Language
Conjunctions and connectors
Join clauses with the right conjunction, and link sentences with the right connector.
Ideas rarely arrive one at a time. Conjunctions join them inside a single sentence; connectors join them across two sentences. Either way, the word you choose tells the reader what the relationship is — and choosing the wrong one says something you did not mean.
Joining two equal parts
And, but, or, so and yet link two halves that could each stand alone. Rice and dal. We tried, but we failed.
Joining an unequal part
Because, although, if, when, until and unless begin a part that cannot stand alone. "Because it rained" is not a sentence until you attach it to one.
Connectors between sentences
However contrasts. Therefore gives a result. Moreover adds. For instance gives an example. These usually open a new sentence and take a comma after them.
Worked example
Which word fits: "We had studied for weeks. ____, the paper was still hard."
Ask what the second sentence does to the first: does it add, explain, or contradict?
The relationship comes first; the word comes second.
Have a go
The bridge was under repair. ____, all traffic was sent the long way round.
Ready to practice?
Eight questions on what you have just read. Nothing is timed, and you can play as many times as you like.