In this section we will look at basic linking words, or ‘conjunctions’, that link two ‘clauses’, or short sentences, together. See the examples below:
- I wanted to go to the party but I was sick.
- I went to the doctor because I was sick.
- I was sick so I couldn’t go to work.
In all of these sentences we have two ‘clauses’, linked by a ‘conjunction’ for a specific reason. They how a contrast (but), reason (because) and result (so). This section will look at these and some other similar clauses.
1. Clauses of Contrast – but, although, however, despite
But is the most basic way to show contrast, it is usually followed by a subject + verb clause and it goes in the middle of a sentence. For example:
- I would like to go to the party but I am working.
- He promised to help me but he didn’t.
When speaking we can begin a sentence with but, to respond to what was said. For example:
A: I can’t help you tomorrow.
B: But you promised!
Although also shows a contrast and it can go at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle of a sentence. It is usually followed by subject + verb. For example:
- Although it was very expensive, we had a great holiday.
- We had a great holiday, although it was very expensive.
We can also use ‘even though’, or ‘though’, in the same way we use ‘although’.
However is also used to show contrast. It is a little more formal and usually goes at the start of a sentence, or between two commas. When it goes at the start of a sentence, it must refer to the previous sentence. For example:
- We had a fantastic holiday in Hawaii. However, it was very expensive.
However can also come in the middle of a sentence, it is comes between ; (semi-colon) and , (comma) when this happens. For example:
- We had a fantastic holiday in Hawaii; however, it was very expensive.
Note – sometimes it is between two commas, but we should use a semicolon first.
Despite can be used at the beginning or the middle of the sentence and is followed by:
- ing verb (a gerund noun) – I went to work early, despite feeling a little sick.
- a noun (often used with the) – Despite the cost, I would highly recommend it.
We can also use ‘in spite of’ as a direct substitution here:
- I went to work early, in spite of feeling a little sick.
- In spite of the cost, I would highly recommend it.
When we use ‘despite the fact that’ it is followed by ‘subject + verb’. For example:
- Despite the fact that it was raining, the people had a great time.
2. Clauses of reason – because, because of/ due to
Because is the most basic way to explain an action. It is usually followed by subject + verb clause. For example:
- The boy was crying because he fell.
- We decided to stay home because the weather was very bad.
Because of is used in a very similar way to because, but it is usually followed by the + noun, it can also be followed by a how + clause. For example:
- Our flight was cancelled because of the storm.
- Our flight was cancelled because of how bad the weather was.
- She was upset because of the way he spoke to us.
- She was upset because of how he spoke to us.
Note – we can also say, ‘the way’, instead of ‘how’…… ‘the way he spoke to use’.
Due to can be used in the same way as ‘because of’. It can also be used at the start of a sentence. For example:
- Our flight was cancelled due to the storm.
Due to the storm, our flight was cancelled
- She was upset due to the way he spoke to us.
3. Clauses of result – So
So is very similar to because, but it is followed by the result, whereas because is followed by the reason. It is followed by subject + verb clause. For example:
- It was raining very heavily so we stayed at home. (we stayed at home because it was raining heavily)
- The tickets were very expensive so I didn’t go to the concert. (I didn’t go to the concert because the tickets were very expensive)