Linking words

Although some of these words have already been mentioned as sentence

connectors, they can also be used to develop coherence within a paragraph, that is
linking one idea / argument to another.
1. Addition:
 also
 in addition
2. Alternation:
 Instead
Cause:
 therefore
 so
Comparison:
 in the same way
Conclusion:
 in conclusion
 finally
Condition:
 then
 in that case
7. Contradiction:
 in fact
 actually
Contrast:
 however
 but
 nevertheless
Equivalence:
 in other words
10. Example:
 for example
 for instance
11. Generalisation:
 in general

List of Commonly Used Linking Words

Function Coordinat Subordinators Transitions

ors
 Link Link an independent Link independent
independe clause with a clauses within a
nt clauses dependent clause or sentence.
within a phrase within a
sentence. sentence.
Link sentences
within a
paragraph.

Punctuation Use a When the dependent When the

comma clause is at the transition begins
before a beginning of the the sentence, it
coordinato sentence, it should be should be
r: followed by a comma: followed by a
I After I researched comma:
researche the topic, I created First, I
d the the presentation. researched the
topic, and topic.
I created Do not use a comma Then, I created
the when the dependent the presentation.
presentati clause is at the end of
on. the sentence: When the
I created the transition
presentation after I connects two
researched the independent
topic. clauses, a semi-
colon comes
before it and a
comma follows
it:
I researched the
topic;
afterwards, I
created the
presentation.

Showing time,  An  Before  Afterward

beginning, during, d  As (s)
ending  As long as  At first
 At the same  Initially
time (as)  Meanwhil
 Every time e
 Since  Meantime
 So long as  Simultane
 The ously
first/second/ne  Eventuall
xt/last time y
 When  Finally
 Whenever
  While
 By the time
 Till
 Until

Showing a  An  After  Next

sequence d  As soon as  Subseque
 Ever since ntly
 Following  Then
 Later  Thereafte
 Once r
 First
 Firstly
 Initially
 To begin
 Next
 Second
 Secondly
 Then
 Third
 Thirdly
 Finally
 Last
 Lastly

Showing conclusion  So  In all

 In
summatio
n
 In
conclusio
n
 To
conclude

Showing contrast  But  Although  By

 Eit  Despite comparis
her  Even though on
…  In spite of  By
or  Instead of contrast
 Yet  Though  Conversel
 Whereas y
 While  However
 In
contrast
  Instead
 Neverthel
ess
 Nonethele
ss
 On the
contrary
 On the
other
hand
 Otherwise

Showing similarity  Nei  In other

the words
r…  Likewise
nor  Similarly
 Eit
her
…
or

Adding information  An  Additional

d ly
 Also
 Besides
 Further
 Furtherm
ore
 In
addition
 Moreover

Adding example  For

example
 For
instance
 In
particular

Showing cause  For  As a result of

…
 Because …
 Due to (the
fact that)
  In order to …
 Resulting from
…
 Since …

Showing effect  So  (If) … then  According

 … resulting in ly,
 So …that  As a
 … then result,
 Conseque
ntly,
 Hence,
 Therefore
,
 Thus,

Showi  Even
ng if
conditi  If …
on
then
 In
case
 Provi
ded
that
 Provi
ding
 Unle
ss
 Whet
her
or
not

Independent and Dependent Clauses

Definition

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. There are two kinds of
clauses:
 1. An independent clause is a complete thought, a sentence. It has the main
subject and verb of a sentence. (It is also called a main clause.)
2. A dependent clause is NOT a complete thought and is not a sentence. The
dependent clause gives incomplete information. It must be linked to an
independent clause. (It is also called a subordinate clause.)

Example

When do the students listen? (independent clause)

Sentence — Question

The students listen. (independent clause)

Sentence — Statement

when the teacher talks (dependent clause)

NOT a sentence

The students listen when the teacher talks. (complex sentence with independent
clause and dependent clause)

Explanation

There are three types of dependent clauses —

 Adverb clause — This type of dependent clause modifies or describes a verb,

adjective, or adverb in the independent clause. Adverb clauses are introduced
by a subordinate conjunction (a kind of linking word).
For example, When I am online, I check my e-mail.
 Adjective clause — This type of dependent clause modifies or describes a
noun or a pronoun in the independent clause. Relative pronouns (“who”,
“whose”, “whom”, “which”, and “that”) introduce adjective clauses.
For example, The Web site that I visited last week was very informative.
 Noun clause — This type of dependent clause is used as the subject or the
direct object of a verb. It is used the same way a noun is used. Noun clauses
are introduced by the following words: “who”, “whose”, “whom”, “what”,
“where”, “which”, “when”, “why”, “how”, “that”, “if”, and “whether”.
For example, The programmer asked who wanted to test the new software.

