Connectors PDF

Connectors Definition of Connectors Connectors are words or phrases used to link ideas, sentences, or paragraphs to ensure logical flow and coherence in communication. They help clarify the relationship between ideas, such as contrast, sequence, cause-effect, and more. Contrast Connectors Contrast...

Connectors Definition of Connectors Connectors are words or phrases used to link ideas, sentences, or paragraphs to ensure logical flow and coherence in communication. They help clarify the relationship between ideas, such as contrast, sequence, cause-effect, and more. Contrast Connectors Contrast connectors are used to show a difference or contradiction between two ideas. They help highlight opposing viewpoints, unexpected outcomes, or alternative scenarios. 1. Unlike Meaning: Shows a difference between two things. Use in negative: Unlike others, she didn’t leave early. Rules: Used to compare two subjects; no commas needed. In questions: How is your opinion unlike theirs? Example: Unlike her brother, Maria is very shy. 2. Nevertheless Meaning: Indicates something happens despite a problem. Use in negative: It wasn’t sunny; nevertheless, they had fun. Rules: Often starts a new clause; use a semicolon or period before it. In questions: The task seems hard; nevertheless, should we try? Example: The train was delayed; nevertheless, they arrived on time. 3. On the other hand Meaning: Introduces a contrasting idea or perspective. Use in negative: He didn’t call; on the other hand, he sent an email. Rules: Usually follows a statement and requires a comma after it. In questions: She’s friendly; on the other hand, is she reliable? Example: Dogs are loyal; on the other hand, cats are independent. 4. Nonetheless Meaning: Shows that a point remains valid despite something else. Use in negative: They didn’t plan well; nonetheless, the event was a success. Rules: Can begin a sentence or link two clauses. In questions: He’s inexperienced; nonetheless, should we give him a chance? Example: The evidence was weak; nonetheless, they won the case. 5. Despite/In spite of Meaning: Shows something happened even though there was an obstacle. Use in negative: Despite not studying, she passed the exam. Rules: Followed by a noun or gerund (Despite the rain, Despite being tired). In questions: Despite his efforts, why did he fail? Example: In spite of the cold weather, they went skiing. 6. In contrast (to) Meaning: Highlights differences between two things. Use in negative: In contrast to his friends, he didn’t enjoy the party. Rules: Usually introduces a comparison. In questions: In contrast to last year, how did sales improve? Example: In contrast to her calm attitude, he was very nervous. 7. While Meaning: Used to compare two opposing ideas. Use in negative: While it isn’t perfect, it works fine. Rules: Often joins two clauses; no comma is needed when in the middle of a sentence. In questions: While you don’t agree, can we move forward? Example: While I prefer tea, he likes coffee. 8. Whereas Meaning: Shows contrast between two things. Use in negative: He didn’t work hard, whereas she gave her best effort. Rules: Used within a sentence to connect contrasting ideas. In questions: Why does one group succeed, whereas the other fails? Example: He enjoys hiking, whereas she prefers reading. 9. Alternatively Meaning: Provides another option or possibility. Use in negative: The room wasn’t available; alternatively, they used the hall. Rules: Often begins a clause; usually followed by a comma. In questions: Can we start now, or alternatively, wait until tomorrow? Example: You can walk to the park, or alternatively, take the bus. 10. Conversely Meaning: Indicates the opposite idea of what was previously stated. Use in negative: She wasn’t loud; conversely, she barely spoke. Rules: Often begins a sentence; requires a comma afterward. In questions: Conversely, would you act differently in their situation? Example: She loves chocolate; conversely, her sister avoids sweets. 11. Even so Meaning: Indicates something is true despite a previous statement. Use in negative: The task wasn’t easy; even so, he managed to finish it. Rules: Usually links two clauses. In questions: He’s busy; even so, shouldn’t he help? Example: The weather was bad; even so, they went to the beach. 12. Differing from Meaning: Points out differences between two things. Use in negative: Differing from his teammates, he didn’t celebrate the victory. Rules: Used with a noun phrase to show contrast. In questions: How is this design differing from the previous one? Example: Differing from most students, she enjoys studying late at night. --- Order Connectors Order connectors are used to organize ideas or events sequentially. They help structure sentences or paragraphs chronologically or logically 1. Firstly Meaning: Introduces the first step or point. Use in negative: Firstly, don’t forget to check your equipment. Rules: Often used to start a list; followed by a comma. In questions: Firstly, why should we do this step? Example: Firstly, gather all the materials you need. 2. Secondly Meaning: Introduces the second point in a sequence. Use in negative: Secondly, don’t rush through the process. Rules: Follows the same rules as Firstly. In questions: Secondly, what should we do next? Example: Secondly, prepare the workspace. 3. Thirdly Meaning: Introduces the third step in a sequence. Use in negative: Thirdly, don’t skip any instructions. Rules: Typically followed by a comma. In questions: Thirdly, how will we measure success? Example: Thirdly, double-check the measurements. 4. Finally Meaning: Indicates the last point or step. Use in negative: Finally, don’t forget to clean up. Rules: Often used to end a list or sequence. In questions: Finally, when is the deadline? Example: Finally, review your work for errors. 5. At this time Meaning: Refers to the current moment or step. Use in negative: At this time, we can’t make any changes. Rules: Used at the beginning or middle of a sentence. In questions: At this time, what should we prioritize? Example: At this time, we are focusing on the budget. 6. Following Meaning: Refers to what comes after something. Use in negative: Following the meeting, no further discussions were needed. Rules: Often followed by a noun phrase or clause. In questions: What changes were made following the announcement? Example: Following the presentation, the team had lunch. 7. Previously Meaning: Refers to something that happened earlier. Use in negative: He hadn’t previously considered this option. Rules: Usually starts or ends a sentence. In questions: Had you previously worked in this field? Example: She had previously visited this museum. 8. Before Meaning: Indicates something happens earlier in time. Use in negative: We didn’t know about the issue before the meeting. Rules: Often used with a time phrase or clause. In questions: Have you seen this before? Example: We discussed the plan before starting the project. 9. Subsequently Meaning: Indicates something happens after an event. Use in negative: No further questions were asked subsequently. Rules: Often starts a new clause. In questions: *What actions were taken subsequently? --- 10. Afterward Meaning: Refers to something happening later or after a previous action. Use in negative: We didn’t discuss the issue afterward. Rules: Usually used to indicate the next step in chronological order; placed after the subject or at the end of a clause. In questions: What should we do afterward? Example: He completed the report; afterward, he took a break. --- 11. Next Meaning: Indicates the following action in a sequence. Use in negative: Don’t move to the next step without instructions. Rules: Often used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the next stage. In questions: What’s the next step? Example: Next, mix the ingredients thoroughly. --- 12. Later Meaning: Refers to something happening at a subsequent time. Use in negative: He didn’t respond later that day. Rules: Can be used at the end of a sentence or after the subject. In questions: Will we review the document later? Example: We’ll discuss the details later during the meeting. ---