connectives are words or expressions that establish Connections between words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs, providing a logical and cohesive organization to the text.
usually composed of conjunctions, connectives can also be formed by adverbs, prepositions, pronouns, adjectival phrases or even complete sentences.
These linguistic elements play a strategic role in the structuring and organization of utterances, giving cohesion and making the message more understandable for the reader.
There are several types of connectives, classified according to function they play in the utterance. Below is a list of the main types:
addition connectives
This type of connector, as the name already indicates, adds information to a thought already developed in the text.
Main connectors:
and also, yet, not only... as also, finally, not just, then, as, moreover, in addition, as well as, not only, nor, in the same way, afterwards.
Examples of addition connectives:
- astrid is smart It is dedicated to studies.
- not only flew planes, as also helicopters.
- Peter was an excellent student. Furthermore, also liked to play sports.
toggle connectives
They are used to indicate choices or options different in a text, establishing a contrast between them.
Main connectors:
or or... or, well... well, now... yeah, be... be, want... want, maybe... maybe not... nor, alternatively, so much... how much, so much...as.
Examples of alternating connectors:
- We can choose between going to the movies or dinner at a good restaurant.
- tereza now studied biology, now mathematics.
- The project can be developed so much by the internal team as by a third-party company.
cause connectives
We use it to point out a cause and effect relationship, explaining the motive or the reason of something.
Main connectors:
because, since, since, since, given that, since, because of, thanks to, owing to.
Examples of cause connectives:
- The traffic was congested why there was an accident on the highway.
- Antonio missed the flight, then the bus delay meant that he arrived at the airport late.
- Since the company faced financial difficulties, had to lay off some employees.
comparison connectives
They are used to establish comparisons between different elements, ideas or situations. They allow to express similarities, differences or equalities between ideas in the text.
Main connectors:
in the same way, likewise, likewise, likewise, likewise, just as... like, similarly, so... as, as, as, in the same way, in the same way, in the same way, similarly.
Examples of comparison connectives:
- the car is equally fast to the train.
- the soccer team so good how much the basketball team.
- In the same way who is intelligent is dedicated to household chores.
grant connectives
They express an idea of contrast, opposition or concession in relation to what was previously stated. They introduce information that apparently goes against expectation or expected logic.
Main connectors:
although, even though, even though, even though, even though, despite the fact that, even though, even so, notwithstanding, nevertheless, despite the fact that, in any case, even though.
Examples of grant connectives:
- Despite having woken up late, I managed to arrive on time for the meeting.
- Even though be tired, we need to finish this project today.
- Although studied hard for the test, I couldn't get a high grade.
Conclusion connectives
Conclusion connectives are used to express an idea of closure, finalization or result. They are used at the end of a text, paragraph or argument, indicating that a conclusion is being presented.
Main connectors:
therefore, so, therefore, therefore, accordingly, therefore, therefore, therefore, in conclusion, in conclusion.
Examples of concluding connectors:
- I studied a lot for the test, therefore, I am confident that I will get a good grade.
- The arguments presented make it clear that sustainability is fundamental for the future of the planet. Like this, it is urgent to take measures to preserve the environment.
- Investing in education is essential for the development of a society. Soon, it is essential that governments prioritize investment in this area.
condition connectives
condition connectives or hypothesis are used to establish a dependency relationship between two ideas, expressing a condition or a assumption.
Main connectors:
if, in case, provided that, provided that, except if, except if, unless, unless, unless.
Examples of condition connectives:
- if If you study hard, you will achieve good results.
- as long as If you follow the instructions, everything will be fine.
- Since fulfill their responsibilities, there will be no problems.
compliance connectors
They are used to express the relationship of agreement, conformity or concordance between two presented ideas.
Main connectors:
as, according to, according to, according to, consonant.
Examples of compliance connectors:
- According to scientific studies, a sedentary lifestyle is associated with several health problems.
- According to According to the official report, the country's economy showed significant growth in the last quarter.
- Second company guidelines, all employees must follow the established code of conduct.
comparison connectives
They establish relations of similarity or difference between two or more ideas.
Main connectors:
as, as, as, as, as, as, more than, less than.
Examples of comparison connectives:
- The new house is so spacious as the old one.
- She is more high than your younger sister.
- No doubt Jonah is any less intelligent than Renata.
doubt connectives
Doubt connectives express uncertainty, questioning or indecision in relation to an idea presented in the text.
Main connectors:
perhaps, possibly, probably, who knows, maybe, it's possible that, it's possible that, perhaps, perhaps, who knows, for sure.
Examples of doubtful connectives:
- Perhaps I go to the movies tonight.
- Possibly there will be changes to the project schedule.
- It will be that she will accept the invitation to the party?
Example Connectors
The exemplification, clarification, explanation or particularization connectives have the function of introducing examples, illustrations or evidence to support an idea or specify something.
Main connectors:
for example, that is, that is to say, namely, in other words, that (not) means that, in particular, it is the case for, among others, specifically.
Examples of example connectors:
- There are many environmental problems that affect the planet, for example, deforestation, air pollution and water scarcity.
- There are different sports practiced in Brazil, namely soccer, volleyball and swimming.
- Public transport is essential for urban mobility, in particular in large, congested cities.
purpose connectives
Purpose or intentionality connectives designate the intention, purpose or objective of a certain action, event or situation mentioned in the speech.
Main connectors:
for, in order to, with a view to, with a view to, with a view to, with a view to and in order to.
Examples of purpose connectives:
- Students studied hard for get good marks on the exam.