A dependent clause —

 cannot be written as a complete sentence.

 can be placed at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of an independent
clause.
  can use a simplified tense when the independent clause clearly shows the time.
For example, a dependent clause often uses the present tense instead of will +
infinitive when the independent clause uses the future tense.
 usually does NOT omit a repeated subject.
 is followed by a comma when it comes before the independent clause.

Example Explanation

after he won the Web design This is a dependent clause. It is not a

competition complete thought. It is NOT a sentence.

After he won the Web design The dependent clause can be placed —
competition, the businessman
advertised for his company.
 at the beginning of an
The businessman, after he won the Web
independent clause.
design competition, advertised for his
company.  in the middle of an independent
clause.
The businessman advertised for his  at the end of an independent
company after he won the Web design clause.
competition.

The students had gone to the library The verb tense in the dependent clause
after their class ended. is often given in a simpler tense than
the verb tense in the independent
clause.

 Independent clause: past

perfect tense
 Dependent clause: simple past
tense

I will call you if I finish my homework Use the present tense instead of “will” in
early. the dependent clause when the
independent clause clearly shows future.
I will call you when I finish my
homework. Do NOT use “will” with “when” or other
linking words that indicate time.
NOT: I will call you when I will finish my
homework.

The student passed the exam because Do not omit the second subject in the
she had studied hard dependent clause.

NOT: The student passed the exam

because had studied hard.

When the students finished their class, When the dependent clause comes
 they went to the library. before the independent clause, use a
comma.
When ________, ________.

The students went to the library when When the dependent clause comes
they finished their class. after the independent clause, do not
use a comma.
________ when ________.

Exercises

Answer the following questions to check your knowledge of independent and

dependent clauses.

For example,

What is the independent clause in the following sentence? Hannah stayed late at
work when she was completing the project.

Hannah stayed late at work | Correct.

when she was completing the project

1. What is the independent clause in the following sentence? When you go to a travel
agent to organize your business trip to Vancouver, you should ask about special transit
pass.

When you go to a travel agent

you should ask about special transit pass

2. What is the independent clause in the following sentence? The visitors wanted to
attend a presentation that gave a great overview of current projects.
 The visitors wanted to attend a presentation
that gave a great overview of current projects

3. What is the dependent clause in the following sentence? The DVD player that they
purchased holds up to five discs.

The DVD player that they purchased

that they purchased
that they purchased holds up to five discs
holds up to five discs

4. What is the dependent clause in the following sentence? The company that he
works for is growing.

The company that he works for

The company is growing
that he works for
that he works for is

5. Which sentence uses the correct verb tense?

When you will come to my office, I will introduce you to my co-workers.

When you come to my office, I will introduce you to my co-workers.

6. Which sentence uses the correct verb tense?

I would like to practise my new programming skills.

I would like practising my new programming skills.

7. Which sentence uses the correct verb tense?

The talented woman could have had any job that she wanted.
The talented woman could have had any job that she could have wanted.

8. Which sentence has the correct grammar and punctuation?

Gabriela left work early since had a job interview downtown.

Gabriela left work early since she had a job interview downtown.
9. Which sentence has the correct grammar and punctuation?

Because her co-worker is away Marlene has a lot more work to do.
Because her co-worker is away, Marlene has a lot more work to do.

10. Which sentence has the correct grammar and punctuation?

The man went to work early so that he could attend the weekly status meeting.
The man goes to work early, so that he could attend the weekly status meeting.

Complex Sentences

Definition

A complex sentence is a sentence that has two parts:

1. a main subject (S) + verb (V) part (called an independent clause) and
2. a second subject (S) + verb (V) part (called a dependent clause).

Example

The new scanner works well because the new scanning software has been improved.

The new scanner works well (independent clause) because the new scanning
software has been improved (dependent clause).

