Examples of linking words (transition words) are as a result, furthermore, despite, for example, however, as a consequence, even though, finally, therefore, but, next, in fact, of course, in brief, on the other hand, etc.
Connectors
Overview: In this post, we will discuss -
Lesson 1: Linking Words or Connectors
Lesson 2: Coordinators or Coordinating Conjunctions
Lesson 3: Subordinators or Subordinating Conjunctions
Lesson 4: Transitions or Sentence Connectors
Lesson 1: Linking Words or Connectors
At the time of speaking or writing something, we use some words or phrases in order to maintain the cohesion or continuity of the sentences. Those words or phrases are called linking words or sentence connectors or simply connectors. For example – as a result, furthermore, despite, for example, however, as a consequence, even though, finally, therefore, but, next, in fact, of course, in brief, on the other hand, etc. So, a connector works as a conjunction to join two or more words, phrases, and clauses together.
📝 Study the following sentences to get idea about the use of linking words or connectors.
— Prices fell by more than 20% last year. As a result, sales increased by 15%.
— Desktop computers are cheaper and more reliable than laptops; furthermore, they are more flexible.
— On the whole, his speech was well received, despite some complaints from new members.
— I have been to many countries. For example, I have been to Russia, Canada, Mexico, and Spain.
— She hates housecleaning. On the other hand, she doesn't mind cooking.
— There are many benefits to exercising. However, you must take some precautions to avoid injury.
— I forgot that the cake was in the oven. As a consequence, it burned.
— Even though the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.
— Finally, I know that she has great potential.
— He was late to class again. In other words, he didn't wake up on time.
Read the following paragraph and notice the use of connectors or linking words:
One of my favorite hobbies is traveling. Therefore, I decided to get a job that paid me to travel because I just couldn’t afford my habit. I worked for a company called Tech-Solve where I led bicycle trips. It was a really hard job. I got to spend two months living and working in France’s wine country. In addition, I went to the south and stood on the red carpet where they hold the Cannes Film Festival. Riding bikes all summer was great, and traveling around France was incredible; however, the job was too much work and not enough pay. Thus, while it fed my traveling addiction, I knew that job wasn’t for me.
Types of coordinators or linking words:
There are three main types of connectors or linking words:
Coordinators or Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinators
Transitions
Lesson 02 : Coordinators or Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions are the most common form of linking words. They are used to join two independent clauses together, generally in the middle of a sentence. There are seven co-coordinating conjunctions. They are – and, but, so, or, for, nor, yet.
Good teachers work hard AND they recognize their lecture effectively.
Here —
⚪ Good teachers work hard = independent clause
⚪ AND = conjunction
⚪ they recognize their lecture effectively = independent clause
The office is closed for the next two days, but you can still phone to leave a message.
I forgot my computer disc, so I will have to hand in my assignment late.
Look at the following excerpts to notice the use of coordinating conjunctions:
A. "All the long way to school And all the way back, I've looked and I've looked And I've kept careful track, But all that I've noticed, Except my own feet, Was a horse and a wagon On Mulberry Street."
(Dr. Seuss, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street , 1937)
B. "In no other city does life seem such a perpetual balancing of debits and credits, of evils and virtues, as it does in New York. No other city seems so charming yet so crude, so civilized yet so uncouth."
(Joseph Epstein, "You Take Manhattan," 1983)
Exercise:
Fill in the gaps with appropriate coordinators:
You can eat your cake with a spoon ______ fork.
My dog enjoys being bathed ______ hates getting his nails trimmed.
Bill refuses to eat peas, ______ will he touch carrots.
Would you rather have cheese _____ honey on your sandwich?
His two favorite sports are football ______ tennis.
I wanted to go to the beach, _______ Mary refused.
I am allergic to cats, ______ I have three of them.
I am a vegetarian, _______ I don’t eat any meat.
Hasan will be late to work, _______ he has a dental appointment.
Jennifer does not like to swim, ______ does she enjoy cycling.
Jackson wanted to eat another piece of cake, _____ he was on a diet.
I hate to waste a drop of gas, _____ it is very expensive these days.
Answer Keys:
1. or, 2. but, 3. nor, 4, or, 5. and, 6. but, 7. yet, 8. so, 9. for, 10. nor, 11. but, 12. for
Lesson 03 : Subordinators or Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinators are linking words that are used to join clauses together. They join a dependent clause with an independent clause. Examples of subordinators are before, when, if, because, although, etc. They are used before the dependent clause. They can be used in two positions:
The subordinator and dependent clause can come before the independent clause with a comma.
