Linking and discourse · Intermediate (B1)
Conjunctions and linking words
Connect ideas clearly: and, but, because, so, although, however, therefore, in addition, despite.
The rules
Inside a sentence: and (add), but (contrast), or (alternative), so (result), because (reason), although / even though (concession), while / whereas (contrast), unless (if not).
Between sentences (with a full stop or semicolon and a comma): However, (contrast), Therefore, / As a result, (result), In addition, / Moreover, / Furthermore, (add), For example, (example), In contrast, (contrast).
Despite / in spite of + noun or -ing: Despite the rain, we went out. Despite being tired, she finished. Although + clause: Although it was raining, we went out. Because of + noun: because of the traffic.
| Function | Within a sentence | Between sentences |
|---|---|---|
| contrast | but, although, whereas | However, / In contrast, |
| result | so | Therefore, / As a result, |
| addition | and | In addition, / Moreover, |
| reason | because, since, as | This is because… |
Examples
- I was tired, so I went to bed early.
- Although the flat is small, it’s very bright.
- Prices rose. As a result, sales fell.
- Despite having little money, they travelled widely.
Common mistakes
✗ Despite it was raining, we played.
✓ Although it was raining, we played. / Despite the rain, we played.
Despite + noun/-ing; although + clause.
✗ Although she was ill, but she came.
✓ Although she was ill, she came.
Don’t use although and but together.
✗ I like it, however it’s expensive.
✓ I like it. However, it’s expensive.
However links sentences, with a comma after it.
Practice
___ the traffic, we arrived on time.
Quiz
1.Sales rose by 20%. ___, profits doubled.
2.She passed ___ she didn’t revise.
3.“However” is normally followed by a comma at the start of a sentence.
4.Match the linker and function.