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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.
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:
-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.
-It was such a difficult exam (that) he knew he wouldnt pass it.
Notice
So + clause
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 )
-Zamorano trained hard for many years and, as a result, he became one of the best footbal players in Spain.
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.
-We couldnt find a good seat because all the best ones had been taken.
Because of, as a result of, owing to and due to are followed by a noun or noun phrase.
-We came to the countryside to find some peace and quiet. -I went to the music shop to buy the last Eagles CD. -Be carefulwhen handling a knife in order not to get injured. -Handle the flowers carefully in order not to damage them.
Notice
So that, in order that + clause ( often with the verbs can, could, might, would in the clause )
-He chose this University so that /in order that he could study English.
Although, even if, even though + clause can come before or after the main clause.
-Although I`m not used to interpret simultaneously, I did it quite well during my first day of work.
Notice
-In spite of the noise, the students could study for their test.
-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.
- Im determined to buy a house this year,I dont know Where exactly, though.
But, while, whereas are usually placed in the middle of two main clauses expresing contrasting ideas.
On the one hand and on the other handcan be used at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of two sentenses expresing contrasting ideas.
-On the one hand these computers are expensive. On the other hand they are exactly what we want.
on the other hand is often used at the beginning of the second sentence.
Notice
when, while, as and after + clause can come before or after the main clause.
Whenever, every time + clause often come before the main clause for added emphasis.
-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 throughtout 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.
Even if, as long as and unless + clause can be used before or after the main clause.
-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 cant come with me unless you promise to keep quiet.
Notice
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 dont know whether you have met him or not.
after preposition and before to infinitives use whether but not if.
-Take this umbrella in case it rains. -In the building there is a box that says Ain case of fire, break the glass@. in case of + noun ( often used in formal written notices )
Notice
Besides, in addition ( to that ) andfurthermore can be used at the beginning of the sentence following the first statement made.
-Mrs.Smith is an intelligent and stimulating teacher, furthermore she takes an interest in the personal well- being of her students.
Notice
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 house was not only large but it was also modern. 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.
Notice
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 andbut...also are separated
-Pat speaks English fluently as well as German. -They robbed a bank as well as apost 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 arent very generous people. They havent got any friends either.