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.
広告
Conversations
| Cathy and Sarah are studying at the university library. | キャシーとサラは大学の図書館で勉強しています。 | |
| Cathy: | I’m very busy this week because I have two books to read for my course. | 今週は授業のために2冊の本を読まなければならないので、とても忙しいです。 |
| Sarah: | Are the books interesting? | その本は面白いですか？ |
| 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. | 1冊は好きなのですが、もう1冊は難しいです。まずは簡単な本を終わらせて、それから難しい本に取り組みたいです。 |
| Sarah: | Let me read the books when you are done. | あなたが読み終わったら、その本を読ませてください。 |
| Cathy: | Sure, no problem. I have a lot to study this week. | もちろん、問題ありません。今週は勉強することがたくさんあります。 |
| Sarah: | Me too. I feel very busy with my classes. | 私もです。授業がとても忙しいんです。 |
| Cathy: | How many courses do you have this term? | 今学期はいくつの授業がありますか？ |
| Sarah: | I have five courses, but one course is only four weeks long. | 5つの授業があるのですが、1つは4週間しかありません。 |
| Cathy: | You are busy! We can study for an hour, and after that, we can take a short break. | 忙しいですね！1時間勉強して、その後少し休憩しましょう。 |
| Sarah: | Good idea. It’s a busy week; however, we are learning many new things. | いい考えですね。今週は忙しいですが、たくさんの新しいことを学んでいます。 |
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 | そして |
| also | また |
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. | 私は店でリンゴとオレンジを買った。 |
| She likes to read books and watch movies. | 彼女は本を読むのと映画を見るのが好きです。 |
| He plays guitar, and he also sings. | 彼はギターを弾くし、歌も歌うよ。 |
Choice and Alternatives
These connectors are used to provide choices and alternatives.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| or | または |
| alternatively | あるいは |
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. | 今すぐ出発してもいいし、明日まで待ってもいいよ。 |
| Would you like tea or coffee? | お茶にする？それともコーヒー？ |
| Alternatively, we could take the train. | それか、電車に乗るっていう手もあるね。 |
Giving a Reason
We use the connector because to explain why something happens.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| because | なぜなら |
| since | ので |
Examples
| I stayed home because I was sick. | 病気だったから家にいた。 |
| She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam. | 彼女は試験に合格したかったから、一生懸命勉強した。 |
| Since the shop was closed, we left. | お店が閉まっていたから、私たちは出た。 |
Showing Contrast
We use these words to connect two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| but | しかし |
| however | しかしながら |
Examples
| I have two books, but one is difficult. | 本が二冊あるけど、一冊は難しい。 |
| The book is long. However, it is interesting. | その本は長い。でも、面白い。 |
Showing Time or Order
We use these words to show two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| then | それから |
| after that | その後 |
Examples
| I will read this book, then I will start the next one. | この本を読んでから、次の本を始めるよ。 |
| I finish my homework. After that, I go to class. | 宿題を終えたら、そのあとで授業に行く。 |
Showing Results
We use these words to show the effect of something.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| so | それで |
| therefore | したがって |
Examples
| You work hard, so you will do well. | 君は一生懸命働くから、うまくいくよ。 |
| I have many courses, so I am very busy. | 僕はいくつかのコースを持っているから、とても忙しいんだ。 |
| The road was closed; therefore, we took another route. | 道が閉まっていたから、別のルートを通ったんだ。 |
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)