3. Connectors
Overview
When we speak or write in English, we often need to join ideas together. We use connectors to do this. Connectors are words like and, but, because, and so. They help our sentences sound smoother and more natural.
In this lesson, you will learn some common connectors and how to use them. You will see them in a short conversation, practice them in exercises, and try them in your own sentences. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to connect your ideas more clearly and communicate with more confidence.
الإعلانات
Conversations
| Cathy and Sarah are studying at the university library. | ||
| Cathy: | I’m very busy this week because I have two books to read for my course. | |
| Sarah: | Are the books interesting? | |
| Cathy: | I like one book, but the other one is difficult. I want to finish the easy book first, and then I will start the difficult one. | |
| Sarah: | Let me read the books when you are done. | |
| Cathy: | Sure, no problem. I have a lot to study this week. | |
| Sarah: | Me too. I feel very busy with my classes. | |
| Cathy: | How many courses do you have this term? | |
| Sarah: | I have five courses, but one course is only four weeks long. | |
| Cathy: | You are busy! We can study for an hour, and after that, we can take a short break. | |
| Sarah: | Good idea. It’s a busy week; however, we are learning many new things. |
Grammar: Connectors (Linking Words)
Connectors are small words that help us join ideas. They make our speaking and writing easier to understand. Here are some common connectors that are used in conversational English.
Adding Information
We use these connectors to add more information.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| and | و |
| also | أيضًا |
When and connects two complete sentences, a comma is required after the first sentence. If also starts a sentence, a comma is used after it.
Examples
| I bought apples and oranges at the store. | اشتريت تفاحًا وبرتقالًا من المتجر |
| She likes to read books and watch movies. | هي تحب قراءة الكتب ومشاهدة الأفلام |
| He plays guitar, and he also sings. | هو يعزف على الغيتار، وأيضاً يغني |
Choice and Alternatives
These connectors are used to provide choices and alternatives.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| or | أو |
| alternatively | بدلاً من ذلك |
When or connects two complete sentences, a comma is required after the first sentence. Alternatively requires a comma after it.
Examples
| We can leave now, or we can wait until tomorrow. | يمكننا المغادرة الآن، أو يمكننا الانتظار حتى الغد |
| Would you like tea or coffee? | هل ترغب بالشاي أو القهوة؟ |
| Alternatively, we could take the train. | وبدلا من ذلك، يمكننا أن نستقل القطار |
Giving a Reason
We use the connector because to explain why something happens.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| because | لأن |
| since | منذ |
Examples
| I stayed home because I was sick. | بقيت في البيت لأنني كنت مريضًا |
| She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam. | درست بجد لأنها أرادت أن تجتاز الامتحان |
| Since the shop was closed, we left. | وبما أن المتجر كان مغلقا، غادرنا |
Showing Contrast
We use these words to connect two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| but | لكن |
| however | مع ذلك |
Examples
| I have two books, but one is difficult. | لدي كتابان، لكن أحدهما صعب |
| The book is long. However, it is interesting. | الكتاب طويل. ومع ذلك، فهو مثير للاهتمام |
Showing Time or Order
We use these words to show two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| then | ثم |
| after that | بعد ذلك |
Examples
| I will read this book, then I will start the next one. | سأقرأ هذا الكتاب، ثم سأبدأ الكتاب التالي |
| I finish my homework. After that, I go to class. | أنهي واجباتي المنزلية. بعد ذلك أذهب إلى الفصل |
Showing Results
We use these words to show the effect of something.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| so | لذا |
| therefore | لذلك |
Examples
| You work hard, so you will do well. | أنت تعمل بجد، لذلك سوف تنجح |
| I have many courses, so I am very busy. | لدي العديد من الدورات، لذلك أنا مشغول جدًا. |
| The road was closed; therefore, we took another route. | لقد تم إغلاق الطريق، لذلك سلكنا طريقًا آخر. |
Quiz
Use the connector in parentheses to join the two sentences together. Make sure to use a comma when required.
Example
Question: The cat is black. He is small. (and)
Answer: The cat is black, and he is small.
1) Cathy has two books. One is difficult. (but)
2) Sarah studies. She wants to learn more. (because)
3) They take a break. They start studying. (and after that)
4) The class is short. It is helpful. (however)
5) Cathy reads her notes. She watches videos. (and)
6) Sarah has many courses. She is very busy. (so)
7) I will read this chapter. I will take a break. (then)
8) We can go to the beach. We can go hiking. (or)