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Language learners must be very clear on the functions of connectors so that they can use them effectively (note that some connectors can
have several meanings)
ADDING INFORMATION
GIVING EXAMPLES
REINFORCEMENT
DEDUCTION
SEQUENCE
CONTRAST
However, but, although, whereas, despite, in spite of, even though, though
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However
´However´ can be used to begin a sentence but it MUST be followed by a comma, after the comma we put the sentence.
However, he didn´t arrive on time for the meeting.
However can also be used as a conjunctive adverb, it shows contrast:
´However´ can be used to join two simple sentences to make a compound sentence.
He is very busy, however, he will find time to go to the meeting.
But
But is used to connect two dependent clauses. You MUST use a comma before it
He said no more, but expressed his resignation to the outcome of the situation.
Although
2
Although is normally used at the beginning of a sentence. But it MUST be followed by a full clause
Too
´Too´is to show similarity or something in common. We normally use it in positive sentences and has the same meaning as also
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I went to the cinema. He went to the cinema yesterday too.
Because
Because introduces clauses of cause and reason. It connects a main clause with a subordinate clause. Synonyms of because can be since and as.
Everyone went out to the bar because it was my birthday.
Because it was my birthday, we went out to the bar.
Because of
We use ´because of´ plus a noun or the gerund form of the verb. It is a phrase that means as a result of
Because of the cost, we didn´t sign up for the course.
Due to
We use ´due to´ + a noun or the gerund form of the verb. It means because of
Due to his nastiness, we didn´t like him
Due to not having time, we didn´t study a lot
On account of
´On account of´ introduces the explanation or reason for something, it means because of or be the reason for
He didn´t get the job on account of his lack of creativity.
So
We use so as a subordinating conjunction to introduce clauses of result or decision and has the same meaning as thus, hence or therefore
You made the correct decision, so we will go along with the idea
Therefore
Therefore has a very similar meaning to so, it must be used between a semi-colon and a comma.
My dad supports Aston Villa; therefore, I support them too
Furthermore
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Furthermore has a similar meaning to in addition. We use it at the beginning of sentences.
Furthermore, it is easier to learn phrasal verbs this way.
Moreover
Moreover is the same as in addition or furthermore. But it is used after a semi colon (;)
He didn´t really prepare for the exam well; moreover, he arrived late on the day and missed the first exercise.
Nevertheless
Nevertheless is a synonym of however. You need to use it at the beginning of a sentence
I didn’t like what she was telling me. Nevertheless, I accepted her decision.
Otherwise
Otherwise has a similar meaning to or else. But it can also be different or differently
We should go out this evening, otherwise we will not get to see Sam on his birthday.
It means differently here:
I think that it is the greatest group of all time, but my father thinks otherwise.
COHESIVE DEVICES
There are many examples of cohesive devices, they can be grouped according to their function.
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If you want so show similarity, you can use cohesive devices such as:
and Equally
also Identically
too Equally
Similarly
First Then
If you need to compare, you can use cohesive devices such as:
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But However
Nevertheless By comparison
Meanwhile In contrast
In fact Certainly
Absolutely Obviously