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.
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 connectors that are used in conversational English.
Adding Information
We use these connectors to add more information.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| and | et |
| also | aussi |
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. | J’ai acheté des pommes et des oranges au magasin. |
| She likes to read books and watch movies. | Elle aime lire des livres et regarder des films. |
| He plays guitar, and he also sings. | Il joue de la guitare et il chante aussi. |
Choice and Alternatives
These connectors are used to provide choices and alternatives.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| or | ou |
| alternatively | alternativement |
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. | Nous pouvons partir maintenant, ou bien attendre jusqu’à demain. |
| Would you like tea or coffee? | Préférez-vous du thé ou du café ? |
| Alternatively, we could take the train. | Alternativement, nous pourrions prendre le train. |
Giving a Reason
We use the connector because to explain why something happens.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| because | parce que |
| since | comme |
Examples
| I stayed home because I was sick. | Je suis resté à la maison parce que j’étais malade. |
| She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam. | Elle a étudié dur parce qu’elle voulait réussir l’examen. |
| Since the shop was closed, we left. | Comme le magasin était fermé, nous sommes partis. |
Showing Contrast
We use these words to connect two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| but | mais |
| however | cependent |
Examples
| I have two books, but one is difficult. | J’ai deux livres, mais l’un est difficile. |
| The book is long. However, it is interesting. | Le livre est long. Néanmoins, il est intéressant. |
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. | Je vais lire ce livre, puis je commencerai le suivant. |
| I finish my homework. After that, I go to class. | Je finis mes devoirs. Ensuite, je vais en cours. |
Showing Results
We use these words to show the effect of something.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| so | donc |
| therefore | donc |
Examples
| You work hard, so you will do well. | Vous travaillez dur, donc vous réussirez. |
| I have many courses, so I am very busy. | J’ai beaucoup de cours, donc je suis très occupée. |
| The road was closed; therefore, we took another route. | La route était fermée, nous avons donc pris un autre itinéraire. |
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)