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Also known as discourse markers or linkers, connectors can be split into four basic categories.
Let us revise them...
RESULT
or comma + and.
d) Therefore and consequently can also be used before a main verb, e.g. We have therefore /
consequently decided not to offer you the job.
REASON
1. I have stopped writing to her, because / as / since she never answers me.
2. The plane was late because of the fog.
3. Flight 341 has been delayed due to / owing to adverse weather conditions.
a) Because, as, and since (more formal) are used to introduce clauses giving a reason and are
synonyms. As is often used at the beginning of a sentence, e.g. As the weather is so awful,
we've decided not to go out.
b) Because of, due to, and owing to also express the reason for something. They are usually
followed by a noun.
c) Due to and owing to are more formal than because of.
PURPOSE
a) To, in order to and so as to introduce a clause of purpose and are all followed by an infinitive.
So as to and in order to are more formal.
b) For negative purpose use in order not to or so as not to. It is incorrect: She closed the door
quietly not to wake the baby.
c) You can also use so (that) + can or could + verb or will I would + verb to express purpose.
You can leave out (omit) the word that in informal speech and writing.
d) You must use so (that) when there is a change of subject in the result clause, e.g. She put a
rug over the baby so (that) he wouldn't be cold.
e) Use in case + clause.. when we do something in order to be ready for future situations /
problems or to avoid them.
CONTRAST
ACTIVITY: Choose the right connector in each sentence. Then check the correct answers.
1. EVEN THOUGH / DESPITE she's working really hard, I don't think she'll be able to
catch up with the rest of the class.
2. We can't afford to have a holiday this year AS / SO we've got an overdraft at the bank.
3. Marina's father-in-law was a very difficult man. NEVERTHELESS / CONSEQUENTLY
she couldn't help disliking him all her life.
4. Could we re-arrange my timetable SO THAT / IN CASE I don't have so many classes
on a Friday afternoon?
5. At the meeting Mrs. Wilson stuck to her guns DUE TO / IN SPITE OF the fact that
everybody was against her.
6. EVEN THOUGH / DESPITE being one of the best players, Marcelo lost the match.
7. The restaurant chain has had a very difficult year. NEVERTHELESS / AS A RESULT,
they haven't had to close any of their restaurants.
8. I agreed to help them over the weekend IN CASE / ALTHOUGH I didn't feel like it.
9. He gets a good salary THOUGH / SINCE the job itself is quite monotonous.
Connectors 1
ACTIVITY: Rewrite the sentences using the connector in bold and making any necessary changes.
Then check the correct answers.
1. She wrote down the appointment so that she wouldn't forget the time (SO AS NOT TO)
2. The cruise is being cancelled because the weather is going to be bad. (OWING TO)
3. The motorway is closed until further notice due to resurfacing (AS A RESULT)
4. There are rocks on the track so the rail service to Buenos Aires has been temporarily
suspended. (BECAUSE OF)
The rail service to Buenos Aires ..
..
5. He decided to apply for the job although he didn't meet all the requirements. (DESPITE)
6. You are being sent a reminder since we have not received payment for your last bill.
(CONSEQUENTLY)
...
7. The customer made an official complaint because the waiter had been rude. (DUE TO)