Explanation

A complex sentence —

 joins an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses together in one
sentence.
 has subject and verb agreement.
 has verb tense agreement to show the same time.
 can use different verb tenses to show different times.
 uses a subordinate conjunction to join the clauses together. Subordinate
conjunctions are linking words such as “although”, “while”, “if”, “because”.
 can place the dependent clause inside the independent clause.
 has specific punctuation rules, for example, use a comma after a dependent
clause.
Complex Sentences

Example Sentences
Sentence Explanation

The new scanner works. This is a simple sentence. It has one

independent clause.

because the new scanning software has This is not a sentence. It is a dependent
been improved clause. It is not a complete thought. It
cannot be a sentence by itself. It must
be linked with an independent clause.

The new scanner works well because This is a complex sentence. It has an
the new scanning software has independent clause and a dependent
been improved. clause.

When the new software was This complex sentence has

installed, the new scanner worked well oneindependent clause and two
because the new scanning software dependent clauses:
was improved.

 Independent clause: the new

scanner worked well
 Dependent clause: when the
new software was installed
 Dependent clause: because the
new scanning software was
improved

Isaac knows that he has a meeting The verbs are the same tense because
at ten. the clauses refer to the same time.

 Independent clause: now /

present tense: knows
 Dependent clause: now / present
tense: has

Brad will be promoted this year The verbs are different tenses because
because last year he completed all the clauses refer to different times.
projects on time.
  Independent clause: now / future
tense: will be promoted
 Dependent clause: last year /
past tense: completed

When the students finished their The two clauses in these two sentences
class, they went to the library. are joined by subordinate conjunctions.
In the first sentence it is “when”, and in
The students went to the library the second sentence it is “because”.
because they were finished their Note that the subordinate conjunction is
class. placed at the beginning of the
dependent clause.

The students are not studying The subject and verb of each clause
because their class is over. agree:

 students — plural / are not

studying — plural
 class — singular / is — singular

The library, which is in the centre of The dependent clause can be placed
the university, is a great place to inside the independent clause.
study.

The students, who are studying When a clause or phrase separates the
English at the university, are subject and verb, the subject and verb
meeting at the computer lab today. must still agree:

 Subject: students — plural

 Verb: are — plural

When the students finished their When the dependent clause comes
class, they went to the language before the independent clause, use a
lab. comma:
The students went to the language When ________, ________.
lab when they finished their class.
When the dependent clause comes after
the independent clause, do not use a
comma:
________ when ________.
Complex Sentences

Exercises

Answer the following questions to check your knowledge of complex sentences.

For example,

Which sentence is a complex sentence?

I don’t want to carry my laptop too far because it is large and

heavy. | Correct.
My laptop is large and heavy, so I don’t want to carry it too far.
My laptop is large and heavy. I don’t want to carry my laptop too far.

1. Which sentence is a complex sentence?

The very experienced computer support technician installed the updates.

The support technician who installed the updates is very experienced.
The support technician installed the updates; she is very experienced.

2. Which sentence is a complex sentence?

After the woman completed her computer science degree, she started working
for a technology firm.
The woman completed her computer science degree and started working for a
technology firm.
The woman completed her computer science degree and started working for a
technology firm.

3. Which sentence is a complex sentence?

The employees had outlined their roles in a project; therefore, they were ready
to start the process.
The employees outlined their roles and started the process.
Because the employees had outlined their roles, they were ready to start the
process.

4. Which sentence has the correct subject-verb agreement?

 That company, which already has stores in many different locations, are
expanding again.
That company, which already has stores in many different locations, is
expanding again.

5. Which sentence has the correct subject-verb agreement?

Sarah, one of the practicum students, enjoy all the new things that she can
experience by working with her practicum supervisor.
Sarah, one of the practicum students, enjoys all the new things that she can
experience by working with her practicum supervisor.

6. Which sentence has the correct verb tenses?

Susan started to sends an e-mail when suddenly her computer screen freezes.
Susan started to send an e-mail when suddenly her computer screen froze.

7. Which sentence has the correct verb tenses?

Ali looked everywhere for an optical mouse until she finally found one in the last
computer store in town.
Ali looked everywhere for an optical mouse until she finally finds one in the last
computer store in town.

8. Which sentence has the correct verb tenses?

Even though David started working at the company only five months ago, he
already wants to change jobs again.
Even though David started working at the company only five months ago, he
already wanted to change jobs again.

9. Which sentence has the correct punctuation?

If you want to pass your final exams you will have to spend many hours
studying.
If you want to pass your final exam, you will have to spend many hours
studying.

