Linkers in English: Understanding Contrast Words and Their Usage

LINKERS LINKING WORDS OF CONTRAST

They serve to connect two contrasting ideas.

But

It can be used to continue a sentence, or to start a second sentence. 'She wanted to listen to some music but the radio was broken' 'It rained heavily. But it soon stopped'

LINKING WORDS OF CONTRAST

They serve to connect two contrasting ideas.

However

Used at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence. Most common at the beginning. 'Sidney is the biggest city in Australia. However, it isn't the capital'

LINKING WORDS OF CONTRAST

They serve to connect two contrasting ideas.

Yet

Used in more formal contexts than "but". It puts the emphasis on something unexpected. 'The weather was cold, yet bright and sunny' 'He's a teacher, yet he drives a Ferrari'

LINKING WORDS OF CONTRAST

They serve to connect two contrasting ideas.

Nevertheless

Formal, widely used at the beginning of sentences 'It rained every day on holiday. Nevertheless, we had a good time'

LINKING WORDS OF CONTRAST

They serve to connect two contrasting ideas.

While, whereas

They put two ideas in opposition without contradicting them. 'The central area of the country is quite flat, whereas the north is hilly' 'While most people work 9 to 5, I have flexible working hours'

LINKING WORDS OF CONTRAST

They serve to connect two contrasting ideas.

Despite, in spite of, although, even though

They are used at the beginning of the sentence or between the ideas they contradict.

• Despite/in spite of + verb - ing / nome Despite being injured, she won the bronze medal. 'They played tennis in spite of the rain'

LINKING WORDS OF CONTRAST

They serve to connect two contrasting ideas.

Despite, in spite of, although, even though usage

They are used at the beginning of the sentence or between the ideas they contradict.

• Despite the fact + that ... 'Despite the fact that the sun has been shining all day, the snow has not yet melted'

LINKING WORDS OF CONTRAST

They serve to connect two contrasting ideas.

Although / even though + sogg + verbo

They are used at the beginning of the sentence or between the ideas they contradict.

• Although / even though + sogg + verbo 'They played tennis even though it was raining. Although he works hard he hasn't had a promotion for years. although: it is only used at the beginning of a sentence

Exercise: Use the right linker to express contrast

1. he's been really ill lately, he insists on going into work.
2. Her advice seems strange, ........ I believe she's right.
3. Jason wanted to play football tonight; .... his injury kept him on the sidelines
4. She decided to travel by plane ...... being very scared of flying.
5. I'm not going out tonight. ...... , I can see you tomorrow if you like. . the car was quite old, it was still very reliable.
6. She went out the rain
7. she didn't like it, I enjoyed it a lot.
8. He loves foreign holidays, ......... his wife prefers to stay at home.
9. The math test was very difficult; ......... , she earned a good grade.

LINKING WORDS OF ADDITION

They are used to link two different propositions or to give additional information.

and, as well, too, also

common in spoken language, they are all synonyms 'I mostly listen to rock music. But I also like jazz too/ as well' 'Susie speaks French and she can speak some Italian as well/too'

LINKING WORDS OF ADDITION

They are used to link two different propositions or to give additional information.

As well as

it is used with nouns 'As well as the guitar and the piano, she also plays the drums. You're having pizza as well as pasta!'

LINKING WORDS OF ADDITION

They are used to link two different propositions or to give additional information.

In addition, moreover, furthermore

more formal, they are used before adding information 'The tickets are 45$ and in addition, there is a 10$ service charge' 'It's not a good idea. And furthermore, it is actually illegal'

LINKING WORDS OF ADDITION

They are used to link two different propositions or to give additional information.

On top of that

often used to complain about something 'The hotel room was dirty and cold. On top of that, the shower didn't work'

LINKING WORDS OF ADDITION

They are used to link two different propositions or to give additional information.

Besides

'I don't want to go for a walk, and besides, it's raining' I won't phone him. And besides, he never answers the phone'

LINKERS OF PURPOSE, CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE

To express purpose - Verb in the infinitive form

'I'm going to the shop to get some bread'

In order to

'We left early in order to miss the rush-hour'

LINKERS OF PURPOSE, CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE

To express purpose - For + noun

'I'm going to the shop for some bread'

For + ing

it is used to talk about the purpose of an object, to say what it is for 'You use a corkscrew for opening/ to open a bottle of wine'

LINKERS OF PURPOSE, CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE

To express purpose - So (that)

'Take your mobile so that I can phone you' 'Use the sat nav so that you don't get lost'

LINKERS OF PURPOSE, CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE

To express cause - Because of + noun

'We went inside because of the heavy rain'

as/since-> because

'He decided to go to the conference in Barcelona, as he was in Spain anyway' 'Bilardo coaches his team by telephone, since half of them play in Italy, France or Spain'

