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.
विज्ञापन
Conversations
| Cathy and Sarah are studying at the university library. | Cathy और Sarah यूनिवर्सिटी लाइब्रेरी में पढ़ रही हैं। | |
| Cathy: | I’m very busy this week because I have two books to read for my course. | मैं इस हफ़्ते बहुत बिज़ी हूँ क्योंकि मुझे अपने कोर्स के लिए दो किताबें पढ़नी हैं। |
| Sarah: | Are the books interesting? | क्या किताबें इंटरेस्टिंग हैं? |
| 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. | मुझे एक किताब पसंद है, लेकिन दूसरी मुश्किल है। मैं पहले आसान किताब खत्म करना चाहती हूँ, और फिर मुश्किल किताब शुरू करूँगी। |
| Sarah: | Let me read the books when you are done. | जब तुम खत्म कर लो तो मुझे किताबें पढ़ने दो। |
| Cathy: | Sure, no problem. I have a lot to study this week. | ज़रूर, कोई प्रॉब्लम नहीं। मुझे इस हफ़्ते बहुत कुछ पढ़ना है। |
| Sarah: | Me too. I feel very busy with my classes. | मैं भी। मैं अपनी क्लास में बहुत बिज़ी महसूस कर रही हूँ। |
| Cathy: | How many courses do you have this term? | इस टर्म में तुम्हारे कितने कोर्स हैं? |
| Sarah: | I have five courses, but one course is only four weeks long. | मेरे पास पाँच कोर्स हैं, लेकिन एक कोर्स सिर्फ़ चार हफ़्ते का है। |
| Cathy: | You are busy! We can study for an hour, and after that, we can take a short break. | तुम बिज़ी हो! हम एक घंटे पढ़ सकते हैं, और उसके बाद, हम थोड़ा ब्रेक ले सकते हैं। |
| Sarah: | Good idea. It’s a busy week; however, we are learning many new things. | अच्छा आइडिया है। यह एक बिज़ी हफ़्ता है; हालाँकि, हम बहुत सी नई चीज़ें सीख रहे हैं। |
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 | और |
| also | भी |
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. | मैंने दुकान से सेब और संतरे खरीदे। |
| She likes to read books and watch movies. | उसे किताबें पढ़ना और फिल्में देखना पसंद है। |
| He plays guitar, and he also sings. | वह गिटार बजाता है, और वह गाता भी है। |
Choice and Alternatives
These connectors are used to provide choices and alternatives.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| or | या |
| alternatively | वैकल्पिक रूप से |
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. | हम अभी निकल सकते हैं, या हम कल तक इंतजार कर सकते हैं। |
| Would you like tea or coffee? | क्या आप चाय लेंगे या कॉफी? |
| Alternatively, we could take the train. | वरना, हम ट्रेन ले सकते हैं। |
Giving a Reason
We use the connector because to explain why something happens.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| because | क्योंकि |
| since | क्योंकि |
Examples
| I stayed home because I was sick. | मैं घर पर रहा क्योंकि मैं बीमार था। |
| She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam. | उसने कड़ी मेहनत की क्योंकि वह परीक्षा पास करना चाहती थी। |
| Since the shop was closed, we left. | चूंकि दुकान बंद थी, हम वहाँ से चले गए। |
Showing Contrast
We use these words to connect two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| but | लेकिन |
| however | तथापि |
Examples
| I have two books, but one is difficult. | मेरे पास दो किताबें हैं, लेकिन एक मुश्किल है। |
| The book is long. However, it is interesting. | किताब लंबी है। फिर भी, यह दिलचस्प है। |
Showing Time or Order
We use these words to show two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| then | फिर |
| after that | उसके बाद |
Examples
| I will read this book, then I will start the next one. | मैं यह किताब पढ़ूंगा, फिर मैं अगली शुरू करूंगा। |
| I finish my homework. After that, I go to class. | मैं अपना होमवर्क खत्म करता हूँ। उसके बाद, मैं क्लास में जाता हूँ। |
Showing Results
We use these words to show the effect of something.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| so | इसलिए |
| therefore | इसलिए |
Examples
| You work hard, so you will do well. | आप मेहनत करते हैं, इसलिए आप अच्छा करेंगे। |
| I have many courses, so I am very busy. | मेरे पास कई कोर्स हैं, इसलिए मैं बहुत व्यस्त हूँ। |
| The road was closed; therefore, we took another route. | सड़क बंद थी; इसलिए, हमने दूसरा रास्ता लिया। |
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)