Connectors
Introduction
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.
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Conversations
| Cathy and Sarah are studying at the university library. | Cathy y Sarah están estudiando en la biblioteca de la universidad. | |
| Cathy: | I’m very busy this week because I have two books to read for my course. | Estoy muy ocupado esta semana porque tengo que leer dos libros para mi curso. |
| Sarah: | Are the books interesting? | ¿Son interesantes los libros? |
| 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. | Me gusta un libro, pero el otro es difícil. Quiero terminar primero el libro fácil, y luego empezaré el difícil. |
| Sarah: | Let me read the books when you are done. | Déjame leer los libros cuando termines. |
| Cathy: | Sure, no problem. I have a lot to study this week. | Claro, no hay problema. Tengo mucho que estudiar esta semana. |
| Sarah: | Me too. I feel very busy with my classes. | Yo también. Me siento muy ocupado con mis clases. |
| Cathy: | How many courses do you have this term? | ¿Cuántos cursos tienes este trimestre? |
| Sarah: | I have five courses, but one course is only four weeks long. | Tengo cinco cursos, pero un curso dura solo cuatro semanas. |
| Cathy: | You are busy! We can study for an hour, and after that, we can take a short break. | ¡Estás ocupado! Podemos estudiar durante una hora y, después de eso, podemos tomar un breve descanso. |
| Sarah: | Good idea. It’s a busy week; however, we are learning many new things. | Buena idea. Es una semana ocupada; sin embargo, estamos aprendiendo muchas cosas nuevas. |
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 A2‑level connectors.
Adding Information
We use these words to add more ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| and | y |
| also | también |
Giving a Reason
We use these words to explain why something happens.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| because | porque |
Showing Contrast
We use these words to show two different or opposite ideas
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| but | pero |
| however | sin embargo |
Examples
| I have two books, but one is difficult. | |
| The book is long. However, it is interesting. |
Showing Time or Order
We use these words to show two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| then | entonces |
| after that | después de eso |
Examples
| I will read this book, then I will start the next one. | |
| I finish my homework. After that, I go to class. |
Showing Results
We use these words to show the effect of something.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| so | así |
Examples
| You work hard, so you will do well. | |
| I have many courses, so I am very busy. |
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)
