Contrast: but, however, although
| Word | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| but | joining two contrasting ideas in one sentence (coordinating) | I like coffee, but I don't drink it at night. |
| however | linking two separate sentences; introduces a contrast (start new sentence) | The hotel was expensive. However, the room was beautiful. |
| although / even though | before a clause; introduces the surprising/unexpected part | Although it was raining, we went for a walk. · I went out although I was tired. |
However vs Although:
"However" needs a full stop (or semicolon) before it. "Although" goes inside one sentence. ✓ "It was cold. However, she wore a t-shirt." ✓ "Although it was cold, she wore a t-shirt." ✗ "However it was cold, she wore a t-shirt."
Reason and result: because, so, as
| Word | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| because | gives the reason (answers "why?") | I stayed home because I was ill. · Because it was late, we left. |
| so | gives the result (= therefore) | I was tired, so I went to bed early. |
| as / since | reason at the start of a sentence (slightly formal) | As it was getting late, we decided to leave. |
because vs so:
"I didn't go out BECAUSE it was raining." (rain = reason) · "It was raining, SO I didn't go out." (not going out = result). One introduces the cause, the other introduces the effect.
Time connectors: when, before, after, until, as soon as
| Word | Example |
|---|---|
| when | When I arrived, she was already there. · Call me when you get home. |
| before | Brush your teeth before you go to bed. · I finished work before she called. |
| after | After I had dinner, I watched TV. · She called me after the meeting. |
| until / till | Wait until I get back. · I worked until midnight. |
| as soon as | As soon as I get home, I'll call you. (= immediately when) |
Exercises
Choose the correct connector.
1. I missed the bus, ___ I was late for work.
2. I was late for work ___ I missed the bus.
3. The film was very long. ___, it was very entertaining.
4. ___ she was tired, she kept working until 11pm.
5. Don't leave ___ I get back — I need to talk to you.