Connectors: linking ideas in English | Scriio

Connectors: linking ideas in English

Connectors: linking ideas in English

Practice using connectors to link ideas correctly in English.

Connectors

What are connectors?

Connectors are words or phrases that link ideas between sentences or within a sentence. They help your writing and speaking sound more natural and organised.

Addition

Connector	Use	Example
and	joins two similar ideas	She is smart and hardworking.
also	adds extra information	He also speaks French.
in addition	adds a separate point (formal)	In addition, the price includes breakfast.
moreover	adds a stronger point (formal)	Moreover, the results were unexpected.
furthermore	adds further evidence (formal)	Furthermore, studies show it works.

Contrast

Connector	Use	Example
but	simple contrast	I like coffee but I don't drink it at night.
however	contrast between two sentences	It was cold. However, we went outside.
although / even though	contrast within one sentence	Although it was raining, we went out.
despite / in spite of	contrast + noun or -ing	Despite the rain, we went out.
nevertheless	contrast, meaning 'even so' (formal)	It was risky. Nevertheless, they tried.

Cause and result

Connector	Use	Example
because	gives a reason (clause)	She stayed home because she was tired.
so	gives a result	It was late, so we left.
therefore	gives a result (formal)	The road was closed. Therefore, we took a detour.
due to	gives a reason + noun or -ing	Due to the storm, flights were cancelled.
as a result	shows consequence	He trained hard. As a result, he won.

Purpose

Connector	Use	Example
to / in order to	expresses purpose + infinitive	She studied hard to pass the exam.
so that	expresses purpose + clause	He left early so that he wouldn't be late.

Time

Connector	Use	Example
when	at the same time	Call me when you arrive.
while	during the same period	She listened while he talked.
after / before	sequence	Wash your hands before you eat.
as soon as	immediately after	I'll call you as soon as I land.