ENG_B1.1.

0205G

Connecting Words
Grammar Basics
Grammar & Structure
Level B1

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Connecting Words Outline

Content
In this lesson you will learn about connecting words and how to properly use
them.

Learning Outcomes
• Learn the connecting words and examples of each.
• Learn to create sentences using each style of connecting words.
• Learn to connect words to make longer, fuller sentences.

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Grammar

Please note

We use connecting words to add information,

put ideas or events in order, express cause
and effect, and to compare and contrast

Examples:
She has to work therefore we’ll start without her.
I can‘t go so you can sell my ticket.
The kids were late because the bus broke down.

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Grammar

Please note

Connecting words join two clauses, and

show the relationship between them.
The relationship can show:

Contrast Although, but, even though, however, despite, in spite

of.
Cause Because, because of, as a result of, due to
Effect So, consequently, as a result, thus, therefore
These words cannot be used interchangeably. They may be
located in different places within the sentence and the grammar
used may be different.
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Grammar

Please note

Connecting words also show contrast and

effect.

Contrast It is sunny but temperatures are low

Never start a sentence with but. You can use but after a comma (,).
In short sentences, no punctuation is needed.

Effect So, consequently, as a result, thus, therefore

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Grammar

Compare the two sentences

Form:
Although it is sunny, temperatures are low.

Even though it is sunny, temperatures are low.

Note how although and even though are located in a different part
of the sentence from but, although and even though go before the
known clause, whereas but goes before the unknown clause. The
two clauses are separated with a comma. The order of clauses can
be reversed

Temperatures are low although it is sunny.

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Grammar

Compare the two sentences

Form:

Despite the sun, temperatures are low.

In spite of the sun, temperatures are low.

Note the position of despite and in spite of before the known clause. The order
of clauses can be reversed:
Temperatures are low despite/in spite of the sun.
Despite/In spite of it being sunny, temperatures are low.

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Exercises

Writing
Write three sentences using connecting
words showing contrast.

Example:
It was a good party even though there were more guys than girls.

1) __________________________________

2) __________________________________

3) __________________________________

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Grammar

Compare the two sentences

Form:

I arrived late because the traffic was horrible.

Because the traffic was horrible, I arrived late.

Note you can ONLY start a sentence

with because if there are two clauses
in the sentence.

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Grammar

Please note

Connecting words show a subordinating

clause

I arrived late because of the bad traffic.

Because of the bad traffic, I arrived late.
I arrived late due to the bad traffic.
Due to the bad traffic, I arrived late.
I arrived late as a result of the bad traffic.
As a result of the bad traffic, I arrived late.
Note how these expressions are followed by a noun, not a verb
clause.

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Exercises

Writing
Write three sentences using subordinating
clauses.

Example:
As a result of bad sales, we will have to close down the business.

1) __________________________________

2) __________________________________

3) __________________________________

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Grammar

Please note

Connecting words show effect

We were late so we missed the beginning of the movie.

Never start a sentence with so.
So can follow a comma (,). In
short sentences, no punctuation
is needed.

(Note: In the US, it‘s quite common to

start a sentence with So in spoken use.)
EX: So, how are the kids?

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Grammar

Compare the sentences

Consequently, As a result, Therefore and Thus are more
formal than So.
They are common in formal sentences.
They often start a sentence, but they can be joined to
the previous sentence with and.

1) We were late and thus we missed the beginning of the

movie.
2) We were late and consequently we missed the beginning of
the movie.
3) We were late and as a result we missed the beginning of
the movie.
4)We were late and therefore we missed the beginning of the
movie.

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Exercises

Writing
Write three sentences using connecting
words that show effect

Example:
You slept too long so you missed the free breakfast.

1) __________________________________

2) __________________________________

3) __________________________________

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Vocabulary

Firstly On The Other

Hand

Also As With

After However

However Unlike Meanwhile

Besides
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Exercises

Writing
Write four sentences using connecting
words from the previous slide
Example:
I could stay home and save money. On the other hand, I could
go out and have fun!

1) __________________________________

2) __________________________________

3) __________________________________

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Exercises

Writing
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate
words.
Due to – Although – Also – Until – Often

1) The carnival was cancelled _______ bad weather.

2) _______ she is married, she‘s really into you.

3) Not only is water good for you but it _______ helps your skin

4) It may seem like he‘s being honest buy ______ he is only lying.

5) We‘ll be in Capri ______ the 24th, then we‘ll return home.

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Exercises

Writing
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate
words.
In case – As long as – Therefore – After – But
1) It was only _____ she bought the new car she realized she
couldn‘t drive manual.

2) The train had already left, _____ Heidi had to walk home.

3) You don‘t have to go home _____ you have to get up on out of here.

4) You can visit Romania __________ you have a valid passport.

5) Call me at this number _________ there‘s a big emergency.

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Exercises

Writing
Find the mistakes and correct the
sentences
1) Because it‘s snowing. No school.

2) So I don‘t have money. I bought too much stuff.

3) Therefore I‘m late. The traffic was horrible!

4) Because I won‘t buy it, I have no money.

5) We went to the pool, good weather due to.

6) She‘s a nice person. She‘s crazy even though.

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Exercises

Speaking
Look at the picture and create three
sentences with connecting words.

Ex) The women are playing cards due to the broken TV.

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Exercises

Speaking
Create a story using the connecting
words

Firstly ______________________________________

After ____________________________________

As a result ________________________________

Because ___________________________________

Finally ______________________________________

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Exercises

Writing
Complete the sentences to be true about
you
1) Even though English isn‘t easy to learn __________

2) I feel __________ as a result of ________.

3) Even though I don‘t like _______, I _________.

1) Text
2)expensive
4) ______ is Text but ___________.
• Text
5) Because ________ I will _____________
Text
6) Because ________ I won‘t ____________.

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Thank you

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Thank you
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