Linking Devices / Connectors signal meaning relationships between sentences or clauses in spoken or written English.
Coordination
- Link independent clauses in a sentence
- She has been studying Spanish for years, yet she cannot speak a word of it.
Subordination
- Link phrases or dependent clauses to an independent clause in a sentence
- Once he overcame his shyness, Gerry excelled in his language classes.
- Gerry excelled in his language classes once he overcame his shyness.
Transition
- Link independent clauses within a sentence.
- OR
- Link sentences within a paragraph.
- For weeks, Chris chose to ignore the “check engine” light on his dashboard; as a result, he had to pay for major repairs
Linking Devices
Time
Coordination
Subordination
- after
- after that
- before
- as soon as
- just as
- the moment
- once
- since
- the first time
- when
- while
- until
Transition
- then
- meanwhile
- next
- subsequently
- initially
- afterwards
Contrast
Coordination
- but
- yet
Subordination
- although
- while
- whereas
- though
- in spite of
- despite
Transition
- however
- in contrast
- nevertheless
- on the other hand
- on the contrary
Example
Coordination
Subordination
Transition
- for example
- for instance
- in particular
Cause
Coordination
- for
Subordination
- because
- since
- as
- due to
- owing to
- as a result of
- because of
Transition
Purpose
Coordination
Subordination
- in order to
- so as to
Transition
Effect
Coordination
- so
Subordination
Transition
- therefore
- consequently
- as a result
- thus
Addition
Coordination
- and
Subordination
Transition
- in addition
- furthermore
- besides
- moreover
- additionally
- also
Condition
Coordination
Subordination
- if
- unless
- provided that
- providing
Transition
- otherwise
Exercise
Using what you have learned, complete the activity.