Connectors

And, but, because, so for linking ideas

Introduction

Connectors (or conjunctions) are the glue that holds sentences together. They show relationships between ideas: addition (and), contrast (but), cause (because), and result (so).

Without connectors, our speech would be a series of short, choppy sentences. With them, we can express complex thoughts clearly and fluently.

These basic connectors are the building blocks for more sophisticated linking words you'll learn at intermediate and advanced levels.

Themes

All Grammar (Basic) in This Chapter (11)

• and / but / or Basic conjunctions to connect words, phrases, and clauses
• because / so Connect cause and effect
• also / too / as well Adding information (meaning 'in addition')
• then / after / before Sequencing events in time
• first / next / finally Ordering steps in a process or story
• for example / such as Giving examples to illustrate a point
• then / next / after that Sequencing events in order
• finally / at last / in the end Indicating the last event or conclusion
• or (Choice) Presenting alternatives
• First, Second, Third... / Finally Ordering points or steps
• before / after / during Time relationships between events