If you are preparing for an activity in your classes, an official English exam, or simply want to improve your writing skills, surely you have already heard of the famous connectors. But the full list of writing connectors can be a bit overwhelming, so the question always arises: which ones do I have to remember? Today we leave you the list of 10 very useful and helpful.
1) In spite of/despite
Meaning: despite
How to use it: to link two contrasting ideas, followed by a noun phrase. What differences exist between one and the other? They are completely interchangeable.
Examples: In spite of the snow, we went for a walk in the park.
You just have to remember the form of one and the other preposition/prepositional phrase.
2) On one hand / on the other hand
Meaning: on one side… on the other side
How to use it: like the previous one, it is used to contrast ideas, but in this case, it introduces longer clauses. For example, you can use them at the beginning of two consecutive paragraphs. And don't forget about the! Example: On the one hand, I love living in England because my English is improving a lot, but on the other hand I think I'm slowly forgetting my Spanish!
3) Due to
Meaning: due to
How to use it: to explain the reason or cause of something, followed by a noun phrase. Example: Due to the snow, the classes were suspended today.
4) In order to
Meaning: for, with the aim of
How to use it: To explain the requirements of something or an activity. It is followed by the infinitive. Example: In order to travel abroad, you must have a valid passport.
5) Therefore
Meaning: therefore, therefore, then
How to use it: informal texts, to explain that something is a consequence of something else that has just been mentioned. If it goes at the beginning of a sentence, it must have a comma after it, but it is not necessary if it goes in the middle. Example: I think, therefore I am.
You may also be interested in modal auxiliary verbs
6) None
Meaning: however
How to use it: Like therefore, this connector is very useful to show that you know the formal language. It can also be written separately: nevertheless. Example: Ella She didn't like the computer's price. However, she ended up buying it.
7) As well as
Meaning: In addition to
How to use it: to join different related elements. It is used more frequently than its equivalent in Spanish, and it is very helpful to show that you know how to go beyond and. Example: She likes coffee, as well as tea.
8) For instance
Meaning: for example
How to use it: If you want to sound more sophisticated, this is a good alternative for example. Example: Art activities at school could include, for instance, painting lessons.
9) Whereas
Meaning: while
How to use it: to link conflicting ideas. It is a good alternative to while. He likes going to the swimming pool, whereas she prefers swimming in open waters.
10) So
Meaning: so, so
How to use it: this connector is one of the most basic, but you should not forget it. Sometimes simple is best! Of course, remember to alternate it with others to show your wealth of vocabulary. Example: It was very sunny, so we went to the park.
Useful tips on writing connectors
We know that it is not enough for you to learn them and that's it. You need some cues so you don't use them when not playing and you don't mess up by interfering with your native language, right? Here are some tips we want to help you with:
Let's keep in mind that connectors are used to give fluidity and add richness of nuance to our text. Show off them in your writing, yes, using them as we have explained.
Should we put commas after them? The answer is usually yes! Especially if we start a sentence with a connector, of the sequencer type, for example. And of course, there is an exception, which is although.
Simple is best but do not abuse the most frequent ones like meanwhile, dare with whereas or while.
Reread your writing once you finish. Eliminate the connectors that you have left, without fear. It is preferable to use concise and simple sentences than not get lost in three-line sentences.
The writing connectors are your opportunity to show that you really master the English language. Fill your texts with nuances and express yourself clearly!
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