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.
Annonce
Conversations
| Cathy and Sarah are studying at the university library. | Cathy et Sarah étudient à la bibliothèque universitaire. | |
| Cathy: | I’m very busy this week because I have two books to read for my course. | Je suis très occupé cette semaine parce que j’ai deux livres à lire pour mon cours. |
| Sarah: | Are the books interesting? | Est-ce que les livres sont intéressants ? |
| 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. | J'aime un livre, mais l'autre est difficile. Je veux finir le livre facile en premier, puis je commencerai le livre difficile. |
| Sarah: | Let me read the books when you are done. | Laisse-moi lire les livres quand tu auras terminé. |
| Cathy: | Sure, no problem. I have a lot to study this week. | Bien sûr, pas de problème. J'ai beaucoup à étudier cette semaine. |
| Sarah: | Me too. I feel very busy with my classes. | Moi aussi. Je me sens très occupé avec mes cours. |
| Cathy: | How many courses do you have this term? | Combien de cours as-tu ce trimestre ? |
| Sarah: | I have five courses, but one course is only four weeks long. | J'ai cinq cours, mais un cours ne dure que quatre semaines. |
| Cathy: | You are busy! We can study for an hour, and after that, we can take a short break. | Tu es occupé ! Nous pouvons étudier pendant une heure, et après ça, nous pouvons faire une courte pause. |
| Sarah: | Good idea. It’s a busy week; however, we are learning many new things. | Bonne idée. C’est une semaine chargée ; cependant, nous apprenons beaucoup de nouvelles choses. |
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 | et |
| also | aussi |
Giving a Reason
We use these words to explain why something happens.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| because | parce que |
Showing Contrast
We use these words to show two different or opposite ideas
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| but | mais |
| however | cependent |
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 | ensuite |
| after that | après cela |
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 | donc |
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)
