Sentence Connectors
A sentence connector is a word or phrase that links sentences and ideas together to create a cohesive and coherent flow in writing.
These connectors help clarify relationships between thoughts, making text easier to understand and more engaging for the reader. Examples include words like "and," "but," "however," and "therefore."
Types of Sentence Connectors
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions link clauses of equal importance. Examples include:
And: I bought apples, and she bought oranges.
But: I wanted to go, but it was raining.
Or: You can have tea or coffee.
Rules:
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.
Do not use a comma when the conjunction connects words or phrases in a list.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrect: I want to go but, it is too late.
Correct: I want to go, but it is too late.
Practice Exercise:
Combine the following sentences using coordinating conjunctions:
She loves to read. She doesn't have much time.
He is very busy. He always finds time to exercise.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent and independent clauses. Examples include:
Because: She left early because she was tired.
Although: Although it was late, he continued working.
If: If it rains, we will stay inside.
Rules:
When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, use a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause.
Do not use a comma if the subordinating conjunction appears in the middle of the sentence.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrect: Although it was raining but we went outside.
Correct: Although it was raining, we went outside.
Practice Exercise:
Complete the sentences using subordinating conjunctions:
She finished her work, _____ she was very tired.
We will go to the park, _____ it stops raining.
Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs link independent clauses and provide transitions. Examples include:
However: It was cold; however, we went for a walk.
Therefore: She was late; therefore, she missed the meeting.
Moreover: The task was difficult; moreover, it was urgent.
Rules:
Use a semicolon before and a comma after conjunctive adverbs when they join two independent clauses.
Conjunctive adverbs can also be used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrect: She was tired, however she finished the project.
Correct: She was tired; however, she finished the project.
Practice Exercise:
Rewrite the sentences using conjunctive adverbs:
The movie was long. We enjoyed it.
He did not study. He passed the test.
Common Sentence Connectors and Their Uses
Addition
To add information, use these connectors:
Furthermore: He is talented; furthermore, he is hardworking.
Also: She sings beautifully; also, she plays the guitar.
In addition: The job is demanding; in addition, it is rewarding.
Examples:
Moreover: The presentation was informative; moreover, it was engaging.
Besides: She has a degree in biology; besides, she has extensive research experience.
Practice Exercise:
Add more information using connectors:
The project was completed on time. _____, it was under budget.
He is a great leader. _____, he is very approachable.
Contrast
To show contrast, use these connectors:
However: She wanted to go; however, she had no time.
On the other hand: The plan is risky; on the other hand, it might succeed.
But: He is smart but lazy.
Examples:
Nevertheless: The task was challenging; nevertheless, they completed it.
Yet: It was a sunny day, yet it felt cold.
Practice Exercise:
Show contrast using connectors:
The weather was perfect. _____, we decided to stay indoors.
He studied hard. _____, he did not pass the exam.
Cause and Effect
To show cause and effect, use these connectors:
Because: The project failed because of poor planning.
Therefore: He studied hard; therefore, he passed the exam.
Thus: The experiment was flawed; thus, the results were inaccurate.
Examples:
Consequently: She didn't follow the instructions; consequently, the result was wrong.
As a result: He didn't set an alarm; as a result, he overslept.
Practice Exercise:
Show cause and effect using connectors:
She was late. _____, she missed the bus.
He didn't study. _____, he failed the test.
Time
To indicate time relationships, use these connectors:
Before: Finish your homework before you go out.
After: We will eat after the meeting.
When: Call me when you arrive.
Examples:
Meanwhile: The team prepared the presentation; meanwhile, the manager reviewed the report.
Subsequently: They won the championship; subsequently, they celebrated.
Practice Exercise:
Indicate time relationships using connectors:
We will have dinner. _____, we will watch a movie.
She finished her homework. _____, she went out to play.
Tips for Using Sentence Connectors Effectively
Using sentence connectors effectively involves variety and avoiding repetition. Here are some tips:
Vary Your Connectors: Use different connectors to keep your writing interesting. For example, instead of always using "and," try "furthermore" or "moreover."
Maintain Logical Flow: Ensure your connectors make sense in the context. They should help the reader follow your ideas smoothly.
Practice Regularly: Write paragraphs using different connectors. Rewrite existing texts, replacing repetitive connectors with varied ones.
Common Mistakes:
Overusing the same connector can make writing monotonous.
Using a connector that doesn't fit the logical flow can confuse readers.
Practice Exercise:
Write a paragraph on a topic of your choice, using at least five different sentence connectors.
Review a text and identify all the sentence connectors used. Replace at least three of them with different connectors.