECAUSE
OF.

1.  it rained a lot we enjoyed our holidays.

2.  all our careful planning, a lot of things went wrong.

3.  we had planned everything carefully, many things went wrong.

4. I went home early   I was not feeling well.

5. I went to work the next day   I was feeling unwell.

6. She only accepted the job   the salary, which was very high.

7. She accepted the job   the salary, which was rather low.

8. I managed to get some sleep   there was a lot of noise.

9. I couldn't get to sleep   the noise.

[Link] passed the exam   he hadn't studied very much.

11.I ate a lot   my stomach ache.

12.  what I said yesterday, I still love you.

[Link] didn't go out   it was raining.

[Link] had to stay at the airport   the controllers strike.

15.I didn't get the job   I had all the necessary qualifications
[Link] got the job _______________ the fact that she had very little experience.

               

2. My sister's hand-writing is always so neat, _______________ mine is a total mess.

               

3. I lost the game, but I told myself that I had improved a lot _______________.

               

4. You'd better wear a helmet when you go roller-blading. _______________, you could
hurt yourself.
               

5. Reading is an excellent way to increase your vocabulary. _______________, it can also

help you improve your grammar.
               

6. The student's essay was badly written. _______________, it was too short.

               

7. Wine will spoil if exposed to light; _______________, wine bottles are usually green or
yellow.

               
8. Alcohol can delay your reaction times; _______________, you should never drink and
drive.
               

9. _______________ we have talked about the dangers of smoking to the students before,
I think the information bears being repeated.
               

10. Our prime minister is an incompetent leader. ____________, his government is

financially irresponsible.
               

11. In March of 1999, more than 130 nations signed a United Nations Treaty banning land
mines; ____________, the United States, Russia and China did not sign.
               

12. He was an absolute failure in medical school, so he decided to try law ____________.

               

13. Margaret Mead once observed, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world. ____________, it's the only thing that ever has."
               
14. You are not eligible for a subsidized bus pass ____________ you are a full-time
student.

1. Eating well is important for good health.

_______________, it helps to make you more
attractive.
               

2. The apartment is very pretty and,

_______________, the rent is quite low.
               

3. Research has shown that bright yellow and bright

blue are the most visible, and _______________                
safest, colours for cars.
               

4. Our production costs have increased,

_______________ our prices have gone up as well.
               

5. You'd better work on improving your pronunciation;

_______________, you'll fail the speaking test.
               

6. She has decided to stay with her husband

_______________ the fact he cheated on her with her
best friend.
               
7. I'm not really interested in history, but the lecture was
quite interesting _______________.
               

8. _______________ most substances shrink when

they are cooled, water actually expands.
               

9. ____________ each individual is unique, members

of the same species share certain obvious common
features.
               

10. No, I don't want to go to dinner with you.

____________, I'd like you to stop asking me out,
because I'm really not interested.
               

11. There is no wind on the moon, so ____________

someone disturbs them, an astronaut's footprints will
last forever!
               

12. A snake has no ears; ____________, its tongue is

extremely sensitive to sound vibrations.
               
13. I tried to phone you, but I dialed the wrong area
code, and got someone living in Louisiana
____________.
               

14. He was weakened by the disease, and

____________ vulnerable to infection.

Connectives - Choose the correct phrase !

1. The train was delayed   bad weather.

2. The event was cancelled   the fact that not many tickets were sold.

3. I felt stressed   I'd been overworked recently.

4. John went to the acupuncturist   his bad back.

5. Sonia had a bad stomachache and   I recommended seeing the

doctor.

6.  the teacher's good reputation the yoga classes were always

crowded.

7.  the fact that homeopathy can be very effective for some illnesses it
has become increasingly popular.

8. It's amazing I can walk   an hour ago I couldn't move.

9. My headache has disappeared because of the massage.

10. The company was doing badly and   it closed.

11.  it is your money, you can do what you like with it.

12. My mother wanted to keep her brain active,   she took up a hobby.