Connectors

Coordinating conjunctions are used to link two clauses or phrases of equal value or
equal status. This conjunctions give equal value to the two elements that they coordinate,
thus they must be placed between the two elements they coordinate.
Subordinating conjunctions are used to link two clauses within a single sentence,
when one clause is subordinate to the other. The subordinate clause, expands or explains
the meaning of the main clause. Most subordinate clauses can come either before or after
the main clause. So unlike coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions
can stand at the start of a sentence. There is one exception and this is when we are before
an indirect question, relative clause and other subordinate clauses introduced by that,
must then be placed after the main clause. So is a special case because it can be both a
subordinate conjunction and a conjunctive adverb:
• When it denotes a purpose, is a subordinating conjunction. It can come before or
after the main clause - I bought a new camera so I could take better pictures / So
I could take better pictures, I bought a new camera. 
• When so implies consequence linguists disagree as to whether it is a coordinator
a  subordinator  . But either way, the so clause must follow the main clause.
Probably the best way to define  so implying consequence is as a conjunctive
adverb - I bought a new camera so I took better pictures. / So I took better
pictures, I bought a new camera
Conjunctive adverbs belong to the family of words known as connectors; they are a
type of sentence adverb used in order to express a particular relationship between a first
clause and a second clause that follows. There are quite similar to the subordinate
conjunctions. The biggest difference is that conjunctive adverbs can frequently be used in
a variety of positions within the subordinate clause, whereas subordinating conjunctions
must stand at the start of the subordinate clause.
• They bought a new car; it was however still too small for their family.
• They bought a new car; it was still too small for their family, however Conjunctive
• They bought a new car; however it was still too small for their family. adverb
• They bought a new car; it was still too small however for their family.
• Although they bought a new car, it was still too small for their family. Subordinate
conjunction
Link two contrasting ideas

• Despite - preposition
• In spite of - preposition - after, takes a noun
-They found the way out despite the dark.
-They found the way out in spite of the dark.
-Javi speaks french despite / in spite of having never been to
France.

• Despite the fact that - It allows us to introduce a SVO after that

-They found the way out despite the fact that it was very dark.
-He went running despite the fact that he was very tired.
-He went running despite his tiredness.

• Although - conjunction - after it SVO - Though

-Although he was tired, he went to run.
 • Whereas - conjunction - In contrast with the fact before - while (indicating a contrast)
-You are taking the matter very lightly whereas I’ve never been
more serious.
-One person wants out, while the other wants the relationship to continue.

• But/yet - conjunction
-It was very dark yet we managed to find the way out.
-It was very dark but we managed to find the way out.

• Though - adverb
• He can’t sing. He can dance though.
• I lost my mobile yesterday in the party. It was a cool one though.

• However - adverb - used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to

contradict something that has been said previously.
• We haven’t won yet, however we have to keep trying.

• Nevertheless / nonetheless - adverb - despite what has just been said or referred to.
• The building is guarded around the clock, but robberies occur
nevertheless.
• Reforms in the human resources area will not come before 2020.
Nevertheless significant progress has already been made in a number of
fields.

• Even though - Despite the fact that. Even though is almost identical in meaning with
although. The difference between these is that even though puts more emphasis on
the contrast between the two clauses.
• Most of us ignore this good advice, even though we know it to be true.

• Otherwise - It means that if one thing doesn’t happen or isn’t true, something else will
happen.
• We must hurry; otherwise we’ll miss the train.
• I hope the weather improves. Otherwise, we’ll have to cancel the picnic.
• The programme has saved thousands of children who would otherwise
have died.

Add information - explanation - consequence

• Because - Conjunction / Because of - Preposition

-I haven’t got pets because I don’t like animals.
-I haven’t got pets because of the noise.

• As - conjunction
-She may need some help as she is new.

• As - preposition - Add some information about what it has just said.

-Apes, as humanity’s closest relatives, show unexpected abilities.

• Since - conjunction - for the reason that; because

• We can all go home since there is no more business.
 • Due to (the fact that) - because of something
• He almost died due to lack of oxygen.
• He almost died due to the fact that he was lacking of oxygen.

• Besides - used when we give a different point from that previously mentioned but
connected with and helps to add weight to the discussion.
• You look sick, you should go to the doctor. Besides it’s free.

• Furthermore / plus - used when we want to add some information to something we

said before
• Reading is an excellent way to increase your vocabulary. Furthermore, it
can also help you improve your grammar.

• Moreover - used when we add more information to that previously mentioned adding
weight to our idea. The difference with besides is that moreover is, somehow,
connected to what we said before.
• The student’s essay was badly written. Moreover, it was too short. - The
badly written essay has something to do with its short length.

• In addition to - used when we want to point the existence of something more from our
speech. Something that is happening at the same time of what you are saying
• In addition to the twins, Jason has another child.
• He asked if he could record the interview in addition to taking notes.

• Therefore, thus - is used as a way of showing how a sentence or clause is related to

what has already been said. As a result of the reason that has just been mentioned:
• The new boots are lighter and softer, and therefore more comfortable to
wear.
• I no longer have the support of the committee. I have therefore decided to
resign.
• Their car was bigger and therefore more comfortable.

• Hence - for this reason

• Alcohol can cause liver failure and hence death.
• A part of the PNV’s electoral base supports Basque independence from
Spain and hence sympathizes with the Catalan separatist cause.

Purpose

• In order to
-I opened the window in order to get some fresh air.
-I went to the supermarket in order to buy some fruits.
• So that
• I’m studying a lot so that I can be a pilot.

Emphasise
• Indeed (adv.) - used to emphasize a statement or response confirming something
already suggested or something that it is correct:
• Many people are very poor indeed.
• Is this your dog?” Indeed it is.
• Let alone - used to indicate that something is far less likely or suitable than something
else already mentioned. - He was incapable of leading a bowling team, let alone a
country.
• In fact - actually; emphasise the truth of something - He apologized as soon as he
realized what he had done. In fact he wrote a nice little note to me.