Sentence Connectors

Sentence connectors are used to link ideas from one sentence to the next and to give
paragraphs coherence. Sentence connectors perform different functions and are
placed at the beginning of a sentence. They are used to introduce, order, contrast,
sequence ideas, theory, data etc. The following table lists useful connectors.

Useful sentence connectors

Logical / sequential order

Firstly, secondly, thirdly etc

Next, last, finally
In addition
Furthermore
Also
At present / presently

Order of importance

Contrast

However
On the other hand
On the contrary
By (in) comparison
In contrast

Result

Comparison

Similarily
Likewise
Also

Most / more importantly

Most significantly
Above all
Primarily
It is essential / essentially

As a result
As a consequence
Therefore
Thus
Consequently
Hence
Reason

The cause of
The reason for

Subordinators
Subordinators are linking words that are used to join clauses together. They are used at
the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. A clause is a group of words that must
contain a subject and predicate. There are two types of clauses:

independent clauses - these can stand alone as a sentence by themselves

dependent clauses - these make no sense by themselves.

Common subordinators
Below are some examples of commonly used subordinators.
Comparison & Contrast Cause / effect

Although
Though
Even though
While
Whereas

if
as if
whether
unless

Possibility

Since
So that
Because

Time

Place & manner

Wherever
Where
How

After
When
Until
Whenever
Before

Linking words and phrases

Although some of these words have already been mentioned as sentence connectors,
they can also be used to develop coherence within a paragraph that is linking one
idea / argument to another. Print off this page to keep as a reference of useful linking
words and phrases.
Sequence

First / firstly, second /

secondly, third / thirdly etc
Next, last, finally
In addition, moreover
Further / furthermore
Another
Also
In conclusion
To summarise

Result

Emphasis

So

As a result

As a consequence (of)
Therefore

Thus

Consequently

Hence

Due to

Addition

And
In addition / additionally / an
additional
Furthermore
Also
Too
As well as

Reason

However
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Still
Although / even though
Though
But
Yet
Despite / in spite of
In contrast (to) / in
comparison
While
Whereas
On the other hand
On the contrary

Example

Contrast

For
Because
Since
As
Because of

Comparison

Similarly
Likewise
Also
Like
Just as
Just like
Similar to
Same as
Compare
compare(d) to / with
Not only...but also

Undoubtedly
Indeed
Obviously
Generally
Admittedly
In fact
Particularly / in particular
Especially
Clearly
Importantly
For example
For instance
That is (ie)
Such as
Including
Namely

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS
1. Acid Test:
Meaning - Acid test proves the
effectiveness of something.
2. Cut the ground from under feet :
Meaning - When you cut the ground from under someone's feet, you do
something which weakens their position.
3. Chase your tail:
Meaning - Spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually
achieving too little.
4. Whole bag of tricks Meaning - Means trying all the clever means to achieve something.
5. Deliver the goods Meaning - Do what is expected or promised.
6. Fine-tooth comb Meaning - Examining something carefully to not miss out any details.
7. Explore all avenues
Meaning - Trying out every possibility to get a result.
8. Fast track something Meaning - Rating something higher on your priority list to achieve the desired
result.
9 . Get ducks in a row Meaning - Getting your things well organized.
10. Get the show on the road Meaning - Putting up a plan or idea into action.

11. Keep your fingers on the pulse Meaning - Being constantly aware of the most recent developments.
12. Mean business Meaning - Being serious about what you announce.
13. Think on your feet Meaning - Adjusting quickly to changes and making fast decisions.
14. Sail through something Meaning - Being successful in doing something without difficulty.
15. Tricks of the trade :
Meaning - Clever or expert way of doing something.
16. Not let grass grow under feet Meaning - Don't delay in getting something done.
17. Work like a charm Meaning - Works very well or has the desired effect.
18. Back-room boys Meaning - People who perform important work but have no contact with the
public.
19. Dead wood Meaning - People or things which are no longer useful or necessary.
20. Get the axe Meaning - lose the job.
21. Plum job Meaning - Desirable position which is well-paid and considered relatively easy .

22. Shape up or ship out Meaning - This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not
improvetheir ways, they will have to leave their job.
23. Golden handshake Meaning - Big sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or
retire.
24. Separate sheep from goats Meaning - Examining a group of people and deciding their suitability
25. Waiting in the wings Meaning - Waiting for an opportunity to take action, mostly to replace someone
else in their job.