10. Which sentence has the correct punctuation?

 We can’t access the files until Tim arrives with the password.
We can’t access the files, until Tim arrives with the password.

Independent and Dependent Clauses

Definition

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. There are two kinds of
clauses:

1. An independent clause is a complete thought, a sentence. It has the main

subject and verb of a sentence. (It is also called a main clause.)
2. A dependent clause is NOT a complete thought and is not a sentence. The
dependent clause gives incomplete information. It must be linked to an
independent clause. (It is also called a subordinate clause.)

Example

When do the students listen? (independent clause)

Sentence — Question

The students listen. (independent clause)

Sentence — Statement

when the teacher talks (dependent clause)

NOT a sentence

The students listen when the teacher talks. (complex sentence with independent
clause and dependent clause)

Linking words help you to connect ideas and sentences when you speak or write English.
We can use linking words to give examples, add information, summarise, sequence
information, give a reason or result, or to contrast ideas.

Here’s a list of the most common linking words and phrases:

Giving examples

For example
For instance
Namely
The most common way to give examples is by using for example or for instance.
Namely refers to something by name.
“There are two problems: namely, the expense and the time.”

Giving examples

For example
For instance
Namely
The most common way to give examples is by using for example or for instance.
Namely refers to something by name.
“There are two problems: namely, the expense and the time.”
Besides
Ideas are often linked by and. In a list, you put a comma between each item, but not before
and.
“We discussed training, education and the budget.”
Also is used to add an extra idea or emphasis. “We also spoke about marketing.”
You can use also with not only to give emphasis.
“We are concerned not only by the costs, but also by the competition.”
We don’t usually start a sentence with also. If you want to start a sentence with a phrase
that means also, you can use In addition, or In addition to this…
As well as can be used at the beginning or the middle of a sentence.
“As well as the costs, we are concerned by the competition.”
“We are interested in costs as well as the competition.”
Too goes either at the end of the sentence, or after the subject and means as well.
“They were concerned too.”
“I, too, was concerned.”
Apart from and besides are often used to mean as well as, or in addition to.
“Apart from Rover, we are the largest sports car manufacturer.”
“Besides Rover, we are the largest sports car manufacturer.”
Moreover and furthermore add extra information to the point you are making.
“Marketing plans give us an idea of the potential market. Moreover, they tell us about the
competition.”

Summarising

In short
In brief
In summary
To summarise
In a nutshell
To conclude
In conclusion
We normally use these words at the beginning of the sentence to give a summary of what
we have said or written.

Sequencing ideas

The former, … the latter

Firstly, secondly, finally
The first point is
Lastly
The following
The former and the latter are useful when you want to refer to one of two points.

“Marketing and finance are both covered in the course. The former is studied in the first
term and the latter is studied in the final term.”

Firstly, … secondly, … finally (or lastly) are useful ways to list ideas.
It’s rare to use “fourthly”, or “fifthly”. Instead, try the first point, the second point, the
third point and so on.
The following is a good way of starting a list.
“The following people have been chosen to go on the training course: N Peters, C Jones
and A Owen.”

Giving a reason

Due to / due to the fact that

Owing to / owing to the fact that
Because
Because of
Since
As
Due to and owing to must be followed by a noun.
“Due to the rise in oil prices, the inflation rate rose by 1.25%.”

“Owing to the demand, we are unable to supply all items within 2 weeks.”

If you want to follow these words with a clause (a subject, verb and object), you must
follow the words with the fact that.
“Due to the fact that oil prices have risen, the inflation rate has gone up by 1%25.”

“Owing to the fact that the workers have gone on strike, the company has been unable to
fulfill all its orders.”

Because / because of

Because of is followed by a noun.

“Because of bad weather, the football match was postponed.”

Because can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. For example,
“Because it was raining, the match was postponed.”
“We believe in incentive schemes, because we want our employees to be more productive.”

Since / as
Since and as mean because.
“Since the company is expanding, we need to hire more staff.”

As the company is expanding, we need to hire more staff.”

Giving a result

Therefore
So
Consequently
This means that
As a result
Therefore, so, consequently and as a result are all used in a similar way.
“The company are expanding. Therefore / So / Consequently / As a result, they are taking
on extra staff.”

So is more informal.

