What are Connectors in English Grammar?
A connector is a term for words in English which are used to connect words, phrases or clauses. They show the relationship between two ideas in the sentence. There are three types of parts of speech which function as connectors in a sentence.
Conjunctions:
Conjunctions are words which are used to connect words, phrases or clauses
The monkeys wreaked havoc and attacked the locals. The hero rescued the baby but failed to apprehend the kidnapper. |
There are three types of conjunction connectors:
Coordinators join two independent clauses, whereas subordinators join an independent clause to a dependent clause
Coordinators The winds howled and the trees swayed. Meenakshi is well prepared, yet she is not confident. The lock is broken but the valuables inside are safe. Leaving now will be futile for we already missed the bus. |
Subordinators When it rains, it pours. Although I am interested, I cannot make any promises. Take these pills before you go to sleep. Where there is a will, there is a way. |
Correlatives are pairs of conjunctions which connect elements of the sentence that are equal.
Correlatives She returned both the utensils and the clothes. The door is made of either wood or plastic. Tell me by tomorrow whether you want the car or not. They have bought not only a new house but also a new car. |
Relative Pronouns:
Relative pronouns are words which connect a clause or a phrase to a noun that has been mentioned in the sentence.
Relative Pronouns The house that was at the corner of the street The aunt whom I love the most The friend whose books I borrowed The man, whom I once spoke to, is an accomplished swindler |
Conjunctive Adverbs:
They have qualities of adverbs as well as conjunctions. They express reason and purpose of the verbs like adverbs. They join sentences or clauses together like conjunctions
Conjunctive Adverbs Rita could not find a handyman; nevertheless, she repaired the TV on her own. Christine is very scrupulous. Obviously, her work is flawless. Water the plants. In the meantime, I will arrange the furniture. Like father like son. After all, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. |
Conjunctive Adverbs:
They have qualities of adverbs as well as conjunctions. They express reason and purpose of the verbs like adverbs. They join sentences or clauses together like conjunctions.
Conjunctive Adverbs Rita could not find a handyman; nevertheless, she repaired the TV on her own. Christine is very scrupulous. Obviously, her work is flawless. Water the plants. In the meantime, I will arrange the furniture. Like father like son. After all, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. |
Prepositions:
Connecting prepositions or prepositional phrases can be used to connect parts of a sentence.
Prepositions Yamini bought a new computer in spite of having a laptop. Geena didn’t go to school because of the rains. The programme was cancelled on account of the strike. He offered a cheque in lieu of cash. |
Punctuation:
Certain punctuation marks such as the comma and the semi-colon show transition of ideas. The comma is used to join clauses. The semi-colon can be used to show a connection or contrast between two sentences.
Punctuation I started studying only three weeks ago, but I managed to score well. Richard insisted on travelling first class; however, he wanted me to pay the fare |
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