LINKERS OF PURPOSE, CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE

To express cause - Due to, owing to, as a result of

usually used in more formal contexts 'Due to the weather, the flight has been canceled' 'The concert has been canceled owing to lack of interest' Profits have declined as a result of the recent drop in sales'

LINKERS OF PURPOSE, CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE

To express consequence - Therefore, as a result/consequence/consequently

usually used in more formal contexts 'The pitch is icy. Therefore, the game will be canceled' 'He failed two exams and as a result he was not accepted at university'

LINKERS OF PURPOSE, CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE

To express consequence - In that case, then, so

more informal - 'The train is late' - let's go get a coffee then' 'Is there some milk? I'll get some then'

Exercise: Complete using the correct linkers

1. We will continue working hard reach a solution.
2. He had to deactivate his Facebook account the constant threats.
3. I was tired, I decided to stay home.
4. The flight had to be cancelled the storm.
5. Please include your details that we can contact you in the future.
6. all his financial problems, his wife left him.
7. I can't afford a dog. __ , my landlord doesn't allow pets in the apartments.
8. He sprained his wrist, he will not be playing in the tournament.
9. the rain, the tennis match was stopped.
10. he could not continue with his studies.

EVEN

We use even to say that something is unusual or surprising. 'These pictures are really awful. Even I take better pictures than these' 'The print was very small. I couldn't read it, even with glasses'

EVEN in the negative

We can also use it in the negative: not even, can't even, don't even: 'I can't cook. I can't even boil an egg' 'They weren't very friendly to us. They didn't even say hello' 'Jessica is very fit. She's been running quite fast and she's not even out of breath'

EVEN + comparative

We can use even + comparative (cheaper / more expensive etc.): 'I got up very early, but Jack got up even earlier' 'I knew I didn't have much money, but I have even less than I thought'

EVEN with + though

We can also use even with + though 'Even though I apologised, he didn't forgive me'

EVEN with + if

We can also use even with + though 'Even though I apologised, he didn't forgive me' + if 'Even if I had two hours to spare for shopping, I wouldn't go out and buy a suit'

Exercise: Complete with "even" and its compounds

1. Jane rejected the offer she was in desperate need of money.
2. Anybody can solve this puzzle. a child can solve it.
3. I had a wonderful time, __ I didn't know anyone at the party. he has a lot of money, he lives like a beggar.
4. I will go you kill me.
5. I will not sell my home you offer me a good price.
6. I work every day, _ on Sundays.
7. she is very old, she can still read without glasses.
8. you offer me a billion dollars, I will not betray my country.
9. She gives money to the poor and the needy __ she is not rich. I wouldn't buy a new car, I had the money.
10. she was angry, she said nothing.

LINK BETWEEN SENTENCES

To contradict

'It's not expensive. Actually / On the contrary, it's quite cheap' I'm not French. I'm Swiss, actually' On the contrary - it is used to say that something is the opposite of what has already been said Actually - It is used to make something clear

LINK BETWEEN SENTENCES

To support a claim

'Let's walk to the station. After all, it's a lovely day'

LINK BETWEEN SENTENCES

To highlight and summarise

'Let's walk to the station. After all, it's a lovely day' To highlight and summarise - 'Do I enjoy studying? Basically/In a word/In other words/In general/On the whole/All in all/ over all yes.

LINK BETWEEN SENTENCES

To emphasise what one really thinks

'We're visiting our cousins next afternoon. To be honest, I don't want to go'

To change the subject

'I've got my driving test next week. By the way, did Samantha pass her driving test?' 'The music at the party was great. Talking of the music, have you heard the new Monkeys album?'

Anyway

To return to the main topic

'Anyway, what were you saying about Harry?'

To support something that has been said before

'I'm too tired to go out. Anyway, there's a good film on TV'

To indicate that you want to end a conversation

Anyway, I must go. It's very late'

Exercise: Choose the right linker

1. Mary bought a new car (nevertheless/so that) she could go to work easily.
2. He couldn't go to work (because/while) he had broken his leg.
3. I'm not lazy. (anyway/on the contrary) I work very hard.
4. Susan was having a shower (while/but) her children were sleeping.
5. (talking of/as a result) films, what are you going to see tonight?
6. I had studied hard (consequently/but) I still didn't pass this exam.
7. She's very lazy (in other words/as well as ) very untidy.
8. Cathy's got a turtle and a cat and (too/in addition) three dogs.
9. He (too/also) works hard during the week.
10. I don't want to speak to you. Who are you, _. (besides/anyway)?