Connectors

CONNECTORS
 
 

RULES
 

Linking words are extremely important since they indicate the relationship between ideas. Note that connectives can be grouped in two different ways. Firstly, they can be grouped according to meaning. For example but , although and however all have the same meaning and can all be used to join the two ideas below:
 

X The computer manufacturers have agreed to replace the equipment free of charge.

 
 
 
 

Y The new computers will not be installed for at least six months.
 
 
 

However, grammatically but, although, and however are quite different. Look at the sentences which are produced when they are used:
 
 

1. The computer manufacturers have agreed to replace the computers free of charge, but the new computers will not be installed for at least three months.
 
 

X, but Y . But is placed between two main ideas in one sentence.
 
 
 

2. Although the computer manufacturers have agreed to replace the computers free of charge, the new computers will not be installed for at least three months.
 
 

Although X, Y. or Y, although X.
 
 

Although is placed at the beginning of a support idea (X). There must be a main idea (Y) in the same sentence.

3. The computer manufacturers have agreed to replace the system free of charge. However, the new equipment will not be installed for at least three months.

X. However, Y. The two ideas are placed in two separate sentences.
 
 

However comes at the beginning of the second sentence and is followed by a comma.
 
 

Here you will find rules of how some of the most usual linking words are used, and some examples:
 
 
 

WORDS EXPRESSING RESULT:
 
 
 
 

So + adjetive/adverb + that + clause

 
 
 

-He was so tired that he went to bed early.
 
 

-The secretary types so quickly that she always has her work in time.
 
 

-The film was so boring that I went out before the end.
 
 

-He spoke Russian so well that everyone thought he was Russian.
 
 
 
 

Such + noun + that + clause

 
 
 

-It`s such a cold day that I will stay in bed.
 
 

-It was such a difficult exam (that) he knew he wouldn´t pass it.

Notice that can be left out in informal speech.
 
 

So + clause

 
 
 

-Mrs. Deam was sleeping, so she didn`t hear the thief.
 
 

-It was late so he decided to take a taxi home.
 
 
 

As a result, consequently, can begin a new sentence. And, as a result, is used in the middle of a sentence. Therefore often comes in the middle of a sentence ( it can also come at the beggining or the end )

 
 
 
 
 

-His wife left him and, as a result, he became very depressed.
 
 

-I studied a lot, as a result I got an exelLent mark.
 
 

-Zamorano trained hard for many years and, as a result, he became one of the best footbal players in Spain.
 
 

-The food was bad, therefore, we didn`t eat it.
 
 
 
 
 
 

WORDS EXPRESSING REASON:
 
 

Since, as, seeing that + clause often come before the main clause

 

-Since/Seeing that/As we arrived late, all the best seats had been taken.
 
 

Because + clause usually comes after the main clause

 

-We couldn´t find a good seat because all the best ones had been taken.
 
 

-The translator came late because her car broke down.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Because of, as a result of, owing to and due to are followed by a noun or noun phrase.

 
 
 

-We are unable to go by train because of the rail strike.
 
 

-The Pope couldn`t travel because of the bad weather.
 
 

-Students have learnt a lot due to this new project.
 
 

-Many of the deaths of older people are due to heart attacks.

Notice due to means Acaused by@ or Aresulting from@
 
 
 
 

WORDS EXPRESSING PURPOSE:
 
 

We can use infinitives to(do) in order (not) to (do), so as (not) to express purpose.

 
 
 

-We came to the countryside to find some peace and quiet.

-I went to the music shop to buy the last Eagles CD.

-Be careful when handling a knife in order not to get injured.

-Handle the flowers carefully in order not to damage them.
 
 

Notice in order to, so as to are more informal
 
 

So that, in order that + clause ( often with the verbs can, could, might, would in the clause )

 

-I turned off the radio so that I could hear my thoughts.
 
 

-He chose this University so that /in order that he could study English.
 
 
 
 

WORDS EXPRESING CONTRAST:
 
 

Although, even if, even though + clause can come before or after the main clause.

-Although/Even if/Even though the car is old, it is still reliable.
 
 

-Although I’m not used to interpret simultaneously, I did it quite well during my first day of work.
 
 
 

Notice even though is more informal.
 
 

despite, in spite of + a noun or noun phrase or -ing form

 

-In spite of the noise, the students could study for their test.
 
 

-In spite of/Despite the rain, I went for a walk.
 
