Connectors: Words that are used to connect ideas are called connectors (or linking devices). There are three main types of connectors: subordinating conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions and transitions.

Subordinating Conjunctions: A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to a main clause. It shows how an idea in one clause is related to the idea in the other clause. It shows relationship among elements of a sentence. They are followed by noun phrases only and cannot take on a S + V (prep. Phrase).

S + V although S + V

(although, even though, because, since*,

when, while, before*, after*, whenever,

wherever*, if, unless, whether?[or not]

as, as [adjective] as, so that, whereas

anywhere*, anytime*)

Although S + V , S + V

The most common subordinators are:

although, even though,
because, since*, so that,
when, while, before*, after*, whenever,
wherever, anywhere,
if, unless, whether?[or not]
as, as [adjective] as,
whereas

(to show slight contrast)
(to give reasons)
(to indicate time relationships)
(to indicate place)
(to indicate conditions)
(to give comparisons)
(to show major contrast)

*These words can also be used as prepositions.

Coordinating conjunctions and Transitions: Both coordinating conjunctions and transitions connect main
clauses. They show how ideas within sentences and also across sentences are related. Prepositions and prepositional phrases can also link ideas.

S + V . However, S + V

(however, therefore, thus, moreover,

nevertheless, first*, then*, next*, still*

S + V ; however, S + V

besides, consequently, furthermore)

Coordinators (and, but, so, or, nor, for*, yet*) connect elements of equal importance.

S + V , but S + V

S + V and V

S or S + V

N and N

Adj. and Adj.

Phrase and Phrase

Can be used in a series: A, B, C, or D

(A comma is normally used.)

(No comma is necessary.)

Connecting Words

Choose the connecting word that completes the sentences meaningfully. If you don't know meanings, look for in your dictionary. What type of connectors are?

1. I don't know ___ you want to meet that lady. She's such a snob.

that

why

when

Type of connector _____________________________________

2. He looks ___ he were sick.

even if

even though

as if, as though

Kind of connector _____________________________________

3. He asked ___ he could smoke a cigarette.

whether, if

what

that

Type of connector _____________________________________

4. He insists ___ I be there.

if

that

as if

Type of connector _____________________________________

5. He punished the little boy ___ put salt in his coffee.

who

which

whenever

Type of connector _____________________________________

6. It was raining hard ___ we left the office.

where

when

although

Type of connector _____________________________________

7. He'll have the work done ___ that you arrive.

when

after

by the time

Type of connector _____________________________________

8. ___ I was saying, how many of you want to attend the conference?

As

So

For

Type of connector ______________________________________

9. He must be rich, ___ he spends a lot of money on gifts for his girlfriend.

but

for

in order to

Type of connector ______________________________________

10. We have been having problems with the heater ___ we bought it.

when

while

since

Type of connector _______________________________________