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Vocabulary and Language Use
Quick questions on Connectors and linking words: N(A)-Level English
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are connectors show the relationship between ideas?Show answer
Two ideas sitting side by side can relate in different ways. "It rained. We stayed in." could be a reason ("so we stayed in") or just two events.
What are the main groups of connectors?Show answer
It helps to know connectors by the job they do:
What is match the connector to the meaning?Show answer
The most common mistake is using a connector that shows the wrong relationship. "She studied hard, so she failed" makes no sense, because "so" signals a result that should follow naturally. The two ideas are a contrast, so you need "but" or "however": "She studied hard, but she failed." Always check that the connector matches what you actually mean.
What is punctuate connectors correctly?Show answer
Some connectors need particular punctuation. "However" at the start of a sentence is followed by a comma: "However, the plan failed." Joining two full sentences with "however" often needs a semicolon before it: "The plan was good; however, it failed." "Because", "so" and "but" usually sit inside the sentence with a comma before "so" and "but".
What is wrong punctuation with "however"?Show answer
"However" joining two sentences often needs a semicolon before it and a comma after, not just a comma.
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