Linking words (conjunctions in English) are words used to generate connections between ideas, phrases or other words. They can, for example, establish comparison, contrast, cause, among other possibilities.
Read too: Prepositions — short words that express the idea of place, time and direction
Summary of conjunctions in English
- Linking words are words used to generate connections between ideas, phrases or other words.
- They can be coordinated (when they act independently) or subordinate (when there is dependence between ideas).
- They are also subdivided according to function: addition, contrast, cause or time.
- They are frequently used in the language.
What are the linking words?
Linking words (conjunctions in English) are words that establish connections with other words or sentences. They serve to give cohesion to writing and speaking.
What are the types of linking words?
- Coordinating conjunctions (or coordinating linking words): connect elements of the same grammatical class and sentences. The most common are and It is but.
She loves you and me. [additive value]
She loves You It is I.
He loves you but he hates me. [contrast value]
He loves you, but he hates me.
- Subordinating conjunctions (or subordinating linking words):are used when the second sentence needs the first to exist, to become complete, in a relationship of dependence.
I wrote to her after she called me. [time value]
I wrote to her after that she called me.
They came here because they wanted to study. [reason value]
They came here then they wanted to study.
What are the functions of linking words?
→ Linking words with addition function
- And, as well as, in addition to, additionally:
As well as I dreamed of you, I dreamed of them.
Like this I dreamed of you, I dreamed of them.
In addition to the thesis, you must deliver a report.
Besides the thesis, you must deliver a report.
I'm happy. Besides/Furthermore, I'm rich.
I am happy. Furthermore, I'm rich.
→ Linking words with the function of cause, reason, result, motive and objective
- Because, as, since:
To the your car is white, it will be easier to sell.
Given that If your car is white, it will be easier to sell.
I would forgive you because I like you so much.
I would forgive you why I like you very much.
The words above can either start or be in the middle of prayers. Below we have only, which always needs to be in the middle of the prayer if we then talk about a result.
- Only:
America has a problem, only I have to help by being part of the solution. (reason + so + result)
America has a problem, thenI need to help by being part of the solution.
- So, so that, so as, in order that:
In order that we achieve what we want, we must persist.
ForIf we achieve what we want, we need to persist.
We must go on just as/so thatwe can get to the finish line.
We need to go forward for we can reach the finish line.
Important: Some expressions similar to only they are as a result It is therefore. An expression similar to because é due to.
→ Linking words with contrast function
- But, although, although, even though:
He's handsome, but he's not smart.
He is handsome, but It's not smart.
Although It is though They can be at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence. The second is much more used in speech. The first, in writing.
I'm happy, although/though I have no money.
I am happy, despite not having money.
Althoughpeople are selfish, we can find good friends.
Even if people are selfish, we can find good friendships.
Even though offers greater contrast, but is used in the same way.
Even thoughthe world is crazy, I'll do my best.
Even thoughthe world is crazy, I will do my best.
- Even if:
Also widely used, with a meaning close to even though, but not identical, as we can see with the translation:
Even if the teacher is strict, I’ll try harder.
Even if If the teacher is strict, I will try harder.
- Consideration:
He's not that handsome, whereas his sister is gorgeous.
He's not that beautiful, while his sister is stunning.
Important: Some expressions similar to but they are despite, however, in spite of It is on the other hand.
→ Linking words with time function
- When, after, before, until, since, while, once, as, as soon:
I'll arrive as soon as I can.
I will arrive as soon as I can.
Keep walking as/while I talk.
Keep walking whileI speak.
I'll finish it once I'm able to.
I will finish this as soon as I can.
I've been waiting sincerely last night.
I've been waiting since the last night.
I'll be backuntil7pm.
I will be back untilat 7 pm.
Before next week, please return the books.
Before next week, please return the books.
After the rain, I'll go out.
After out of the rain, I will go out.
I'll go out whenit stops raining.
I will leave whenstop raining.
List of some linking words
Linking words | |
Furthermore |
Furthermore |
Furthermore |
What is more |
Again |
Once again |
Then |
Then |
Besides |
However |
Correspondingly |
Correspondingly |
Indeed |
In fact |
Regarding |
About |
Conversely |
Oppositely |
Otherwise |
In another way |
Hence |
Therefore |
Likewise |
Similarly |
For example/For instance |
For example |
Such as |
Such as |
Firstly, secondly, etc. |
Firstly, secondly, etc. |
See too:pronouns — words that replace a noun or noun phrase
Solved exercises on conjunctions in English
Question 1
Observe the following sentences:
I. They love you and me.
II. They love you. Also, they love me.
In these two sentences, we have the same value in relation to the linking words marked in bold. Which would be?
In time
B) Cause
C) Contrast
D) Addition
Resolution:
Alternative D
What is the translation of the sentences? “She/they love you and me” and “She/they love you. Also, they love me.” We realize that the value is in adding ideas, in phrasal elements. We have no value of time, cause or contrast.
Question 2
Which linking words do they fulfill a time function?
A) Additionally
B) Instead of
C) Rather than
D) After, then
Resolution:
Alternative D
Alternative A brings the expression additionally, “additionally”, meaning addition. In alternative B, we have, as a translation, “instead of”, the idea of contrast. In alternative C, once again, the idea is of contrast. We are left with alternative D, with two expressions: after, “after”, and then, "then".
By Beta Maria Xavier Reis
English teacher
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/ingles/linking-words-conjuncoes-em-ingles.htm
