Advanced Connectives
1. Continuers
These connectives are used to add more information or continue an argument.
Connective: Furthermore
Use: Adds additional information.
Example: “The team performed well; furthermore, they set a new record.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
Connective: Moreover
Use: Strengthens or emphasizes the previous point.
Example: “The policy was effective; moreover, it saved significant resources.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
Connective: In addition
Use: Adds extra information.
Example: “She plays the violin. In addition, she is learning the piano.”
Punctuation: Period before, comma after.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: Similarly
Use: Draws a comparison or indicates similarity.
Example: “The first design was flawed; similarly, the second draft required
adjustments.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: Likewise
Use: Shows similarity between two situations.
Example: “He enjoys painting; likewise, his sister is a talented artist.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: Besides
Use: Adds information to support the argument.
Example: “The task was difficult. Besides, we didn’t have the proper tools.”
Punctuation: Period before, comma after.
Formality: Informal
Connective: Additionally
Use: Introduces supplementary information.
Example: “The program is affordable. Additionally, it provides excellent support.”
Punctuation: Period before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
Connective: For example
Use: Introduces specific examples.
Example: “Many countries are adopting renewable energy sources; for example,
solar and wind power are becoming more popular.”
Punctuation: Period before, comma after.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: For instance
Use: Provides a specific example.
Example: “Various strategies were proposed; for instance, reducing production
costs and optimizing workflows.”
Punctuation: Period before, comma after.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: In fact
Use: Emphasizes the truth of a statement.
Example: “The book was engaging; in fact, I couldn’t put it down.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: Indeed
Use: Reinforces a preceding statement.
Example: “The situation was dire; indeed, it required immediate intervention.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
2. Contradictory Connectives
These connectives are used to contrast two ideas.
Connective: However
Use: Contrasts two ideas.
Example: “I planned to join the event; however, I fell ill at the last moment.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
Connective: Yet
Use: Introduces a contrast.
Example: “He is talented, yet he often doubts his abilities.”
Punctuation: Comma before ‘yet’.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: Nevertheless
Use: Shows contrast while acknowledging the preceding statement.
Example: “The plan was risky; nevertheless, they decided to proceed.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
Connective: Although
Use: Introduces a contrast between two ideas.
Example: “Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.”
Punctuation: Comma after the subordinate clause when it starts the sentence.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: Even so
Use: Acknowledges a fact but introduces a contrasting point.
Example: “The weather was unpleasant; even so, the event was a success.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: On the other hand
Use: Provides an alternative perspective or idea.
Example: “I love big cities. On the other hand, rural areas have their own charm.”
Punctuation: Period before, comma after.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: In contrast
Use: Highlights a difference between two ideas.
Example: “The first proposal focused on costs. In contrast, the second
emphasized innovation.”
Punctuation: Period before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
3. Cause and Effect
These connectives are used to show a result or consequence.
Connective: Therefore
Use: Shows a result or conclusion.
Example: “The experiment failed; therefore, the hypothesis was incorrect.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
Connective: Thus
Use: Indicates a result or conclusion.
Example: “The findings were inconsistent; thus, the study requires further
investigation.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
Connective: Consequently
Use: Indicates the result of an action or decision.
Example: “The team didn’t meet the deadline; consequently, the project was
delayed.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
Connective: As a result
Use: States the outcome of an action.
Example: “The company invested in marketing. As a result, sales increased
significantly.”
Punctuation: Period before, comma after.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: Because
Use: Explains a reason or cause.
Example: “He missed the bus because he woke up late.”
Punctuation: No comma unless ‘because’ starts the sentence.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: Since
Use: Indicates the cause of a situation.
Example: “Since it was late, we decided to return home.”
Punctuation: Comma after the subordinate clause when it starts the sentence.
Formality: Neutral
Connective: Hence
Use: Shows a logical result or conclusion.
Example: “The machine was faulty; hence, production was halted.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
Connective: Accordingly
Use: Indicates a result or action based on prior information.
Example: “The rules were unclear; accordingly, there were several
misunderstandings.”
Punctuation: Semicolon before, comma after.
Formality: Formal
Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks:
Complete the sentences using the appropriate connective:
• a. “The book was highly praised; ____, it won several awards.”
• b. “The road was icy; ____, drivers were warned to take precautions.”
• c. “The weather was unpredictable. ____, we decided to stay indoors.”
• d. “He wanted to go to the party. ____, he had too much homework to do.”
• e. “The team worked hard on their project; ____, they presented it
successfully.”
• f. “She loves traveling; ____, she often visits new places to explore.”
2. Identify the category:
Read the following sentences and identify the category of the connective
(Continuers, Contradictory, or Cause and Effect):
• a. “The city has many parks; however, it lacks green space for recreational
activities.”
• b. “She studied the hardest; consequently, she received the best grades.”
• c. “I forgot my keys. Even so, I was able to get into the house through the
window.”
• d. “You can take a bus; moreover, it’s a cheap and convenient option.”
• e. “The first proposal focused on costs. In contrast, the second
emphasized innovation.”
• f. “We tried our best to make the event a success. Therefore, we need to
plan better next time.”
3. Rewrite for formality:
Rewrite informal sentences using more formal connectives:
• a. “He is a good player. Besides, he works hard.”
• b. “She was late. So, we started without her.”
• c. “He didn’t follow the rules. Yet, no one seemed to mind.”
• d. “The team did well. Moreover, they made a new record.”
4. Punctuate correctly:
Insert the correct punctuation in sentences with connectives:
• a. “The project was ambitious consequently it required careful planning.”
• b. “We planned to meet however he canceled at the last moment.”
• c. “The results were inconclusive; therefore further testing is necessary.”
• d. “She was feeling sick in fact she had a fever.”
• e. “The event was fantastic however, it could have been better with a
larger venue.”
• f. “The new product was quite popular in the market; thus, sales
skyrocketed.”
5. Create your own sentences:
Write your own sentences using the following connectives:
• a. For instance
• b. Nevertheless
• c. Hence
• d. On the other hand
• e. In addition
• f. As a result
6. Choose the best connective:
Choose the most appropriate connective to complete the sentence:
• a. The weather was beautiful, _______ we decided to go on a picnic.
• (In addition / Therefore / Hence)
• b. I didn’t enjoy the movie, _______ it was too predictable.
• (For example / Yet / In contrast)
• c. He was feeling unwell, _______ he still went to work.
• (Nevertheless / Thus / In fact)
Now you should be able to copy and