Linkers & Connectors

ივარჯიშე — Linkers & Connectors

Linkers and connectors join ideas logically in a sentence or between sentences. Using them correctly shows grammatical control and improves coherence in both writing and MC grammar tasks.

Rule

Contrast: 'however' (new sentence/after semicolon), 'although/even though' (start of clause + subject + verb), 'despite/in spite of' (+ noun/-ing, NOT a clause). Reason: 'because' (+ clause), 'because of' (+ noun). Result: 'so' (+ clause), 'therefore' (formal, new sentence). Addition: 'moreover/furthermore' (formal), 'also/as well' (neutral). Purpose: 'to/in order to' (+ base verb), 'so that' (+ clause).

although/even though + subject + verb | despite/in spite of + noun/-ing | however + comma (new sentence) | because + clause | because of + noun

Examples

Contrast (although)Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

Contrast (despite)Despite the bad weather, the match wasn't cancelled.

Contrast (however)The exam was difficult. However, most students passed.

Reason (because vs because of)We stayed home because it was raining. / We stayed home because of the rain.

Purpose (so that)She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.

Result (therefore)He didn't study. Therefore, he failed the test.

Exam Tip

The NAEC loves testing 'although vs despite' and 'because vs because of'. The trick: look at what follows. If you see subject + verb after the gap, choose 'although' or 'because'. If you see a noun or -ing, choose 'despite' or 'because of'.

Common Errors

!Using 'despite' with a clause: 'Despite it was cold' instead of 'Despite the cold weather' or 'Despite it being cold'. ('Despite' needs a noun or -ing, not subject + verb.)
!Confusing 'although' and 'despite': 'Although the rain, we went out' instead of 'Despite the rain' or 'Although it rained'.
!Putting 'however' in the middle of a clause without proper punctuation: 'The test was hard however we passed' instead of 'The test was hard. However, we passed.' or 'The test was hard; however, we passed.'
!Using 'because of' with a full clause: 'Because of it was late' instead of 'Because it was late' or 'Because of the late hour'.