When the bell rang, the students ran to the sky-train station.
The subordinator and dependent clause can come after the independent clause with no comma.
The students ran to the sky-train station when the bell rang.
Subordinating conjunctions are essential parts of complex sentences which include at least two clauses, with one of the clauses being main (independent) and the other being subordinate (dependent). A subordinate conjunction performs two functions within a sentence. First, it illustrates the importance of the independent clause. Second, it provides a transition between two ideas in the same sentence.
Look at some of the most common subordinators. As you can see from the sample sentences below, subordinators can appear either at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
Exercises:
Fill in the gaps with appropriate subordinators :
_________ the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up.
I don’t want to go to the movies _____________ I hate the smell of popcorn.
___________ the train arrives, we have to wait.
__________ the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button.
_________Sherri blew out the candles atop her birthday cake, she caught her hair on fire.
Sara begins to sneeze _________ she opens the window to get a breath of fresh air.
__________ the doorbell rang, my dog Skeeter barked loudly.
We visited Madame Tussaud's museum __________ we were in London.
I'll be home at nine ________ I can get a taxi.
I got to the exam on time _________ there was traffic jam.
Answer Keys:
1. after, 2. because 3. until, 4. as soon as, 5. as 6. whenever 7. when 8. while 9. if 10. even though
Lesson 04 : Transitions or Sentence Connectors
Sentence connectors are used to link ideas from one sentence to the next and to give paragraphs coherence. Most pieces of formal writing are organized in a similar way: introduction, development of main ideas or arguments; conclusion. Linking words and phrases join clauses, sentences and paragraphs together.
Sentence connectors perform different functions and are placed at the beginning of a sentence.
They are used to introduce, order, contrast, sequence ideas, theory, data, etc.
Functions of the Sentence Connectors:
*** Connectors used to mean the sequence or chronology of events:
First, firstly, at first, in the first place, at the beginning, in the beginning, to begin with
Second, secondly, third, thirdly, fourth, fourthly, etc.
In between, in the middle of
In the end, at the end, lastly, at last, finally, to sum up, in conclusion, last but not the lest
Next, afterwards, after that, then
Example:
In order to open a bank account you have to follow some steps. First you have to collect a form from the bank. Then you have to fill up the form accordingly. After that you need to submit the form to the manager. Finally the manager will give approval to open a bank account for you.
Connectors used to provide additional information: and, additionally, besides, further, furthermore, especially, not only ….. but also, moreover, both…..and, or, either…..or, neither…..nor, as well as, too, likewise, also, in addition, so on, apart from, similarly, again.
Examples:
Both Hasan and Habib obtained the same grade.
Either she or her brother came here yesterday.
I will neither go nor ask anybody to go there.
He as well as his father will come tomorrow.
He is a meritorious student. In addition, he is good player.
Connectors used to give examples: such as, namely, for example, for instance, that is, to illustrate, as an illustration, to demonstrate, etc.
Examples:
He is an expert in a number of areas such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, medicine, etc. There are a lot of benefits of early rising. For instance, one can inhale fresh breath.
Connectors used to indicate contrast: on the contrary, instead, on the other hand, but, yet, still, while, whereas, though, although, even though, despite, in spite of, however, nevertheless, nonetheless
Examples:
He studied hard but he failed.
The government has increased salary of employees. On the other hand/on the contrary it has increased the rate of tax on income.
In spite of being a regular student, she could not pass in the examination. Hasan is very hardworking person, whereas his brother is lazy.
Connectors used in comparison: similarly, likewise, in the same way, than, as …. as, so ….. as, too, correspondingly, equally
Examples:
He is taller than his elder brother.
She is an expert in computer technology. Likewise, she has expertise in mobile technology too.
She is as beautiful as a doll.
She dressed in the same way her mother liked.
Connectors used to express cause/effect : since, for, because, as, why, so that
Examples:
I don’t know why she is crying.
I could not go to the office because my mother was sick.
I am not attending your party tonight as I will be flying tonight.
Connectors used to express results: so, therefore, hence, as a result, as a consequence, thus, consequently, eventually, so that, accordingly, now
Examples:
The electricity has gone out. So we have to wait until it comes again.
He did not attend the classes regularly. Therefore, he did not get attendence marks.
I don’t have the habit of getting up in the morning. As a consequence, I fall sick often.
Connectors used to express the purposes of any action: as much as, as many as, so that, in order that, lest, so as to
Examples:
I keep the door open so as to let fresh air enter into the room.
The boy is studying hard so that/in order that he can do well in the examination. He ate as many ice-cream as he could.