Contrasting ideas

But
However
Although / even though
Despite / despite the fact that
In spite of / in spite of the fact that
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
While
Whereas
Unlike
In theory… in practice…

But is more informal than however. It is not normally used at the beginning of a sentence.
“He works hard, but he doesn’t earn much.”
“He works hard. However, he doesn’t earn much.”
Although, despite and in spite of introduce an idea of contrast. With these words, you
must have two halves of a sentence.
“Although it was cold, she went out in shorts.”
“In spite of the cold, she went out in shorts.”
Despite and in spite of are used in the same way as due to and owing to. They must be
followed by a noun. If you want to follow them with a noun and a verb, you must use the
fact that.
“Despite the fact that the company was doing badly, they took on extra employees.”

Nevertheless and nonetheless mean in spite of that or anyway.

“The sea was cold, but he went swimming nevertheless.” (In spite of the fact that it was
cold.)
“The company is doing well. Nonetheless, they aren’t going to expand this year.”
While, whereas and unlike are used to show how two things are different from each other.
“While my sister has blue eyes, mine are brown.”

“Taxes have gone up, whereas social security contributions have gone down.”

“Unlike in the UK, the USA has cheap petrol.”

In theory… in practice… show an unexpected result.

“In theory, teachers should prepare for lessons, but in practice, they often don’t have
enough time.”
Promise me that you
will phone me

you get to the

airport.

2.
"I'll take some money with me just I see something I want to
buy."

3.
Jen promised to look after Harriet's cat she was on holiday.

4.
I set the alarm for 6.30 in the morning I wouldn't miss the train.

5.
We waited at the platform the train had disappeared into the
distance.

6.
You mustn't forget to lock the door leaving the house in the
morning.
7.
He was so tired he had stayed up late to watch the football
match.

8.
you stop eating so much chocolate you won't be able to fit into
your bikini!

9.
He didn't come home until past midnight he had promised that
he would be in by 9pm.

10.
He decided to buy a new car having lost his job the previous
month.
 Linking words are something that can really help our fluency in English, as they help us to
create longer sentences. For example:

I bought a dog.

I bought a dog because I really wanted a pet.

I bought a dog because I really wanted a pet.

However, now I wish I hadn't!

 1. I didn't have a shower this morning ___ my hair was

really dirty all day.

whereas
so
because

 2. I really love driving, ___ on sunny days.

especially
whereas
then

 3. I love summer. ___, I hate getting on the

underground in the heat.

However
Because
So

 4. I didn't eat any crisps ___ I ate an icecream!

 especially
generally

but

 5. I saw someone applying their make-up ___ they were driving!

in conclusion

while

so

 6. Emma really enjoys knitting, ___ Mary who hates it!

in conclusion

unlike

while

 7. I went to the park ___ I went to the shops.

so

then

because

8. I thought the documentary was interesting. ___, I would have liked to see more
interviews.

Nevertheless

Because

For example
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

. 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

. It is true that the British did some good in

India. ……………………, colonialism is
basically bad.
Even so

of course

in particular
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’.
 He studied hard because he wanted to go to medical school as he suffered from
arthritis.
School is not all about studying since there are lots of clubs and fun activities on campus.

Even though I would rather go to the beach, I went to the library to study.

 When the dog went to the county fair, he ate popcorn.

 If the dog goes to the county fair, he will eat popcorn.
 The dog went to the county fair after he smelled popcorn.
 The dog went to the county fair when he smelled the popcorn.
 hen he was at the county fair, the dog ate popcorn.
 Though he likes cotton candy, the dog loves popcorn.
 The dog gets a stomachache if he eats popcorn.
 The dog went to the county fair when he smelled the
popcorn.

If you make pancakes, you should serve them with syrup, or

else they will be too dry.

Pancakes are delicious, but not without syrup.} When John wrote an
amazing paragraph, he earned an A+ in the course.

John, who wrote an amazing paragraph, is very happy with his grade.

I could imagine everything when I read the story.

 We'll go to the bank because we need some money.

 As soon as we land, I'll give you a call.
 Before she comes, we'll eat some lunch.
 Because he's late for work, he took a taxi.
 Although I felt he was wrong, I decided to trust him.
 Sharon started looking for a new job even though she was currently
employed.
 Though I couldn't understand a word, we had a great time!
 Since you need some help, I'll come over this afternoon.
  Henry felt he needed to take some time off because he had been
working so hard.
 The parents paid for extra lessons as the children were very gifted.
 By the time you get this letter, I will have left for New York.
 I used to play a lot of tennis when I was a teenager.
 We had a wonderful dinner after she had arrived.
 If I were you, I would take my time with that project.
 They won't come next week unless you ask them to do so.
 In the case that he isn't available, we'll look for another consultant.

hen I go swimming, I have to keep my eyes closed underwater.

