CONNECTORS
INTRODUCTION
Some words (adverbs or prepositional phrases used as adverbs) are
used to connect ideas between one sentence and a previous
sentence or sentences (as in We could
go skiing to Switzerland at Christmas. Alternatively, we could
just stay in Chișinău.). Others (conjunctions or
prepositions) are used to connect ideas within a single sentence
(as in Minneapolis is a large
industrial center, but it has many cultural attractions. While I
was waiting, I read a magazine.). Many transitional words
that are used to connect ideas between sentences can also connect
two clauses in one sentence (as in You
could fly via Singapore; however, this isn't the only way. I did
not dislike the play; on the contrary, I enjoyed it
immensely).
EXAMPLES OF CONNECTORS
| CONNECTION TYPE |
BETWEEN SENTENCES |
WITHIN SENTENCES |
| comparing, contrasting, and conceding (i.e. admitting something that may be surprising) | however, nevertheless (in spite of...), on the one hand... on the other hand, on the contrary, although, though, alternatively, instead, after all (in spite of...), in any case, in contrast (to), by contrast, otherwise, even so (in spite of that), of course, in spite of, despite, it is true that... | although, though, while, yet, but, whereas, even though, when |
| introducing examples, causes, reasons, purposes, and results | for example, for instance, therefore, consequently, as a result, hence (for this reason), thus ( as a result), as a consequence of..., in consequence of... (formal), so, after all (to explain something or give a reason) | because, for, since, as, so, in order to, so that, such as |
| adding ideas | in addition to..., furthermore, too, as well, likewise (in a similar way), similarly, moreover, what's more, also, besides, in fact, first..., second..., third... | and, as well as, both... and, not only... but also |
| time: one event at the same time as another | meanwhile (informal - meantime), at the same time, at that time | while, as, when, whenever |
| time: one event before or after another | soon, then, afterwards, after / before that, thereafter, finally, subsequently (afterwards), eventually, at last, in the end | after, before, as soon as, since |
USAGE OF SOME CONNECTORS
However is used to introduce
a statement that contrasts with sth that has just been said:
EXAMPLES:
He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to
concentrate.
We thought the figures were correct. However, we have now
discovered some errors.
There may, however, be other reasons that we don't know
about.
We have not yet won; however, we should keep trying.
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours.
Nevertheless - in spite of what
has just been said or referred to; however; nonetheless (slightly
formal); notwithstanding (formal):
EXAMPLES:
There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law.
Nevertheless, it is important that we try.
Our defeat was expected but it is disappointing nevertheless.
The old system had its flaws, but nevertheless it was preferable
to the new one.
I knew a lot about the subject already, but her talk was
interesting nevertheless.
The two rivals were nevertheless united by the freemasonry of the
acting profession.
Although / even though / though
are used to show contrast between two clauses or two sentences.
Though is used more in spoken
English than in written. You can use although / even though / though at the
beginning of a sentence or clause that has a verb.
EXAMPLES:
Although everyone played well, we lost the game.
She walked home by herself, although she knew that it was
dangerous.
Even though he left school at 16, he still managed to become a
famous politician.
I like red and orange together, though lots of people think they
clash.
Her book is still a standard text in archaeology, even though it
was written more than twenty years ago.
Although and though can also mean but, like however, which is more formal.
EXAMPLES:
Everyone played well, although we still lost the game.
Everyone played well. We still lost the game, though.
He's rather shy, although he's not as bad as he used to be.
She'll be coming tonight, although I don't know exactly when.
They're coming next week, though I don't know which day.
Otherwise is used to state what
the result would be if sth did not happen or if the situation
were different:
EXAMPLES:
My parents lent me some money. Otherwise, I couldn't have
afforded the trip.
Button up your overcoat, otherwise you'll catch cold.
Shut the window, otherwise it'll get too cold in here.
I'd better write it down, otherwise I'll forget it.
Andrei enjoys teaching English. He wouldn't prepare students for
the TOEFL iBT otherwise.
Instead - in the place of
sb/sth:
EXAMPLES:
The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet
of country life.
He didn't reply. Instead, he turned on his heel and left the
room.
She said nothing, preferring instead to save her comments until
later.
There's no coffee - would you like a cup of tea instead?
Not to worry - perhaps you'll be able to come next week
instead.
Even so - in spite of that;
despite what has just been said:
EXAMPLES:
There are a lot of spelling mistakes in your essay; even so, it's
quite a good piece of writing.
This website doesn't contain a lot of information about English
pronunciation. Even so, you may find yourself spending a lot of
time exploring it.
I had a terrible headache, but even so I went to the concert.
An immediate interest cut might give a small boost to the
economy. Even so, any recovery is likely to be very slow.