- We exercised regularly with the aim of improve our physical resistance.
- The family saved money in order to travel on vacation and discover new places.
place connectives
They are used to indicate the location, direction, position or displacement of people, objects or events.
Main connectors:
here, there, there, there, near, next to, further, next to, above, below, inside, outside, above, below, in the middle.
Examples of place connectives:
- the park is next to from the library.
- the ball fell down there, in the neighbors' backyard.
- the supermarket is here, on the corner of the street.
negation connectives
They express the idea of denial, contradiction or opposition to a previously mentioned statement.
Main connectors:
not, nor, ever, not at all, not at all, not at all; neither, under any circumstances.
Examples of negative connectives:
- No I want to go to the cinema today.
- Nor she nor I agree with that decision.
- Never I will forgive this betrayal.
opposition connectives
Connectives of opposition, contrast, restriction or reservation express the idea of contrast, disagreement or opposition in relation to a previously presented point of view, idea or situation.
Main connectors:
but, however, nevertheless, nevertheless, however, despite that, otherwise, even though, despite that, notwithstanding, instead of, on the contrary, on the other hand.
Examples of oppositional connectives:
- He studied a lot, but failed to achieve the required grade.
- The company made significant profits in the last quarter, although faces financial challenges.
- She is talented, however You need to improve your communication skills.
Priority connectives
Priority or relevance connectives have the function of establishing the importance of certain elements within a context. Indicate that something is considered more relevant, urgent, or essential than other information presented.
Main connectors:
primarily, first of all, above all, first of all, first of all, a priori, a priori, a posteriori.
Examples of priority connectives:
- Firstly, it is necessary to set clear goals to achieve success.
- Is important, first of all, take care of health and well-being.
- Above all, we must prioritize the safety of workers in any environment.
proportion connectives
Proportion connectives establish a proportion relationship, indicating the correspondence or measure between two parts of speech.
Main connectors:
as, as, as, the more... more, the less... least, insofar as, whereas.
Examples of proportion connectives:
- Measure who studied, the student acquired more knowledge.
- How much more exercise, more physical stamina is gained.
- to the extent that time passes, memories become more distant.
Recast Connectors
These connectives are responsible for indicating a reformulation, restatement or summary of what was said earlier in the text.
Main connectors:
that is, said otherwise, in other words, that is, so to speak, said otherwise, or rather, in other terms.
Examples of rephrasing connectives:
- The company offers several payment options, i.e., the customer can choose between bank slip, credit card or bank transfer.
- The situation is complicated, put another way, we are facing major challenges that demand immediate solutions.
- The result of the experiment was satisfactory, in other words, the collected data confirm the initial hypothesis.
sequence connectives
They establish a relationship of continuity between ideas, allowing the reader to easily follow the progression of facts.
Main connectors:
firstly, next, after, lastly, lastly, subsequently, in the first place, before, after, concluding, to finish, in summary, finalizing.
Examples of string connectives:
- Firstly, I will present the problem in question.
- We will discuss possible solutions to this situation right away.
- Right after lunch, we will analyze the impacts of the adopted measures.
surprise connectives
They are used to express an unexpected contrast or a breach of expectation in the text.
Main connectors:
suddenly, but nevertheless, surprisingly, unexpectedly, on the contrary, suddenly, suddenly.
Examples of surprise connectors:
- He was known to be a serious and reserved man, but, surprisingly, revealed his funny side during the party.
- Everyone expected her to give up in the face of difficulties. However, she persisted and achieved success.
- The result of the game was unexpectedly favorable for the team that was at a disadvantage.
Connectives for introduction, development and conclusion
Connectives play a key role in building the argument in an essay, providing cohesion and coherence to the text. They are used both at the beginning of sentences and between sentences, paragraphs and in the resumption of ideas, ensuring the fluidity and consistency of the text.
Essays are usually divided into introduction, development and conclusion. Connectives must be used according to the characteristics of each of these three parts.
Introduction
In the introduction of a dissertation-argumentative text, we have the presentation of the subject or theme, that is, the thesis that will be explored throughout the text. Therefore, it is recommended to use connectors that express:
- importance (moreover, above all, principally, notably, indisputably)
- Goal (for, in order to, with a view to, with a view to, with a view to)
- Purpose (in order that, with a view to, with a view to)
- Temporality (while, before, as soon as, after, when)
Development
For the development, where the argument unfolds, it is possible to use different connectors, such as:
- Priority (above all, above all, first of all, above all)
- Time (after, before, during, after, when)
- Conformity (according to, according to, according to, according to)
- Condition (case, provided that, unless, provided that)
- Opposition (but, however, nevertheless, however, nevertheless)
- Exemplification (for example, that is, that is to say, namely, in other words)
Conclusion
Concluding connectors are essential to end an essay in a cohesive way. They summarize the ideas presented and indicate to the reader that the argument has come to an end.
Examples: therefore, thus, therefore, therefore, consequently, consequently, finally, in conclusion, in conclusion.
IMPORTANT: connectives should be used in the essay in moderation, in order to avoid repetitions and make the text tiring. Therefore, they should not be used indiscriminately.
Bibliography:
CUNHA, Celso; CINTRA, Lindley. New grammar of contemporary Portuguese. Rio de Janeiro, Lexikon, 2013.
KOCH, Ingedore Villaca. The Textual Cohesion. São Paulo: Context, 2010.
See too:
- Pronoun
- Adjective
- examples of adjectives
- Preposition
- Conjunction