Bart has not been happy [since he returned home].

1. I'm going to the bank _______ I need some money.

2. I made lunch _________ I got home.
3. ________ it's raining, she's going for a walk in the park.
4. ________ she finishes her homework soon, she will fail the class.
5. He decided to trust Tim ______ he was an honest man.
6. _______ we went to school, she decided to investigate the situation.
7. Jennifer decided to leave Tom _______ he was too worried about his
job.
8. Dennis bought a new jacket __________ he had received one as a gift
last week.
9. Brandley claims that there will be trouble _____ he doesn't complete
the job.
10. Janice will have finished the report ____ the time you receive the
letter.
Answers
1. because / since / as
2. after / when / as soon as
3. although / even though / though
4. unless
5. because / since / as
6. before / when
7. because / since / as
8. although / even though / though
9. if / in the case that
10. by

1. Henry needs to learn English. I will teach him.

2. It was raining outside. We went for a walk.
3. Jenny needs to ask me. I will buy it for her.
4. Yvonne played golf extremely well. She was very young.
5. Franklin wants to get a new job. He is preparing for job interviews.
6. I'm writing a letter, and I'm leaving. You will find it tomorrow.
7. Marvin thinks he will buy the house. He just wants to know what his
wife thinks.
8. Cindy and David had breakfast. They left for work.
9. I really enjoyed the concert. The music was too loud.
10. Alexander has been working sixty hours a week. There is an important
presentation next week.
11. I usually work out at the gym early in the morning. I leave for work at
eight a.m.
12. The car was extremely expensive. Bob didn't have much money. He
bought the car.
13. Dean sometimes goes to the cinema. He enjoys going with his friend
Doug. Doug visits once a month.
14. I prefer to watch TV by streaming over the internet. It allows me to
watch what I want when I want.
15. Sometimes it happens that we have a lot of rain. I put the chairs on the
patio in the garage when we have rain.
16. As Henry needs to learn English, I will teach him.
17. We went for a walk even though it was raining.
18. If Jenny asks me, I will buy it for her.
 19. Yvonne played golf extremely well when she was young.
20. Because Franklin wants to get a new job, he is preparing for job
interviews.
21. I'm writing you this letter which you will find after I leave.
22.Unless his wife doesn't like the house, Marvin will buy it.
23.After Cindy and David had eaten breakfast, they left for work.
24.I really enjoyed the concert although the music was too loud.
25.As Alexander has an important presentation next week, he has been
working sixty hours a week.
26.I usually work out at the gym before I leave for work at eight.
27. Though Bob didn't have much money, he bought the extremely
expensive car.
28.If Doug visits, they go to the cinema.
29.Since it allows me to watch what I want when I want, I prefer to watch
TV by streaming over the internet.
30.If it rains a lot, I put the chairs on the patio in the garage.
Maria is a brilliant 12 year old girl who lives with her grandmother.

1. Compound sentence (Main clause 1 – The house was destroyed in the fire; main
clause 2 – but the whole family was saved)

2. Complex sentence (main clause – he saw a fox; subordinate clause – that was
following him)

3. Complex sentence (main clause – I will start a business; subordinate clause – if I

do not get this job)

4. Complex sentence (main clause – he said; subordinate clause 1 – that he was

so disappointed; subordinate clause 2 – that he would not try again)

5. Complex sentence (main clause – the men are mightier; subordinate clause 1 –
who rule the world with their pens; subordinate clause 2 – who rule the world with
their swords)

6. Complex sentence (main clause – the evil lives after them; subordinate clause –
that men do)
7. Complex sentence (main clause – all is not gold; subordinate clause – that
glitters)

8. Compound sentence (main clause 1 – neither the design appeals to me; main
clause 2 – nor the color of the cloth appeals to me)

1. That's the woman I spoke about the job.

2. The house they live is opposite a big park.

3. All of the exam papers are collected and given to the examiners, job
it is to mark them.

4. This is the title of the book I need for my course.

5. Next to the hotel there's a great gym you can work out.

6. My mother, , has decided to learn Chinese.

7. My car, I can't get to work, has broken down.

8. We waited for nearly an hour to be served, but our meal,

, was awful.

