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Connectors
Marina Aledo Serrano B1IC
Connectors are words that are used to join words or sentences. They are extremely important bacuse they indicate the relationship between ideas. One of the best ways to improve your writing style is to use sentence connectors. The use of them will add sophistication to your writing. There are a lot of different types of connectors, and each type express different things:
SHOWING ADDITION
And (y): joins two words or sentences.
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In addition (adems), additionally, furthermore(ms an): Can be used at the beginning of the sentence following the first statement made.
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I dont really want to go out tonight. Besides there is a good film on TV.
Moreover (moreover): Can be used at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence which gives additional information
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This theory about the origins of the Universe is new. It is moreover, extremely interesting.
Not only but also (no solo tambin): can link two sentences, phrases or words to give additional information.
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The house was not only large but it was also modern.
Along with, as well as (as como): can be folllowed by a single word, a phrase or ...-ing.
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Too (tambin) and not either (tampoco): are informal and usually come at the end of the sentence which gives additional information.
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They arent very generous people. They havent got any friends either.
SHOWING REASON:
Since, as seeing that (como, debido a que): Often come before the main clause. Since/Seeing that/As we arrived late, all the best seats had been taken.
Because (porque): usually comes after the main clause. We couldnt find a good seat because all the best ones had been taken.
Because of, as a result of, and due to (debido a): are followed by a noun or noun phrase. The Pope couldn`t travel because of the bad weather. Students have learnt a lot due to this new project.
SHOWING PURPOSE:
Infinitive + to, in order (not) to: I went to the music shop to buy the last Eagles CD. Handle the flowers carefully in order not to damage them.
So that, in order that (ya que): often appears with the verbs can, could, might, would in the clause. He chose this University so that /in order that he could study English.
SHOWING CONTRAST:
Athough, even if, even though (aunque): Can come before or after the main clause. Although/Even if/Even though the car is old, it is still reliable.
But (pero) , whereas (por cuanto), while (mientras): are usually placed in the middle of two main clauses expresing contrasting ideas. John is very rich but/while/whereas his friends are extremely poor.
In contrast, on the other hand (en contraste, por otro lado): can be used at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of two sentences expresing contrasting ideas. On the other hand they are exactly what we want.
Despite, in spite of (a pesar de): + a noun or noun phrase or -ing form. In spite of/Despite the rain, I went for a walk.
However (ahora bien): 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.
Though (aunque): is more informal and comes at the end of the sentence. Its a big decision to make, though.
Nevertheless (ahora bien): Susan said she didn't like James, nevertheless, she invited him to her party
SHOWING TIME:
When (cuando), while, as(mientras) and after (despus): can come before or after the main clause. While/when/as I was driving along the road, I saw a terrible accident.
Whenever, every time (siempre que, cada vez que): often comes before the main clause for added emphasis. Whenever/Every time I see John, hes driving a different car.
First, then, later (primero, luego, ms tarde): can be used to introduce a chain of events. First he closed all the windows, then he locked the doors. Later he came back to check that everything was all right.
During, and all through (durante): are followed by a noun or a noun phrase. During/All through the summer we get a lot of visitors.
SHOWING CONDITION:
If, unless, only (Si, salvo que): I'll stay if you help me
Even if, as long as and unless (incluso si): can be used before or after the main clause. Even if you are born rich, life is still difficult. You cant come with me unless you promise to keep quiet.
Wheter (Si): usually comes after the main clause. I dont know whether you have met him or not.
In case (En caso de que): usually comes after the main clause. Take this umbrella in case it rains.
SHOWING RESULT:
So + adjective/adverb + that + clause.
The film was so boring that I went out before the end. He spoke Russian so well that everyone thought he was Russian.
It was such(tal, tan) a difficult exam that he knew he wouldnt pass it.
So + Clause
Therefore (en definitive): often comes in the middle of a sentence (it can also come at the beggining or the end )