CONNECTIVES, TRANSITIONS, LINKING WORDS in English

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive lesson on the use of connectors in English to express addition, comparison, contrast, and cause-and-effect relationships. The speaker breaks down various connectors such as 'moreover,' 'also,' 'despite,' 'however,' and 'therefore,' explaining their correct usage, structure, and placement in sentences. It emphasizes consistency in using connectors and addresses common mistakes like using the wrong tense or structure with certain words. Practical examples are provided for each category, making the lesson useful for learners looking to enhance their writing and sentence construction skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Addition connectors like 'moreover', 'also', 'in addition', and 'furthermore' are used to add information between related sentences.
• 😀 Commas are essential when using addition connectors in the middle or beginning of a sentence, for example, 'Moreover, the staff morale has declined.'
• 😀 The connector 'as well as' does not require a full stop between clauses and is used to connect related ideas more fluidly.
• 😀 Words like 'although', 'despite', 'in spite of' are used to contrast ideas, but 'despite' and 'in spite of' require verbs in the 'ing' form.
• 😀 'Despite the fact that' and 'in spite of the fact that' are used for the same purpose but do not require the 'ing' form for the verb.
• 😀 Words like 'however', 'nevertheless', and 'nonetheless' are used to introduce contrast. 'Nevertheless' and 'nonetheless' are more formal.
• 😀 The phrase 'on the other hand' contrasts two ideas or points and can be used to emphasize differing views.
• 😀 For cause and effect, connectors like 'since', 'because', 'therefore', 'for this reason', and 'as a result' show the relationship between actions and outcomes.
• 😀 'Therefore' and 'for this reason' should be used with a full stop and a comma between two related clauses.
• 😀 When sequencing ideas, use 'firstly', 'secondly', 'thirdly', and so on to maintain clarity, but ensure consistency in the order used.
• 😀 Avoid mixing different forms of sequence connectors (e.g., 'first' and 'second' vs. 'firstly' and 'secondly').

Q & A

What is the main purpose of using addition connectives in writing?

The main purpose of using addition connectives is to link sentences and provide more information related to the initial statement. This helps in expanding on ideas and connecting thoughts smoothly.

How do addition connectives like 'moreover,' 'also,' and 'in addition' function in sentences?

'Moreover,' 'also,' and 'in addition' are used to add more information that is relevant to the first part of the sentence. They are usually placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence, with commas following them when placed in the middle.

Why is it important to use commas after addition connectives like 'moreover' and 'also'?

Commas are necessary after addition connectives like 'moreover' and 'also' to separate the two clauses correctly and ensure the sentence remains grammatically accurate and easy to follow.

What is the difference between using 'as well as' and other addition connectives?

'As well as' can be used in the middle of two clauses without needing a full stop or comma after it, unlike other addition connectives. It directly connects the ideas within the same clause, without repetition.

What are some examples of comparison and contrast connectives mentioned in the script?

Some comparison and contrast connectives mentioned include 'although,' 'despite,' 'however,' 'on the other hand,' and 'in contrast.' These are used to show differences or contradictions between ideas.

How does 'despite' differ from 'in spite of' in terms of sentence structure?

There is no difference in meaning between 'despite' and 'in spite of,' but 'despite' requires the verb to be in the '-ing' form (e.g., 'Despite the weather being cold'), whereas 'in spite of' follows the same rule.

What does the speaker mean by the term 'lazy word' in the context of using 'though'?

The speaker refers to 'though' as a 'lazy word' because it is frequently used at the end of sentences in informal English, such as in 'I decided to reject his offer. John decided to accept it though.'

What is the role of cause-and-effect connectives like 'since,' 'because,' and 'therefore'?

Cause-and-effect connectives like 'since,' 'because,' and 'therefore' are used to link events where one action or situation causes another. They help explain the relationship between two ideas in terms of cause and consequence.

What is the correct punctuation when using 'therefore' in a sentence?

When using 'therefore,' a full stop should be placed before it, followed by a comma after 'therefore' to properly separate the clauses, like 'The company is doing well. Therefore, the staff should be rewarded.'

How should sequence-related words like 'firstly,' 'secondly,' and 'finally' be used in writing?

Words like 'firstly,' 'secondly,' and 'finally' are used to show the order of points in a list. They should be followed by a comma when they start a sentence, and it is important to maintain consistency in the structure throughout the writing.