CONNECTORS

CONNECTORS

They have the same meaning of a conjunction but differ in

their function. Difference between conjunction and 

connectors: Conjunctions are used to connect a

noun with another noun; two independent clauses;

different sentences; a group of words.

Connectors are used to connect a large groups of words;

phrases; sentences.

Types of Connectors

Connectors show the relationship between the ideas

in two clauses. There are 3 kinds of connectors

that we use to join clauses in sentences.

They are coordinators, subordinators, and

transitions.

Coordinators are used to join two independent clauses.

The coordinators are and, for, so, but, yet, or and nor.

Usually a comma is put before the coordinator.

Examples:

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.

Subordinators join a dependent clause to an

independent clause.

Examples of subordinators are before, when,

if, because and although.

They are used before the dependent clause.

They can be used in two positions:

1) 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.

2) 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.

Transitions are used between two independent clauses.

Examples of transitions are however, besides,

nevertheless, and furthermore. After the first clause,

use either a semi-colon or a period, then the transition,

then a comma, and then the second clause.

Examples:

The students laughed; however, the instructor was

not trying to be funny.

The students laughed. However, the instructor

was not trying to be funny.

Jane decided to take classes during the summer.

She wanted to enjoy the city in summer. Besides,

she didn’t have enough money to go on a trip.

Meanings for Connectors

Connectors express many different relationships

between ideas. This section describes different

purposes for connectors. It also lists words that

show each relationship and gives examples of

some of those words in use. These are the

purposes for the various connectors:

 To Add Another Idea: and (COORDINATORS),

furthermore, moreover, besides, also, in addition

(TRANSITIONS)

 To Restate, Explain or Emphasize an Idea: that is,

in other words, in fact, actually, namely (TRANSITIONS

 To Give an Example: for example for instance

to illustrate (TRANSITIONS)

 To Show a Choice: o, r nor (COORDINATORS)

 To Show a Difference but (COORDINATORS),

while, whereas, though (SUBORDINATORS),

in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand,

instead, however, still, otherwise (TRANSITIONS)

 To Show the Opposite of What You Might

Expect: yet (COORDINATORS), although, though,

even though, (SUBORDINATORS), nevertheless,

admittedly, even so, nonetheless, (TRANSITIONS)

 To Show a Similarity: just as, as (SUBORDINATORS),

similarly, likewise, in the same way (TRANSITIONS)

 To Show a Cause or Reason: for (COORDINATORS),

because, since, as, now that, as long as (SUBORDINATORS),

 To Show a Result or Effect: so (COORDINATORS),

as a result, consequently, as a consequence, therefore,

thus, hence, accordingly (TRANSITIONS)

 To Show a Time Relationship: before, after, when,

whenever, while, as soon as, until, as, since, the moment

that, once (SUBORDINATORS), previously, subsequently,

finally, afterward, meanwhile, first, second, etc. after that,

next, since then, then, at first, (TRANSITIONS)

 To Show a Condition: Or (COORDINATORS), if, even if,

unless, when, whenever (SUBORDINATORS),