How to use paragraph connectors in English

What are connectors in English used for? Connectors or linkers can help you join two or more ideas (sentences), allowing you to have a more structured and harmonious delivery. Instead of using single sentences, you can connect them in a logical way.

In this article, you’ll learn about different types of connectors in English (contrast, cause, purpose, effect, addition, illustration, etc.) that will help you achieve optimal communication. 

 

 

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Contrast

 

This type of connector is used to create continuity in the text between two clauses that present contradictory ideas.

 

Connector	Example
Despite / In spite of	Mary arrived home despite the bad weather.
Although / Even though	Although the rain persisted, Mary decided to drive home.
However	We told Mary to stay at the office; however, she decided to go home.
Nevertheless / Still / Yet	The rain was very heavy, yet Mary was able to get home.
Even so	Mary was sick; even so, she went to work.
On the contrary	The Caribbean Sea, on the contrary, is pretty warm.
In contrast	The water in the Pacific Ocean, in contrast, is very clean.
On the one hand /On the other hand	On the one hand, my wife wants me to spend more time with the kids, but on the other hand, I could get a raise at work.
Whereas	All my family went to college, whereas I decided to travel around the world.

 

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Cause

 

Also known as causative connectors, these are used to explain the reason behind something.

 

Connector	Example
Because	I did it because I love you.
Since	Larry has been tired since he got his new job.
Seeing that	Seeing that they enjoyed the dinner, I asked them to visit us more often.
On account of	She was late on account of the heavy rain.
Due to	Sandra has got a nice body due to regular exercise.

 

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Effect

 

Everything we do has a consequence. In the previous category, we discussed what causes something to happen, in this case, we’re talking about the effect or result of an action.

 

Connector	Example
Consequently	Her recipe didn’t go well; consequently, she threw it away.
As a consequence	He gained weight as a consequence of his unhealthy eating habits.
As a result of	The company took out too many loans and as a result of that, they went bankrupt.
Therefore	Martin was the employee of the month; therefore, he got the promotion.

 

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Purpose

 

You can use the purpose connectors when you want to express the intention behind an action or decision.

 

Connector	Example
In order to /  So as to	I will study math in order to improve my career.
So that /  In order that	You must submit your CV so that you can eventually get a job

 

 

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Addition

 

These are used when you want to expand an idea by adding arguments.

 

Connector	Example
Moreover	You must finish your homework by tomorrow; moreover, you have to study for the final exam.
Furthermore /  In addition / Besides	This mask will protect you from any virus; furthermore, it will block any bacteria from the environment.
What’s more	My friend Sally made the salad and what’s more, the vegetables are from her orchard.
On top of that	And on top of that, I will get a bonus. I am very lucky!

 

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Connectors to give examples

 

We use illustration connectors to clarify an idea by using examples.

 

Connector	Example
For example	I can play a few musical instruments, for example, the piano, the violin, and the guitar.
For instance	You might, for instance, see a dog in the street…

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Opinion connectors

 

You can start the sentence with these connectors when you want to express your point of view.

 

Connector	Example
As far as I am concerned	As far as I am concerned, my work is finished.
From my point of view	From my point of view, you should sue the government on this matter.
I agree	I agree that we should buy a new car.
I disagree	I disagree with the increase in rates.
In my opinion	In my opinion, the player must be disqualified.
I think that	I think that we ought to respect each other’s opinions.
It is true that	It is true that some people are working way harder nowadays without seeing results…
Personally	Personally, I noticed he wasn’t involved in the new project.
To be honest	To be honest, I’d rather start my own business.
To tell the truth	To tell the truth, the financial crisis will last a couple of years longer.

 

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Explanatory connectors

 

These connectors can be used to give more details about the idea being developed.

 

Connector	Example
In other words	The problem, in other words, is to rebuild the relationship.
In short	The meeting, in short, didn’t produce the results I expected.
Above all	The mission of the police is, above all, to protect the people and keep the order.
At least	Well, at least we know Frank is on our side.
Basically	The sun is basically made up of hydrogen.
Especially	None of us can sleep, especially if you play the music that loud.
Essentially	The teacher is a guide, but essentially the students should learn on their own.
In general	People, in general, eat too many calories.
In particular	All of us, women, in particular, are facing a lot of conflicts.
More or less	There were 20 people in line at the bank, more or less.

 

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To establish a sequence

 

These connectors allow us to describe ideas in a sequential and organised manner. 

 

Connector	Example
At first sight	At first sight, I thought she was pretty.
First	First, I glanced at her physical appearance.
First of all	First of all, I want to say I also care about the feelings of others.
In the first place	In the first place, I find it hard to approach anybody.
To start with	To start with, I asked her to dance.
In the second place	In the second place, we talked about our interests.
Second / secondly	Secondly, I asked if she had a boyfriend.
Finally	Finally, I asked for her number.
Lastly	Lastly, I drove her to her place.
And finally	And finally, I returned home feeling quite happy.
In conclusion	In conclusion, I hope the relationship goes well.

 

Do you like learning about connectors in English? Follow our blog and discover how to use correlative conjunctions and many other connectors, too. 

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