CONNECTORS Lic. Cristina Morocho

• Discourse connectors• Words or phrases that connect ideas

– Within sentences– Between sentences – Larger blocks of text

• Three types of connectors are:– Coordinating conjunctions– Subordinating conjunctions– Transitions

Coordinating conjunctions

• Join two independent clauses• Placed between clauses• Preceded by a comma.

And / nor / or Addition

or Condition

But / or / yet Contrast

for Cause / reason

so Effect / result

• Examples:

I often forget things. I write everything down.

I often forget things, so I write everything down.

I heard what you said. What did you really mean?

I heard what you said, but what did you really mean?

Subordinating conjunctions

• Connect ideas within a sentence.• At the beginning of a subordinate clause.

– Comes first → followed by a comma.

If / even if / only if / unless Condition

As / because / since Cause / reason

Although / though / whereas

Contrast

After / before / when Time sequence

Example:• Because I often forget things, I write

everything down.• I write everything down because I often

forget things.

Transitions

• Connect ideas between sentences or larger sections of text.

• Can come:– At the beginning: preceded by a period or

semicolon and followed by a comma.– In the middle: it’s preceded and followed by a

comma.– At the end: it’s preceded by a comma.

Transitions that connect sentencesType Examples

Addition: additionally, besides, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, and plus.

I remember her telephone number. In addition, I remember what street she lives on.

Condition: otherwise, indicates an opposite result to what is expected.

I need to write down your e-mail address. Otherwise, I’ll forget it.

Contrast: however, in contrast, in spite of this, instead, nevertheless, still and though.

Her speech was good; nevertheless, I can’t support her ideas.

Effect/result: accordingly, as a result, because of this, consequently, otherwise, therefore, and thus.

This new memory technique is helpful. Thus, I recommend it to you.

Relationships in time: after that, afterwards, in the meantime, meanwhile, next, and then.

I went to a memory workshop. Afterwards, I couldn’t remember a single thing.

Transitions that connect blocks of text

Type Examples

List ideas in order of time or importance: finally, first, most importantly, next, second, and third.

First, let’s consider the question of short-term memory.

Give examples: for example and for instance.

I can remember lots of things about people. For example, I always remember what they’re wearing.

Summarize: all in all, in summary, to summarize.

In summary, these are the key points about memory loss.

Add a conclusion: in conclusion, and to conclude.

To conclude, let me just say that we can all improve our memory if we work at it.

•Usually come at the beginning of a sentences•Followed by a comma

Thank you!