 

despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that + clause

 
 
 

-In spite of the fact that it was snowing, the festival took place as usual.
 
 

however can come at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a sentence.

 
 
 

-Many people think that scientists are abusing of animals, however, the same people do nothing to stop the problem.
 
 

-Buying a house is expensive. It is, however, a good investment.
 
 

Though is more informal and comes at the end of a sentence.

 

- I’m determined to buy a house this year, I don’t know Where exactly, though.
 
 

- It’s a big decision to make, though.
 
 

But, while, whereas are usually placed in the middle of two main clauses expressing contrasting ideas.

 
 
 

-John is very rich but/while/whereas his friends are extremely poor.
 
 

On the one hand and on the other hand can be used at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of two sentences expressing contrasting ideas.

 
 
 

-On the one hand these computers are expensive. On the other hand they are exactly what we want.
 
 

Notice on the other hand is often used at the beginning of the second sentence.
 

WORDS EXPRESSING TIME:
 
 
 

when, while, as and after + clause can come before or after the main clause.

 

-While/when/as I was driving along the road, I saw a terrible accident.

Whenever, every time + clause often come before the main clause for added emphasis.

-Whenever/Every time I see John, he’s driving a different car.
 
 
 

First, then, later, etc. can be used to introduce a chain of events.

-First he closed all the windows, then he locked the doors. Later he came back to check that everything was all right.
 
 
 

During, all through and throughout are followed by a noun or a noun phrase.

-During/All through the concert some people tried to get on the stage.

-During/All through the summer we get a lot of visitors.

-It rained heavily throughout the night.
 

WORDS EXPRESSING CONDITION:
 
 

Even if, as long as and unless + clause can be used before or after the main clause.

 

-Even if you are born rich, life is still difficult.
 

-You can borrow the car as long as you are careful with it!
 

-Marriage is a difficult stuff even if your husband is the best man in the world.
 

-You can’t come with me unless you promise to keep quiet.
 
 

Notice unless means if...not
 
 

Whether + clause usually comes after the main clause and is often used in indirect questions with...or not.

 

-I'm not sure whether Richie Sambora recorded a long play with Cher or not.
 

-I don’t know whether you have met him or not.
 
 

Certain verbs ( eg discuss ) can be followed by whether but not if.

 

-They discussed whether they should attend the Games.
 
 
 

after preposition and before to infinitives use whether but not if.

-It depends on whether the government takes any action.
 
 

-The teachers will decide whether to impose the oral exam

in case + clause usually comes after the main clause.

 

-Take this umbrella in case it rains.
 

-In the building there is a box that says Ain case of fire, break the glass@.
 

Notice in case of + noun ( often used in formal written notices )
 

WORDS EXPRESSING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR

REINFORCIONG A POINT
 
 
 
 

Besides, in addition ( to that ) and furthermore can be used at the beginning of the sentence following the first statement made.

-I don’t really want to go out tonight. Besides there is a good film on TV.
 

-Mrs. Smith is an intelligent and stimulating teacher, furthermore she takes an interest in the personal well- being of her students.

Notice besides is less formal, furthermore is more formal.
 
 

moreover can be used at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence which gives additional information

-This theory about the origins of the Universe is new. It is moreover, extremely interesting.
 
 
 

not only ...but also / as well can link two sentences, phrases or words to give additional information.

 

-The painting is not only valuable but also a work of art.
 

-She not only writes novels but she lectures as well.
 
 

-The house was not only large but it was also modern.

Notice but also are used together when there is no subject pronoun and verb in the second part of the sentence. But...also are separated when there is a verb in the second part of the sentence.
 
 

not only can come at the beginning of the first part of a sentence to emphasize what the speaker is saying. In this case, it is necessary to change the order of the subject and verb. In sentences like these the subject pronoun and verb in the second part of the sentence are usually mentioned and but...also are separated

-Not only is the restaurant superb but it is also expensive.
 
 
 

as well as can be followed by a single word, a phrase or ...-ing.

-Pat speaks English fluently as well as German.

-They robbed a bank as well as a post office.

-As well as being sent to prison they were fined $2000.
 
 
 

Too, as well as and not either are informal and usually come at the end of the sentence which gives additional information.

-They like Mexican food. I like Mexican food too/as well.

-My father likes to work with young people, I like it Too/ as well.

-They aren’t very generous people. They haven’t got any friends either.