Sentence Connectors

While writing different sentences sometimes we might notice that the information provided in both sentences can easily suffice in a single sentence. We necessarily do not need additional information to convey the same meaning and that’s where the role of sentence connectors comes in. 

Sentence Connectors prevent an article from being too long and cumbersome to read. Different types of Sentence Connectors serve different purposes. It’s important to know different types of Sentence Connectors and their uses so that we form a correct sentence with correct grammar and punctuation. The use of commas is very vital in the use of Sentence Connectors. 

What is a Sentence Connector?

A word or phrase that opens a clause or sentence and serves as a link between two or more is called a sentence connector. Connectors are words that are used to connect large groupings of words, such as phrases, clauses and sentences. You may also use them to link paragraphs together to make them more coherent. 

Sentence connectors are typically seen at the start of sentences. Sentence connectors connect concepts from one sentence to the next and provide coherence to paragraphs. 

Sentence connectors serve a variety of purposes and are found at the start of a sentence. 

They’re used to introduce, order, contrast, and sequence concepts, theories, and data, among other things. For example, I have written two sentences like Rita is my sister. The second sentence is Rita is very good at academics. Instead of these separate sentences, we can write a single sentence. Rita is very intelligent and she is my sister. So here, we have used and as a sentence connector. 

How to Use a Sentence Connector in a sentence?

We have to be careful regarding a few things when we are using a sentence connector like a comma. If the connector is the first word in the sentence, it must be followed by a comma. If it isn’t, insert a comma following the initial connector if it comes after the sentence’s subject but before the verb. To use a connection in a statement, The topic sentence should clearly state the paragraph’s aim. Make sure that every sentence after the topic sentence goes back to it or reinforces it. To create effective links, refuse, clipped sentences, and instead employ linking words. To create effective relationships between paragraphs, use topic phrases and ending sentences. Read the sentence and then pick the right type of connector for that sentence. If the two sentences are in favour of one another, we can use “and “, “also”. If two sentences are against each other we can use Rather, but, though, nevertheless as our Sentence Connector.

Types of Sentence Connectors with Examples-

There are different types of  Sentence Connectors used for different sentences and are given below: 

• Contrast sentence connectors 

These are used to show a contrast or an opposition in the sentence. Examples of Contract Sentence Connectors are:

But- I wanted to go to a party but tomorrow is my exam. 

However – The film has good ratings, however, I don’t like it. 

Otherwise – Remind me that I have to buy these fruits otherwise, I would forget it. 

Unlike – Sita is a very mature girl, unlike her sister. 

On the other hand – I was eager for my sister”s wedding but on the other hand, I was sad that she would leave me. 

Conversely: Ritika may not be good in Math, but conversely, she is a gold medalist in badminton. 

At the same time: After my farewell, I was happy and sad at the same time. 

Despite: In spite of her sickness, she gave all the exams. 

Despite:  She kept on getting ready for the function despite being late.

Although: She cooked for so many people although the taste was not that great.

• Cause and Effect Connector words

These types of sentence connectors are being used to explain why something is the way it is.

Examples of Cause and Effect connectors are : 

Therefore: I slept last yesterday therefore, I did not go to school. 

So: She doesn’t know how to drive, so she booked a cab. 

Because: She did not attend the party because she was not well. 

Thus: Your exams are starting thus we won’t be taking you along for the wedding. 

Due:  She had a very bad headache, due to which she was hospitalized. 

Since: She can’t run since she recently went for joint surgery. 

As a result: It was raining heavily, and as a result, our badminton match got postponed. 

On account of: She was released early from jail, on account of her good behaviour. 

• Sequence, Time Sentence Connectors

These Sentence Connectors are used to combine sentences in a proper sequence as they happened. 

Some of Sequence Connectors’ examples are: 

Later- Later, everyone was happy. 

After- He also left after her sister.

Before- You have to try before quitting.

Then- Once you reach the office, then make sure to call me.

Next – The next episode is going to be very interesting.

Soon- They are soon going to get married.

Finally-: Finally, their fight came to an end,

Secondly: Secondly, you have to look after the welfare of the children. 

At first sight: She appeared to be very arrogant.

First of all: First of all, they are not my sisters and you cannot hold me responsible for their immature behaviour. 

• Emphasis Sentence Connector Words

These are used to highlight the importance of some clauses in a sentence. Examples of Emphasis Sentence Connectors are: 

Also- He was told to study and also to look after the family.

Indeed; She was sweet and pretty but she was extremely rude.

Of course -She is humble of course she has got great genes. 

Certainly – Certainly, she has experienced something bad in her childhood otherwise she would not be so cruel. 

Specifically-He specifically looked for a diamond-studded ring.

Significantly – Her behaviour was significantly improving.

Notably -Her singing career has been notably amazing.

• Comparison Sentence Connectors

These are used to compare two or more clauses. Some of the examples of Comparison Sentence Connector are: 

As …as – He is as intelligent as his sister.

Equally- Both of them are equally humble.

As if-It seems as if they were up the entire night. 

Similarly – We have chosen our groups, similarly, you can do that too.

Comparable- Today’s weather is comparable with that of Delhi.

Like – He wanted to be as successful as her sister.

In the same way- Now do the rest of the painting in the same way as shown in the picture.

Conclusion

Sentence Connectors are crucial in English grammar because they aid in the logical formation of sentences. There are several types of complicated sentence connectors or phrase connectors, each with its own set of functions. There are various types of Sentence Connectors like Sequence Connectors, Addition Connectors, Cause & Effect Connectors, Contrast Connectors, Emphasis Connectors, and Comparison Connectors.