Connectors & Linking Words
Make your English flow naturally — contrast · addition · result · concession
↔️ Contrast Connectors
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however / nevertheless / yet / stillhowever = "despite that" — most common. Starts a new sentence or is set off by commas mid-sentence.
nevertheless = more formal version of however.
yet / still = "but" — more concise, often mid-sentence.
nevertheless = more formal version of however.
yet / still = "but" — more concise, often mid-sentence.
DailyIt was raining. However, we went out anyway.
DailyThe restaurant was expensive. Nevertheless, it was worth it.
DailyShe is young, yet very experienced.
DailyHe was tired; he still finished the work.
contrastunexpected result
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although / even though / thoughalthough / even though / though = introduce a contrast clause (subject + verb). Even though is stronger than although.
These need a full clause after them.
These need a full clause after them.
DailyAlthough it was cold, we went for a walk.
DailyEven though I was exhausted, I finished the report.
DailyI enjoyed the film, though the ending was weak.
although and though can start or finish a sentence. Even though usually starts the sentence.
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despite / in spite ofdespite and in spite of = same meaning, but they need a noun or V-ing after them — NOT a clause.
DailyDespite the rain, we had fun.
DailyIn spite of feeling tired, she went to the gym.
✓Despite being tired, she went to the gym.
✗Despite she was tired… (use "although" for clauses)
⚖️ Paired Conjunctions
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neither…nor / either…orneither…nor = not A and not B (both are excluded).
either…or = A or B — a choice between two options.
Verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.
either…or = A or B — a choice between two options.
Verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.
DailyNeither the coffee nor the tea was hot. (both were cold)
DailyI like neither football nor cricket.
DailyEither you call him or I will.
DailyYou can have either tea or coffee.
✓Neither Tom nor his friends were invited. (plural nearest)
✗Neither Tom or his friends. (use "nor" not "or" with neither)
negation (neither)choice (either)
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not only…but also / both…andnot only…but also = emphasises that TWO things are true. When "not only" starts the sentence, the subject and verb INVERT.
both…and = stresses equal importance of two things.
both…and = stresses equal importance of two things.
DailyShe is not only smart but also very hardworking.
DailyNot only did he arrive late, but he also forgot his bag. (inversion: "did he" not "he did")
DailyI enjoy both reading and writing.
DailyBoth the food and the service were excellent.
additionemphasis
➡️ Cause & Effect
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therefore / thus / hence / as a result / sotherefore / thus / hence = formal cause and effect.
as a result / consequently = slightly less formal.
so = informal, common in speech.
as a result / consequently = slightly less formal.
so = informal, common in speech.
DailyHe missed the bus; therefore, he was late.
DailyIt rained all day. As a result, the match was cancelled.
DailyI was hungry, so I made a sandwich.
cause & effectconsequence
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while / whereas / on the other handwhile / whereas = direct comparison of two different or contrasting things (used in same sentence).
on the other hand = introduces the opposing view (in a new sentence).
on the other hand = introduces the opposing view (in a new sentence).
DailyI prefer tea, while my brother likes coffee.
DailyCity life is exciting; on the other hand, village life is peaceful.
DailyWhereas some people love spicy food, others can't eat it at all.
📋 Quick Reference
| Connector | Function | Followed by |
|---|---|---|
however | Contrast | New sentence / comma |
although / even though | Contrast | Subject + verb (clause) |
despite / in spite of | Contrast | Noun / V-ing |
neither…nor | Negative pair | Noun / verb |
either…or | Choice | Noun / verb |
not only…but also | Addition + emphasis | Clause (inversion if sentence-start) |
therefore / thus | Result | New sentence / comma |
while / whereas | Comparison | Subject + verb |
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