Types of connectors
ADDITION – and, plus, furthermore, moreover, in addition, also, as well as
We can use addition connectors when we want to add one phrase to another or to give extra
information. Obviously the most common of these is ‘and’, while the other addition
connectors give a little more emphasis and are also more common in written English,
especially ‘moreover’ and ‘furthermore’. Here are some examples:
They like English and study a lot.
He’s well-qualified, plus he’s very charismatic.
The house is beautiful. Furthermore, the price is low.
Sport is fun. Moreover, it’s a great way to socialize.
In addition to the new tunnel, the local council is constructing a bridge.
I play the piano and I also play the violin.
As well as being helpful, Carmen is very practical.
TIME – when, while, as, as soon as
We can use time connectors to link actions that happened at the same moment. The
connectors ‘when’ and ‘as’ are very similar in meaning. We generally use ‘while’ for a longer
action, especially with a continuous form. For example:
When we arrived we sat down at our desks.
I watched television while I was ironing.
It started to rain just as I went out.
We’ll start as soon as everyone gets here.
SEQUENCE – then, after, afterwards, next, firstly, secondly, finally
In a similar way to time connectors, sequential connectors enable us to indicate the order of
events. Here are some examples:
She talked about the agenda then she began her presentation.
He’s coming here after lunch.
He’s having lunch and is coming here a fterwards.
Turn on the oven. Next, mix all the ingredients.
Firstly, I’d like to thank you all for coming.
Secondly, I want to give you a brief overview of the new products.
Finally, I will invite our president to speak.
CONTRAST – but, however, though, although, nevertheless, despite, whereas, while
These connectors can link two contrasting ideas. ‘But’ and ‘however’ are very
similar, though ‘however’ gives more emphasis to the contrast and is more common at the
start of a sentence. The connectors ‘though’ and ‘although’ are also very similar with the only
difference being their position. ‘Though’ can be at the beginning, middle, or end of a
sentence, while ‘although’ cannot be used at the end of a sentence. Here are some
examples:
They like pasta b ut they don’t like rice.
It’s a nice city and it’s fun for a holiday. However, I wouldn’t like to live there.
She studies quite a lot though she could do more.
Although he works hard he hasn’t had a promotion for years.
I like this model a lot. Nevertheless, I’m not going to buy it yet.
Despite the rain, they went for a walk.
The central area of the country is quite flat, w hereas the north is hilly.
I thought the film was terrible, while my friends thought it was really good.
CONDITION – as long as, provided that, unless, otherwise
When we want to express the idea that something can happen only in certain conditions, we
can use conditional connectors. For example:
You can play video games as long as you tidy your room first.
rovided that we receive the payment soon.
We’ll keep the goods for you p
Unless the economy improves, interest rates will go down again.
We need to hurry up, otherwise we’ll miss the flight.
REASON – because, as, due to, so (that), in order to
When we want to explain the reason for something we need to use this groups of
connectors, the most common of which is ‘because’. For example:
Many people study English because it’s important for their jobs.
As you didn’t do a very good job with this essay, I’d like you to do it again.
Due to heavy traffic we arrived half an hour late.
We left early so we could have a coffee before starting.
They are having a conference call in order to finalize the contract details.
RESULT – so, therefore, as a result, consequently
When you want to express the consequence of an action, use result connectors. They all
have a similar meaning though ‘so’ is more common in spoken English and is more informal.
The others are more appropriate in a formal, written context. Here are some examples:
I’d forgotten my car keys so I had to go back into the office to get them.
Last year’s results were excellent, t herefore you will all receive a bonus.
Crime rates are increasing. A s a result the government is going to hire more police
officers.
Marco did really well at university and c onsequently received several job offers.