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.
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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 connectors that are used in conversational English.
Adding Information
We use these connectors to add more information.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| and | y |
| also | también |
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. | Compré manzanas y naranjas en la tienda. |
| She likes to read books and watch movies. | A ella le gusta leer libros y ver películas. |
| He plays guitar, and he also sings. | Él toca la guitarra y también canta. |
Choice and Alternatives
These connectors are used to provide choices and alternatives.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| or | o |
| alternatively | alternativamente |
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. | Podemos irnos ahora o esperar hasta mañana. |
| Would you like tea or coffee? | ¿Prefiere té o café? |
| Alternatively, we could take the train. | Alternativamente, podríamos tomar el tren. |
Giving a Reason
We use the connector because to explain why something happens.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| because | porque |
| since | porque |
Examples
| I stayed home because I was sick. | Me quedé en casa porque estaba enfermo. |
| She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam. | Ella estudió mucho porque quería aprobar el examen. |
| Since the shop was closed, we left. | Como la tienda estaba cerrada, nos fuimos. |
Showing Contrast
We use these words to connect two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| but | pero |
| however | sin embargo |
Examples
| I have two books, but one is difficult. | Tengo dos libros, pero uno es difícil. |
| The book is long. However, it is interesting. | El libro es largo. Sin embargo, es interesante. |
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. | Leeré este libro, luego empezaré el siguiente. |
| I finish my homework. After that, I go to class. | Termino mis deberes. Después, voy a clase. |
Showing Results
We use these words to show the effect of something.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| so | así |
| therefore | por lo tanto |
Examples
| You work hard, so you will do well. | Trabajas duro, así que tendrás éxito. |
| I have many courses, so I am very busy. | Tengo muchas clases, así que estoy muy ocupado. |
| The road was closed; therefore, we took another route. | La carretera estaba cerrada, por lo que tomamos otra ruta. |
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)