CONNECTORS

●WHAT ARE CONNECTORS?

Connectors are CONJUNCTIONS,

used to link sentences. There are
different TYPES of connectors, which
express different values:
Reason;
Purpose;
Contrast ….
● CONNECTORS OF CONTRAST

These are used to express a contrast

between the two clauses linked. This value is
expressed thanks to some conjunctions, like:

Although (embora);
Though( apesar de tudo);
In spite of (apesar de);
Despite (apesar de)
 ● ALTHOUGH
This connector can be used, either at the
BEGINNING of sentences, or in the
middle and, in both cases, it must be
followed by a clause (that is by a
SUBJECT, VERB and COMPLEMENTS)
Eg: Robots have improved our life quality,
but they can´t replace man.

Although robots have improved our

life quality, they can´t replace man.
 ● THOUGH
The meaning of this connector is the
same as “although”. Yet, “though” can
only be used AT THE END of
sentences.
Eg: Technologies have made our life
easier, yet they can be very
addictive.
Technologies have made our life
easier, they can be very addictive
though.
 ● IN SPITE OF
This connector can be used, either at the
BEGINNING of sentences, or in the
MIDDLE. “This conjunction must be followed
by a GERUND (VERB+ ING), which implies
some changes in the sentences in which this
expression is used.

Eg: The Internet is essential in students´life,

yet it also has some inconvenients.

In spite of being essential in students´life,

the Internet also has some inconvenients.
 ● DESPITE
The connector “Despite” has exactly the
same meaning as “in spite of”. It can also be
used at the beginning of sentences or in the
middle. “Despite” must be followed by a
noun phrase (grupo nominal) or by a
GERUND (VERB+ING).

Eg: Teenagers are able to perform different

tasks at the same time. However, none of
them is done correctly.
Despite teenagers´ ability to perform
different tasks at the same time, none of
them is done correctly.
Despite being able to perform different
tasks at the same time, none of these
tasks is done correctly.