Contrast: but, however, although, whereas
| 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. |
| whereas | directly compares two facts side by side — neither is surprising, just different | My brother loves sports, whereas I prefer reading. |
However vs Although vs Whereas:
"However" needs a full stop (or semicolon) before it. "Although" introduces something unexpected inside one sentence. "Whereas" simply compares two different facts, with no surprise involved — a neutral contrast. ✓ "It was cold. However, she wore a t-shirt." ✓ "Although it was cold, she wore a t-shirt." ✓ "I like tea, whereas she prefers coffee." (just a difference, nothing unexpected)
Reason: because, as / since
| Word | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| because | gives the reason (answers "why?") | I stayed home because I was ill. · Because it was late, we left. |
| as / since | reason at the start of a sentence (slightly formal) | As it was getting late, we decided to leave. |
Already know "so"?
"So" (the result connector — "I was tired, so I went to bed early") is covered together with the other FANBOYS connectors — see the link in the sidebar if you need a refresher.
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. My sister loves the city, ___ I prefer the countryside.
2. The film was very long. ___, it was very entertaining.
3. ___ she was tired, she kept working until 11pm.
4. Don't leave ___ I get back — I need to talk to you.
5. I was late for work ___ I missed the bus.