Sentence connectors

– Hello, our dear friends!

– Welcome to our lesson!

– We are happy to see you.

– Guys, I have just finished writing a letter to my cousin Sam.

– Let’s read this letter together.

Dear Sam,

How are you? I hope you’re doing well!

Sam, we haven’t seen each other for ages. Would you like to come to Rome and spend some time with me? There are many reasons for visiting the city of Rome. Firstly, it is a city with an interesting history. Secondly, it was the capital of the Roman Empire. Moreover, Rome is very beautiful due to its many palaces, churches and squares. In addition, many of the city’s classical monuments have been preserved, so it’s possible to see how the city used to be. For this reason, many people travel to Rome every year. To sum up, I believe that, although a trip to Rome may be expensive, it is well worth visiting such a wonderful city. Can’t wait to get your response letter.

Best wishes,

James

Guys, I would like to draw your attention to the words in bold. What are these words?

The answer is simple:

These words are “sentence connectors”.

What sentence connectors are there in the English language? When can we use them?

You’ll find the answers to these questions in this lesson.

So, today in the lesson we will:

● talk about sentence connectors;

And

● put the knowledge into practice.

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. These words or phrases are called linking words or sentence connectors. For example:

as a result, however, even though, finally, therefore, of course, in order to, as a rule, nevertheless, etc.

So…

A sentence connector works as a conjunction to join two or more words, phrases and clauses together.

For instance:

Even though the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.

In order to prove him wrong, Benjamin started shouting.

Now let’s answer the question:

What functions do sentence connectors perform?

1. We use sentence connectors to express the sequence of chronology of events.

For this function we use such connectors as: first, first of all, in the first place, at the beginning, in the beginning, to begin with, second, secondly, in the middle of, in the end, at the end, to sum up, in conclusion, next, after that, etc.

For example:

First, you should go to the washroom and take a bath.

In conclusion, it is always better to take prevention than cure.

2. Sentence connectors are used to provide additional information.

For this function we use the following connectors: and, additionally, besides, both…and, either…or, neither…nor, as well as, likewise, in addition, also, apart from, again, etc.

For instance:

He is a meritorious student. In addition, he is a good player.

Both Jessica and Christopher obtained the same grade.

3. We can also use sentence connectors to give examples.

For this function we use such connectors as: for example, as an example, for instance, that is, to illustrate, as an illustration, such as, to demonstrate, to clarify, proof of this, like, including, namely, specifically, in particular, etc.

For example:

Three students were mentioned, namely Michael, Daniel and Veronica.

The shop specializes in tropical fruits, such as pineapples, mangoes and papayas.

4. They can be used in a sentence to indicate contrast.

For this function we use the following sentence connectors: on the contrary, instead of, by comparison, while, whereas, though, although, even though, despite, in spite of, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, otherwise, even so, etc.

For instance:

All of her daughters are engineers, whereas the younger one chose to be a teacher.

This restaurant has the best kitchen in town. However, their staff are quite rude.

5. We can use sentence connectors to compare people, objects, ideas and so on.

For this function we use such connectors as: similarly, similar to, likewise, in the same way, in the same manner, as well as, equally, just as, just like, the same as, comparable, alternatively, etc.

For example:

David’s poetry is hardly comparable with Shakespeare’s poetry.

I think apples are delicious. Likewise, I think oranges are delicious too.

6. They can be used for explaining the reasons behind something.

For this function we use the following sentence connectors: therefore, so, because, thus, hence, as a result of, since, as, why, so that, consequently, due to, etc.

For instance:

I couldn’t go to the office, because my mother was sick.

I’m not attending your party tonight, as I will be flying to Moscow.

7. Sentence connectors can also be used to express results.

For this function we use such connectors as: so, therefore, hence, as a result, as a consequence, thus, consequently, eventually, so that, accordingly, thereby, thereupon, etc.

For example:

The electricity has gone out. Therefore, we have to wait until it comes again.

There was nothing to eat in the fridge, so Stephanie ordered a pizza.

8. We use sentence connectors to express the purpose of an action.

For this function we can use the following connectors: in order to, in order not to, so as to, so that, in order that, for, for the purpose, to, etc.

For instance:

I want to finish my work today so that I can spend the weekend with my friends.

Michelle keeps the door open so as to let fresh air enter into her room.

9. Sentence connectors are used to put conditions.

For this function we use such connectors as: if, if so, otherwise, provided that, in case, in that case, as long as, unless, even if, only if, whether, on condition that, etc.

For example:

They can listen to music provided that they disturb nobody.

You can go out tonight only if you finish your homework.

10. We can use sentence connectors to indicate conclusion.

For this function we use such connectors as: to sum up, in brief, briefly, in short, to summarize, above all, in conclusion, to conclude, all in all, finally, in summary, evidently, etc.

For example:

To conclude, I would like to express my thanks to your family.

He donates money to poor people. In brief, he is a very kind-hearted man.

Guys, we’ve talked about sentence connectors and the functions they perform. Now…

Complete the following letter with suitable sentence connectors from the box!

The connectors are:

Although, but, after all, finally, moreover, yet, of course, recently, on the other hand.

And the letter is…

Let’s check the right answers!

Dear Frank,

How are you? I hope you are doing well. We are very busy. Ella has finally managed to find a job. Although it’s not a good job, after all it’s a job. Finally, we have decided to move to a new flat. You know how difficult it is to shift house, yet we have no other alternative. Recently, Julia has got a promotion, and she has been sent to New York. Of course, the new assignment will be quite challenging for her, but she has the ability to manage. On the other hand, she is very committed. Moreover, she has a good managerial skill. Frank, I can’t wait to get your response letter.

Your friend,

Charles

Wonderful! Now…

Read the sentences and choose the correct sentence connector!

1. This house is beautiful. ______, it is in poor condition.

The variants are:

In addition to

However

Because

2. Katelyn was really tired, ______ she went to bed early.

The variants are:

So

For example

Since

3. ______ Elizabeth tried hard, she didn’t succeed.

The variants are:

All in all

Otherwise

Although

4. John is a hardworking person, ______ his brother is lazy.

The variants are:

Likewise

Whereas

Finally

5. We cannot go on holiday, ______ we don’t have enough money.

The variants are:

Because

So that

In spite of

6. Home prices continue to rise, ______ sales are falling.

The variants are:

So that

In order that

Even though

7. ______ being insulted, Megan managed to keep her temper.

The variants are:

In spite of

Finally

However

Let’s check the right answers!

1. However

2. So

3. Although

4. Whereas

5. Because

6. Even though

7. In spite of

That’s all for today, boys and girls! In conclusion, I would like to say that sentence connectors play an important role in the English language. They help to link ideas from one sentence to another one and to give paragraphs coherence.