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.
Anúncio
Conversations
| Cathy and Sarah are studying at the university library. | Cathy e Sarah estão estudando na biblioteca da universidade. | |
| Cathy: | I’m very busy this week because I have two books to read for my course. | Estou muito ocupado esta semana porque tenho dois livros para ler para o meu curso. |
| Sarah: | Are the books interesting? | Os livros são interessantes? |
| 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. | Gosto de um livro, mas o outro é difícil. Quero terminar o livro fácil primeiro e depois começo o difícil. |
| Sarah: | Let me read the books when you are done. | Deixe-me ler os livros quando terminar. |
| Cathy: | Sure, no problem. I have a lot to study this week. | Claro, sem problema. Tenho muito para estudar esta semana. |
| Sarah: | Me too. I feel very busy with my classes. | Eu também. Estou muito ocupado com as aulas. |
| Cathy: | How many courses do you have this term? | Quantas disciplinas tem neste semestre? |
| Sarah: | I have five courses, but one course is only four weeks long. | Tenho cinco disciplinas, mas uma delas dura apenas quatro semanas. |
| Cathy: | You are busy! We can study for an hour, and after that, we can take a short break. | Você está ocupado! Podemos estudar durante uma hora e depois fazer uma pequena pausa. |
| Sarah: | Good idea. It’s a busy week; however, we are learning many new things. | Boa ideia. É uma semana agitada; no entanto, estamos a aprender muitas coisas novas. |
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 | e |
| also | também |
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. | Comprei maçãs e laranjas na loja. |
| She likes to read books and watch movies. | Ela gosta de ler livros e ver filmes. |
| He plays guitar, and he also sings. | Ele toca guitarra e também canta. |
Choice and Alternatives
These connectors are used to provide choices and alternatives.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| or | ou |
| 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 partir agora ou esperar até amanhã. |
| Would you like tea or coffee? | Quer chá ou café? |
| Alternatively, we could take the train. | Alternativamente, podemos apanhar o comboio. |
Giving a Reason
We use the connector because to explain why something happens.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| because | porque |
| since | como |
Examples
| I stayed home because I was sick. | Fiquei em casa porque estava doente. |
| She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam. | Ela estudou muito porque queria passar no exame. |
| Since the shop was closed, we left. | Como a loja estava fechada, saímos. |
Showing Contrast
We use these words to connect two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| but | mas |
| however | porém |
Examples
| I have two books, but one is difficult. | Tenho dois livros, mas um é difícil. |
| The book is long. However, it is interesting. | O livro é longo. Contudo, é interessante. |
Showing Time or Order
We use these words to show two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| then | depois |
| after that | depois disso |
Examples
| I will read this book, then I will start the next one. | Vou ler este livro, depois começo o próximo. |
| I finish my homework. After that, I go to class. | Termino os meus trabalhos de casa. Depois disso, vou para a aula. |
Showing Results
We use these words to show the effect of something.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| so | por isso |
| therefore | portanto |
Examples
| You work hard, so you will do well. | Trabalhas muito, por isso vais ter sucesso. |
| I have many courses, so I am very busy. | Tenho muitas aulas, por isso estou muito ocupado. |
| The road was closed; therefore, we took another route. | A estrada estava fechada, por isso, tomámos outra rota. |
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)