Hence - (formal) as an inference
from this fact; for this reason; therefore:
EXAMPLES:
That old Moldovan rug is handmade and hence expensive.
They grew up in the Sudan; hence their interest in Nubian
art.
Peter's leaving at the end of this week - hence his anxiety to
get his work finished.
The eggs were very fresh and hence satisfactory.
They grew up at the White House; hence their lack of interest in
politics.
Thus - as a result of sth just
mentioned; therefore; hence; in this manner:
EXAMPLES:
He is the eldest son of the emperor and thus the heir to the
throne.
This facility allows the user to input text in various forms onto
the screen and thus create a true newspaper page.
They planned to reduce staff and thus to cut costs.
The universities have expanded, thus allowing many more people
the chance of higher education.
We do not own the building. Thus, it would be impossible for us
to make any major changes to it.
After all - (1) in spite of what
has been said or expected or (2) used when you are explaining
sth, or giving a reason:
EXAMPLES:
She decided to go to the U.S. after all!
He should have paid for our dinner. He suggested that we go to
that bar after all.
I wondered whether there might, after all, be some truth in the
old chestnut that one's school days are the happiest of one's
life.
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm afraid I can't come after
all.
Thereafter - (formal) (1) after
the time or event mentioned; afterward or (2) from a specified
time onward; from then on:
EXAMPLES:
Andrei visited the Hawaiian Islands in July 2008 and decided to
spend some time in Alaska soon thereafter.
She married at 19 and gave birth to her first child shortly
thereafter.
He left the priesthood in 2004 and settled in the Washington area
shortly thereafter.
We shape our buildings: thereafter they shape us.
The final section provides that any work produced for the company
is thereafter owned by the company.
Likewise - (formal) the same; in
a similar way; also:
EXAMPLES:
He voted for the change and he expected many others to do
likewise.
You forgot to mention that her parents were likewise going to
attend the ceremony.
Just water these plants twice a week, and likewise the ones in
the bedroom.
Some have little power to do good, and have likewise little
strength to resist evil.
I can hardly believe that his second marriage was likewise
unhappy.
Moreover is used to introduce
some new information that adds to or supports what you have said
previously. Moreover is very
formal and not common in spoken English. When you speak, use
besides / also / in addition
instead.
EXAMPLES:
The cellar was dark and forbidding; moreover, I knew a family of
mice had nested there.
The whole report is badly written. Moreover, it's inaccurate.
The rent is reasonable and, moreover, the location is
perfect.
The source of the information is irrelevant. Moreover, the
information need not be confidential.
My girlfriend invited me to go to Boston with her. Moreover, she
promised to pay for all expenses.
Besides - in addition to sb/sth;
apart from sb/sth; used for making an extra comment that adds to
what you have just said; in addition; also:
EXAMPLES:
We have lots of things in common besides music.
I've got plenty of other things to do besides talking to you.
I don't really want to go. Besides, it's too late now.
I don't feel like cooking; besides, there's no food in the
house.
She won't mind your being late - besides, it's hardly your
fault.
Meanwhile - while sth else is
happening; in the period of time between two times or two events;
used to compare two aspects of a situation:
EXAMPLES:
Bob spent fifteen months alone on his yacht. Ann, meanwhile, took
care of the children on her own.
The doctor will see you again next week. Meanwhile, you must rest
as much as possible.
Stress can be extremely damaging to your health. Exercise,
meanwhile, can reduce its effects.
Carl is starting college in September. Meanwhile, he is traveling
around Canada.
Cook the sauce over a medium heat until it thickens. Meanwhile
start boiling the water for the pasta.
In the end - after a long period
of time or series of events; finally; at last; eventually;
ultimately:
EXAMPLES:
Our politicians agree that this country is going through a lot of
hardships at the moment but they promise that everything will be
all right in the end.
He tried various jobs and in the end became an accountant.
We were thinking about going to Hawaii, but in the end we went to
Oregon.
All her hard work paid off in the end, and she finally passed the
exam.
Finally - after a long time,
especially when there has been some difficulty or delay:
EXAMPLES:
The performance finally started half an hour late.
Terra Nova was finally opened in October 2004.
I finally managed to get her attention.
Are you finally going to tell me why I'm here?
When they finally arrived it was well past midnight.
Also - (not used with negative
verbs) in addition; too; as well. Also is more formal than too, and it usually comes before the main
verb or after the verb be. In British
English as well is used like
too, but in American English it
sounds formal or old-fashioned.
EXAMPLES:
I went to New York last year, and I also spent some time in
Washington.
We value herbs for their taste, but we forget that they also have
medicinal properties.
Diet and exercise can influence a person's weight, but heredity
is also a factor.
The situation has an added piquancy since the two men are also
rivals in love.
The defendants are also accused of attempting to pervert the
course of justice.