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.
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Conversations
| Cathy and Sarah are studying at the university library. | 凯茜和莎拉正在大学图书馆学习。 | |
| Cathy: | I’m very busy this week because I have two books to read for my course. | 我这周非常忙，因为我有两本书要为我的课程阅读。 |
| Sarah: | Are the books interesting? | 这些书有趣吗？ |
| 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. | 我喜欢一本书，但另一本很难。我想先把简单的那本看完，然后再开始看难的那本。 |
| Sarah: | Let me read the books when you are done. | 等你看完书，我再看吧。 |
| Cathy: | Sure, no problem. I have a lot to study this week. | 好的，没问题。我这周有很多东西要学。 |
| Sarah: | Me too. I feel very busy with my classes. | 我也是。这么多课，感觉好忙。 |
| Cathy: | How many courses do you have this term? | 你这学期选了多少门课？ |
| Sarah: | I have five courses, but one course is only four weeks long. | 我选了五门课，但其中一门只有四周。 |
| Cathy: | You are busy! We can study for an hour, and after that, we can take a short break. | 你真忙！我们可以学习一个小时，然后休息一会儿。 |
| Sarah: | Good idea. It’s a busy week; however, we are learning many new things. | 好主意。这周确实很忙，不过我们学到了很多新东西。 |
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 | 和 |
| also | 也 |
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. | 我在商店买了苹果和橙子。 |
| She likes to read books and watch movies. | 她喜欢读书和看电影。 |
| He plays guitar, and he also sings. | 他弹吉他，也会唱歌。 |
Choice and Alternatives
These connectors are used to provide choices and alternatives.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| or | 或者 |
| alternatively | 或者 |
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. | 我们现在可以走，或者我们可以等到明天。 |
| Would you like tea or coffee? | 你想喝茶还是咖啡？ |
| Alternatively, we could take the train. | 或者，我们也可以坐火车。 |
Giving a Reason
We use the connector because to explain why something happens.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| because | 因为 |
| since | 因为 |
Examples
| I stayed home because I was sick. | 我因为生病所以待在家里。 |
| She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam. | 她努力学习因为她想通过考试。 |
| Since the shop was closed, we left. | 因为那家店关门了，我们就离开了。 |
Showing Contrast
We use these words to connect two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| but | 但是 |
| however | 然而 |
Examples
| I have two books, but one is difficult. | 我有两本书，但有一本很难。 |
| The book is long. However, it is interesting. | 这本书很长。不过，它很有趣。 |
Showing Time or Order
We use these words to show two different or opposite ideas.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| then | 然后 |
| after that | 之后 |
Examples
| I will read this book, then I will start the next one. | 我会读这本书，然后我会开始下一本。 |
| I finish my homework. After that, I go to class. | 我完成了作业。之后，我去上课。 |
Showing Results
We use these words to show the effect of something.
| Connector | Meaning |
|---|---|
| so | 所以 |
| therefore | 因此 |
Examples
| You work hard, so you will do well. | 你很努力，所以你会做得很好。 |
| I have many courses, so I am very busy. | 我有很多课程，所以我很忙。 |
| The road was closed; therefore, we took another route. | 道路封闭了，因此我们走了另一条路。 |
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)