1. That's the woman I spoke about the job.

2. The house they live is opposite a big park.

3. All of the exam papers are collected and given to the examiners, job
it is to mark them.

4. This is the title of the book I need for my course.

5. Next to the hotel there's a great gym you can work out.

6. My mother, , has decided to learn Chinese.

7. My car, I can't get to work, has broken down.

8. We waited for nearly an hour to be served, but our meal,

, was awful.
Sta rt a ga in
Complex Sentences DIRECTIONS: A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more
subordinate clauses. In each complex sentence below, find and underline the independent clauses.

1. Until she had children of her own, Fiona didn’t know how much she could love
someone. 2. Although he was in the military, Joe is having trouble finding a job. 3.
When inquiring about the program, we were told it had been cancelled. 4. Even
after Pete graduated, he continued to visit his teachers. 5. For as long as she has
lived here, Mathilda has walked to school. 6. George hates movies, so we never go
to see any. 7. Without saying a word, Dylan sat down beside me. 8. Thinking how
much I would like a dog of my own, I asked if the puppy needed a home. 9. After
my parents agreed, they told me what they had decided. 10. We won’t have a play
this year, unless someone volunteers to take the lead part. 11. We shut the door
so that the cat wouldn’t get out.

Complex Sentences

In a compound sentence, both independent clauses are equally important. In a complex sentence,
the independent clause contains the most important, main idea, and the subordinate clause
contains less important, or extra, information.

DIRECTIONS: Combine each set of sentences below to create a complex sentence. Use the word in
parentheses to combine the sentences.

1. We went to the mall. We went after school. (after)

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

2. John likes peanuts. John is allergic to peanuts. (although)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. Elaine is my lab partner. Elaine just moved here. (who)

______________________________________________________________________________

4. We bought a house in town. The house is blue. (which)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

5. We stayed up late. The sun came up. (until)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

6. I won’t be going to the party. I have plans that night. (since)

1. The leader told me that the strike was going to be called off.
2. It goes without saying that we can succeed only by combined effort.
3. I don’t know if he will become a member.
4. Though he is not educated, he is well experienced.
5. When I sank into the water I felt great confusion of thought which I could not explain.
6. When I went there I found the door locked.
7. Grapes will not grow where there is heavy rainfall.
8. If it rains, the match will be cancelled.
9. I will wait here until you finish dressing.

Alt
ho
ug
h
we
kn
ow
the
be
nef
its
of
ex
erc
ise
,
mo
st
of
us
do
n't
kn
ow
tha
ta
bri
sk
aft
er-
din
ner
str
oll
ca
n
hel
p
wit
h
dig
est
ion
.

AAlthough we know the

)benefits of exercise

most of us don't know

that a brisk after-dinner
 B
)stroll can help with
digestion

2
People need to be able to
share their fears,
frustrations, and joys, so
it's important for us to
develop a network of
people we can share our
feelings with.

People need to be able to

Ashare their fears,
)frustrations, and joys

so it's important for us to

Bdevelop a network of
)people we can share our
feelings with

3
Whereas learning about
nutrition is not difficult,
having the discipline to
make wise food choices is
often a problem.

AWhereas learning about

)nutrition is not difficult

having the discipline to

Bmake wise food choices is
)often a problem

4
Even though you can't
always control your time,
 it will help you to set
priorities and make a daily
To Do list.

AEven though you can't

)always control your time

it will help you to set

Bpriorities and make a
)daily To Do list

Unless you are willing to let others control your time, you
must learn to politely say no to other people's requests.

AUnless you are willing to let

)others control your time

Byou must learn to politely say no

)to other people's requests

6
Change your negative inner
dialogue whenever you realize you
are being too hard on yourself.

AChange your negative inner

)dialogue

Bwhenever you realize you are

)being too hard on yourself
7
So that you feel less stress and
enjoy life more, develop your
sense of humor.

ASo that you feel less stress and

)enjoy life more

Bdevelop your sense of humor

)

8
Sit down with a piece of paper and
create a plan for solving the
problem when you find yourself
worrying over one.

Sit down with a piece of paper

Aand create a plan for solving the
)problem

Bwhen you find yourself worrying

)over one

While there
are many
relaxation
techniques
, sitting
quietly
with your
eyes
closed and
taking a
few deep
breaths
will quickly
calm you.