Connectors used to put condition: if, otherwise, unless, till, until, provided, provided that, in case, as long as
Examples:
If you call me, I will come to help you.
Study hard or/otherwise you have to face difficulty in the examination.
Wait here until/till I come back.
The singer has agreed to perform in the concert provided that a good amount of money will be given.
Connectors used to indicate time and place: at that time, there, where, when, while, before, after, since, as soon as, sometimes, at present, presently, of late, now, then, afterward, at first, once, no sooner had … than
Examples:
She is a writer. At the same time she is a singer. They had arrived at the station before the rain started. She wanted to know where I come from.
As soon as the singer came on the stage, the audience applauded.
Connectors used to indicate conclusion: to sum up, in brief, in short, in fine, to summarize, on the whole, above all, in all, in conclusion, to conclude
Examples:
He is good at mathematics, English, physics, and other subjects. Above all he is a brilliant student.
We have three English teachers, two Bengali teachers, and four science teachers. In total we have nine teachers at our college.
He has established a school in the village. He helps people at the time of natural disasters. He donates money to poor students. In brief, he is a very kind hearted man.
Connectors used to indicate events occurring at the same time: at the same time, at that time, mean while, in the mean time, as
Examples:
She was eating and watching television at the same time.
When you called me yesterday; I was watching cricket at that time.
I entered into the meeting room at 10:45 am. Mean while the issues had been settled.
Relative pronouns used as connectors: who, which, whom, whose, what, whatever, whichever, that
Examples:
I know the person who came here last night. This is the book which I need.
I will give you whatever you want.
Connectors used in pairs: whether …. or, rather …. than, though …. yet
Examples:
You should rather wait than go now.
I am not sure whether you are coming or not.
Connectors used to indicate how the work has been completed: as if, as though, how, however, like, so as, by and by, as it were, such…..as, such……that
Examples:
He speaks as if he knew everything. She can write like her father does.We need such students as are hard-working. Write as I asked you.
Exercises:
A. Complete the following letter with suitable linking words/connectors from the box:
Although, lastly, after al,l not only… but also, finally, moreover, yet, of course, recently, and
Dear Hasan,
I hope you are well. We’re very busy. Rina has finally managed to find a job. (i) ……. it’s not a good job, (ii) …….. it’s a job. (iii) ……..., we have decided to move to a new flat.
You know how difficult it is to shift house, (iv) …… we have no other alternative.
(v) ……., Rumana got a promotion (vi) ……. She has been posted to Dhaka. (vii) ……., the new assignment will be quite challenging for her, but she has the ability to manage, as we all know. On the other hand, she is very committed, and (viii) ……. she has a good managerial skill. She (ix) ……. an engineer ……. an MBA. (x) …..., I’ll be looking forward to your reply.
Yours,
Mizan
B. Complete the following sentences with suitable linkers/connectors from the box:
He is …… handsome ……. intelligent.
I think I dropped the letter ……. I was getting out of the car.
…… we left late, we still got there in time.
It was a fantastic evening …….. the terrible food.
I could not study attentively …….. noise outside.
I took the course ……… it was very difficult.
He earned a lot of money in life. …… he was not happy in life.
Firstly, the police arrested the criminal. ……., they sent him to prison.
He went to the office ……. he could meet the manager.
You can’t get in the Club …… you are the member.
Combine the following pairs of sentences using the given linkers/connectors. You can use one item more than once.
so that, though, but, as/since, because, so, undoubtedly
He is a good player. He did not perform well that day.
He is my brother. I do not like him for his habit of smoking.
He is a great scientist. There is no doubt.
I didn’t phone you. It was very late.
I stayed at home. I was expecting a phone call.
It is a very large city. You have to use public transport a lot.
I always write words down in my notebook. I don’t forget them.
I want to improve my English. I will need it in my job very soon.
Answer Keys:
Exercise A:
although (ii) after all (iii) finally (iv) yet (v) recently (vi) and (vii) of course (viii) moreover (ix) not only …but also (x) lastly
Exercise B:
(i) not only … but alto (ii) as (iii) although (iv) in spite of (v) because of (vi) even though (vii) but (viii) secondly (ix) so that (x) unless
Exercise C:
He is a good player but he did not perform well that day.
Though he is my brother, I do not like him for his habit of smoking.
Undoubtedly he is a great scientist.
I didn’t phone you because it was very late.
I stayed at home as I was expecting a phone call.
It is a very large city. So, you have to use public transport a lot.
I always write words down in my notebook so that I don’t forget them.
I want to improve my English because I will need it in my job very soon.
