Linking Ideas (Connectors)
Irena Tseitlin
(based on” High School Grammar” by Ronald Green
)
We use linking words to link ideas and to show how their meanings are related.
• Some linking words link ideas that are in
separate sentences. They are called sentence connectors.
The vacation was wonderful. Unfortunately, it was much too expensive.
• Some linking words link ideas within the same sentence.
Our vacation was wonderful, although it was much too expensive.
Attitude
• Unfortunately
• Fortunately / luckily
• Obviously
• In fact
She called Bob. He was, unfortunately, not at home.
They arrived at the airport late. Luckily, the
plane had been delayed.
Contrast (1)
• but
• however
• though / although / even though
• in spite of / despite
• nevertheless
• He promised me a job. However, he changed his mind.
• Although the water was cold, they went swimming.
• In spite of (despite) the rain, we enjoyed ourselves.
• He doesn’t have a good chance to win the election.
Nevertheless, I’m going to support him.
Contrast (2)
• whereas
• while
• on the other hand
The U.S.A. is a rich country whereas / while Cuba is a poor country.
Mr. Jones is very careful with money. On the other hand, he can be extremely generous with his time.
Result
• therefore
• consequently
• as a result
There was a shortage of tomatoes. Consequently, the price went up.
He was always showing off. As a result, lots of people didn’t like him.
Bill left his car in a no-parking area. He was therefore fined.
Reason
• Because
• As / since
• Because of / due to / owing to (+ noun phrase)
As we arrived late, we missed the bus.
Since it was raining heavily, we took a taxi.
I didn’t go swimming because of the cold.
Due to the rainstorm, the outdoor concert was cancelled.
Purpose
• to
• in order to
• so as to
• so that
• for
You have to take the medicine in order to get better.
They phoned us so as to hear our opinion.
I set two alarm clocks so that I wouldn’t oversleep.
I’m telling you this for your own good.
Alternatives
• or
• either…. or
• neither….nor
I can buy one very large television or two small ones.
I can buy either one large television or two small ones.
We neither wanted nor needed their help.
Addition
• too
• as well
• as well as
• also
• both…and
• not only…but also
• in addition
• moreover
• furthermore
• He can play the trumpet as well as the saxophone.
• He can play both the trumpet and the saxophone.
• He can play not only the trumpet but also the saxophone.
• He can play the trumpet and the saxophone. In addition, he has a great voice.
Exceptions
• apart from
• except for
• besides
Apart from / except for / besides the food, the party was terrible.
We all wanted to go to the beach. Besides, there was nowhere else to go.
Examples
• for example / for instance
• such as
There are a lot of environmental problems in the world today. For example, in Mexico City air pollution is so high that some people wear cloth masks in the street.
Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have banned the use of sprays.
