Sentence connectors by category

Sentence connectors are words or phrases that link ideas together in writing, helping to create cohesion and clarity between sentences or clauses. They can either begin a sentence or occur in the middle, separating two main clauses in compound or complex sentences. Sentence connectors are classified into categories based on their functions, such as showing addition, contrast, cause and effect, time, or examples.

1. Sentence Connectors at the Beginning of a Sentence

When sentence connectors begin a sentence, they act as transition signals between ideas. These connectors are followed by a comma and are commonly used to start a new sentence or paragraph, giving the reader a clear indication of the relationship between what follows and what came before.

Examples by Category:

• Addition:

  • Moreover, the team decided to extend the deadline to allow for more input.

  • Furthermore, they acknowledged the need for additional resources.

• Contrast:

  • However, the results were not as expected.

  • On the other hand, the alternative proposal seemed more viable.

• Cause and effect and reasons:

  • Therefore, they postponed the meeting until next week.

  • As a result, the project was delayed by two months.

• Time:

  • Meanwhile, the staff continued to prepare for the upcoming event.

  • Subsequently, the committee approved the budget changes.

• Examples:

  • For example, the survey showed a significant improvement in customer satisfaction.

  • For instance, many employees prefer working from home.

More Examples:

1. Moreover, she had the support of her entire team.

2. Consequently, the company faced financial difficulties.

3. Nevertheless, they continued with the experiment despite the initial setbacks.

4. In contrast, their competitors took a more conservative approach.

5. Meanwhile, the group was preparing for their final presentation.

2. Sentence Connectors in the Middle of a Sentence

When sentence connectors are placed in the middle of a sentence, they often occur between two main clauses. These connectors are typically preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma. They serve as a bridge between two closely related but independent ideas.

Examples by Category:

• Addition:

  • The team was overworked; furthermore, they were understaffed.

  • We have several options; moreover, we can revise the proposal if needed.

• Contrast:

  • She studied hard for the exam; however, she didn’t achieve the expected grade.

  • They tried to resolve the issue; nevertheless, it persisted.

• Cause and Effect:

  • It started raining heavily; therefore, we decided to cancel the picnic.

  • The company lost a major client; as a result, they had to downsize the team.

• Time:

  • We discussed the problem in detail; meanwhile, the clock was ticking.

  • They finished their presentation; subsequently, they addressed the audience’s questions.

• Examples:

  • She enjoys outdoor activities; for instance, she goes hiking every weekend.

  • They have several international clients; for example, their biggest customer is from Japan.

More Examples:

1. I was feeling tired; therefore, I decided to take a break.

2. She is an excellent manager; however, she struggles with public speaking.

3. We completed the task ahead of schedule; as a result, we received a bonus.

4. The software was updated; meanwhile, the team continued testing the old version.

5. They enjoy traveling; for instance, they visited five countries last year.

3. Common Mistakes with Sentence Connectors

When using sentence connectors, it’s essential to ensure proper punctuation and correct placement within the sentence.

• Starting with “However”: A common mistake is using “however” at the start of a sentence without properly following it with a comma.

  • Incorrect: However she was late, we started the meeting on time.

  • Correct: However, she was late, so we started the meeting on time.

• Misusing “Therefore”: It should be used between two closely related clauses and not as a substitute for “so” in a simple sentence.

  • Incorrect: She didn’t study hard; so, she failed the test.

  • Correct: She didn’t study hard; therefore, she failed the test.

4. Conclusion

Sentence connectors are vital for improving the flow and coherence of writing. Those at the beginning of sentences provide smooth transitions, while those in the middle help clarify relationships between clauses. By understanding their roles and using them appropriately, writers can enhance their writing’s clarity and readability.

More examples

Simplified list

• To add information and reasons

  • also, besides, equally, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover

• To show cause and effect

  • accordingly, as a consequence, as a result, consequently, then, therefore, thus

• To explain, give reasons

  • actually, admittedly, certainly, for example, in fact, indeed, really, of course, that is

• To compare

  • by comparison, likewise, similarly

• To contrast

  • however, instead, in spite of that, anyhow, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, still

• To summarize (use sparingly if at all)

  • in all, in brief, briefly, in short, in summary, in conclusion

• To show order

  • First, second…, finally,

• To show chronological order

  • subsequently, later, next, after that, afterwards, then, now, nowadays, concurrently, simultaneously, first, formerly, earlier, previously, before that

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