COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF CONNECTORS
1. What Are Connectors?
Connectors (also called linking words or transitional words) are words or phrases used to connect ideas in speech and writing. They improve flow, coherence, and logical organisation of ideas.
Important: All conjunctions are connectors, but not all connectors are conjunctions.
2. Types of Connectors
A. Addition Connectors
Examples: and, also, moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides, not only...but also
- She is intelligent and hardworking.
- He arrived late. Moreover, he forgot his homework.
- She not only sings but also dances.
B. Contrast Connectors
Examples: but, however, although, though, nevertheless, on the other hand, whereas, despite, in spite of
- He is rich, but he is unhappy.
- She studied hard; however, she failed.
- Although he was tired, he continued working.
- Despite the rain, they played football.
C. Cause / Reason Connectors
Examples: because, since, as, due to, owing to
- She was absent because she was sick.
- The match was postponed due to heavy rain.
D. Result / Effect Connectors
Examples: so, therefore, thus, consequently, as a result
- It rained heavily, so we stayed indoors.
- He did not revise; therefore, he failed.
- She worked hard. As a result, she passed.
E. Time Connectors
Examples: when, while, before, after, then, meanwhile, finally, later, eventually
- After the lesson ended, the students left.
- First, revise the notes. Then attempt the questions.
F. Condition Connectors
Examples: if, unless, provided that, as long as, on condition that
- You will succeed if you work hard.
- I will help you provided that you are honest.
G. Comparison Connectors
Examples: similarly, likewise, just as, in the same way
- Just as iron rusts, so does copper corrode.
- She loves literature; likewise, her sister enjoys reading novels.
3. Connectors vs Conjunctions
| Conjunctions | Connectors |
|---|---|
| Join clauses grammatically | Link ideas logically |
| and, but, because | however, therefore, moreover |
Example:
Conjunction:
She was tired, but she continued working.
Connector (conjunctive adverb):
She was tired; however, she continued working.
Notice punctuation difference:
4. Punctuation Rules with Connectors
1. When using conjunctive adverbs
Use a semicolon before and a comma after.
He revised thoroughly; therefore, he passed.
2. When the connector begins the sentence
Use a comma after it.
However, she refused to apologise.
5. Common KCSE Errors
✖ Although he was tired but he continued working.
✔ Although he was tired, he continued working.
✖ He failed because of he did not revise.
✔ He failed because he did not revise.
✔ He failed because of lack of revision.
✖ She is intelligent moreover she is humble.
✔ She is intelligent; moreover, she is humble.
6. Revision Exercise (KCSE Standard)
- She was sick; therefore, she stayed at home. (Identify the type)
- Although he tried hard, he failed. (Identify the type)
- First, revise your notes. Then answer the questions. (Identify the type)
Answers:
- Result connector
- Contrast connector
- Time connector
Prepared for KCSE English Grammar Mastery Series
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