While there are many relaxation techniques

A)
sitting quietly with your eyes closed and taking a few deep breaths will
B) quickly calm you

10
Cultivate a positive attitude, because it enables you to enjoy life more.

Cultivate a positive attitude

A)

because it enables you to enjoy life more

B)
Se escribe el verbo auxiliar do o does + not + pronombre personal cuando la oración es
afirmativa:

 She reads the newspaper every day, doesn’t she? (Ella lee el periódico cada día,
¿verdad?)

Se escribe el verbo auxiliar do o does + pronombre personal cuando la oración es

negativa:
 She doesn’t read the newspaper every day, does she? (Ella no lee el periódico cada día,
¿verdad?)
En ambos casos, es posible utilizar las contracciones: don’t (do not) y doesn’t (does not)
Ejemplos oraciones afirmativas con tag questions negativas:
1. She reads the newspaper every day, doesn’t she? (Ella lee el periódico cada día,
¿verdad?)
2. He always walks to school, doesn’t he? (Él siempre camina para ir a la escuela,
¿verdad?)
3. They always play tennis on Sundays, don’t they? (Ellos siempre juegan tenis los
domingos, ¿verdad?)
4. You watch television every night, don’t you? (Tú ves televisión todas las noches,
¿verdad?)
5. She wants to learn French, doesn’t she? (Ella quiere aprender francés, ¿verdad?)
Ejemplos oraciones negativas con tag questions afirmativas:
1. She doesn’t read the newspaper every day, does she? (Ella no lee el periódico cada día,
¿verdad?)
2. He doesn’t walk to school, does he? (Él no camina para ir a la escuela, ¿verdad?)
3. They don’t play tennis on Sundays, do they? (Ellos no juegan tenis los domingos,
¿verdad?)
4. You don’t watch television every night, do you? (Tú no ves televisión todas las noches,
¿verdad?)
5. She doesn’t want to learn French, does she? (Ella no quiere aprender francés, ¿verdad?)

6. ey are students,

7. 2. She is a teacher,

8. 3. We are ready,

9. 4. He isn't from China,

10. 5. They aren't tall,

11. 6. I'm not on the list,

 12. 7. I'm the winner,
* IRREGULAR - Be careful!

13. 8. She sings beautifully,

14. 9. They live in France,

15. 10. He doesn't like movies,

16. 11. You don't cook well,

17. 12. They moved,

18. 13. She didn't leave,

19. 14. You saw the show,

20. 15. He has finished,

21. 16. They haven't read the book,

22. 17. You've gone there,

23. 18. She hasn't written the article,

24. 19. You will go to the party,

25. 20. They won't see her,

26. 21. She'll buy the present,

27. 22. They can speak English,

 28. 23. Jennifer's a good friend,

29. 24. She wouldn't be a good teacher,

30. 25. He uses the computer a lot,

31. 26. You can't ride a bike,

32. 27. They'll love the gift,

33. 28. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are from Maine,

34. 29. Kim has worked in that building,

35. 30. We don't have class tomorrow,

Ejemplo: I am your favorite student, aren’t I? / Soy tu estudiante

favorito, ¿verdad?

Simple present (do-does):

o That restaurant opens at 8:00, doesn’t it? / Ese restaurante

abre a las 8:00, ¿no?

Present continuous (am, is, are):

 o My brother is washing the dishes, isn’t he? / Mi hermano está
lavando los platos, ¿no es así?

Verb to be in past (was-were):

o Johnny was here a while ago, wasn’t he? / Johnny estuvo aquí
hace un momento, ¿verdad?

Simple past (did):

o You liked the party, didn’t you? / Te gustó la fiesta, ¿cierto?

Past continuous (was-were):

o Peter and Monica were playing rugby last week, weren’t they? /
Peter y Mónica estuvieron jugando rugby la semana pasada,
¿verdad?

Future (will):

o Daniela will come next year, won’t she? / Daniela vendrá el año
que viene, ¿no?

Present perfect (have-has):

o The doctors have worked here for five years, haven’t they? /
Los médicos han trabajado aquí durante cinco años, ¿verdad?

Past perfect (had):

o We had already studied this topic, hadn’t we? / Ya habíamos

estudiado este tema, ¿no?

Modals (can, could, should, would, must):

o You can swim, can’t you? / Puedes nadar, ¿verdad?