Connectives (because, so that, but, so, and, Therefore, However, Although, Even if)

Super Study Notes: Conjunctions and Linking Words!

Hello super students!

Have you ever built something with LEGO bricks? You need those little connecting pieces to stick them all together, right? In English, we have special words that join our ideas and sentences together. In grammar, we call these conjunctions and linking adverbs (sometimes called linking words or connectives)!

In these notes, we'll learn how to use these amazing "word glues" to build strong compound and complex sentences.

Co-ordinating Conjunctions: Joining Ideas with 'And', 'But', and 'So'

Co-ordinating conjunctions join two main clauses or ideas of equal importance together into a compound sentence.

1. Adding with 'And'

And is used to join two similar ideas or add extra information.

- I like apples. I like bananas.
Becomes...
- I like apples and bananas.

- Tom is tall and strong.

2. Showing Opposites with 'But'

But is used in the middle of a sentence to connect two contrasting or opposite ideas.

- I want to play outside, but it is raining.
- She is small, but she is very strong.

3. Showing Results with 'So'

So links an action to its result or outcome.

- It was very sunny, so we went to the beach.
- I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.

Key Takeaway

And, but, and so are co-ordinating conjunctions that link equal parts of a sentence.

Subordinating Conjunctions: 'Because', 'Although', 'So That', and 'Even If'

Subordinating conjunctions connect a main clause to a subordinate clause (a clause that gives extra information like reasons, conditions, or purpose).

1. Explaining 'Why' with 'Because'

Because introduces the cause or reason for something happening.

- I am happy because it's my birthday!
- I brought an umbrella because it looked like rain.

2. Showing Surprise with 'Although'

Although introduces an unexpected contrast. It can go in the middle or at the front of a sentence. When it goes at the start, use a comma after the first clause!

- Although he was tired, he finished his homework. (Comma after the fronted clause)
- We had fun at the picnic, although the weather was not great.

3. Showing Purpose with 'So That'

So that explains the goal or purpose of doing an action (unlike so, which shows the result).

- I saved my pocket money so that I could buy a new toy. (Purpose)
- Please be quiet so that the baby can sleep.

4. Setting Strong Conditions with 'Even If'

Even if shows that an outcome will happen no matter what condition arises. When placed at the beginning, remember to place a comma after the clause!

- Even if it rains, we are still going to the football match.
- He wouldn't eat the broccoli, even if you covered it in chocolate!

Punctuation Tip

When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence (like Although... or Even if...), place a comma at the end of that opening clause.

Linking Adverbs: 'However' and 'Therefore'

However and Therefore are not conjunctions; they are linking adverbs (cohesive devices). They connect two independent sentences and are followed by a comma.

1. Strong Contrast with 'However'

However is a formal way to show contrast between two full sentences.

- It was very cold. However, we still went swimming.

2. Formal Results with 'Therefore'

Therefore introduces a formal conclusion or result between sentences.

- He studied very hard. Therefore, he got a good grade on the test.

Summary Chart

Co-ordinating Conjunctions: and (addition), but (contrast), so (result)
Subordinating Conjunctions: because (reason), although (contrast), so that (purpose), even if (condition)
Linking Adverbs: However, (contrast), Therefore, (result)