Connectors

A connector joins two ideas so the reader can follow them.

Quick Tips for Primary School Students:

Use sequence connectors (first, next, then, finally) when writing stories.
Use cause and effect connectors (because, so, therefore) to explain reasons.
Use contrast connectors (but, however, although) to show different ideas.

Use the group headings to choose the job, then borrow one example and change the names. Don’t overuse the same connector. Two or three different connectors in a composition are enough.

1. Adding Information

Connector	Meaning	Example 1	Example 2 (Composition Style)
and	Connects two similar ideas	I like apples and oranges.	I enjoy reading books and playing football.
also	Adds another point	She is kind. She is also helpful.	The weather was hot. It was also very humid.
moreover	Adds a stronger point	The food was delicious. Moreover, the service was excellent.	The movie was exciting. Moreover, the acting was superb.
furthermore	Adds more information	He is talented. Furthermore, he is hardworking.	The park is beautiful. Furthermore, it is very clean.
in addition	Adds another idea	I visited the museum. In addition, I went to the zoo.	She studied hard. In addition, she revised every night.
besides	Adds another reason	I don’t want to go. Besides, it’s raining.	He didn’t join us. Besides, he was feeling unwell.

2. Showing Contrast / Opposition

Connector	Meaning	Example 1	Example 2 (Composition Style)
but	Shows difference	I wanted to play, but it rained.	She tried her best, but she did not win.
however	Shows contrast (formal)	He is rich. However, he is not happy.	The test was difficult. However, I managed to pass.
although	Shows contrast	Although it was raining, we went out.	Although he was tired, he continued studying.
even though	Stronger form of although	Even though she was scared, she spoke up.	Even though it was late, he finished his homework.
nevertheless	Despite that	It was raining. Nevertheless, we continued the match.	She failed once. Nevertheless, she tried again.
on the other hand	Shows the opposite view	Some like cats. On the other hand, others prefer dogs.	The plan was good. On the other hand, it was too expensive.
yet	Shows contrast (similar to but)	He is young, yet he is very responsible.	The task was difficult, yet she completed it.

3. Showing Cause and Effect

Connector	Meaning	Example 1	Example 2 (Composition Style)
because	Shows reason	I stayed home because I was sick.	He scored well because he studied hard.
so	Shows result	It was raining, so we stayed indoors.	She forgot her book, so she could not do her homework.
therefore	Shows conclusion (formal)	He studied hard. Therefore, he passed.	The team trained well. Therefore, they won the match.
as a result	Shows consequence	He didn’t study. As a result, he failed.	She exercised daily. As a result, she became healthier.
consequently	Shows result	It rained heavily. Consequently, the match was cancelled.	He was rude to others. Consequently, he lost many friends.
due to	Because of	The match was cancelled due to the rain.	She was absent due to illness.
since	Because	Since it was late, we went home.	Since he was kind, everyone liked him.

4. Showing Sequence / Order (Very Useful for Stories)

Connector	Meaning	Example 1	Example 2 (Composition Style)
first / firstly	Shows the first point	First, I woke up early.	Firstly, we planned our trip.
next	Shows what comes after	Next, we went to the zoo.	Next, the children played games.
then	Shows what happens after	I ate breakfast. Then, I went to school.	She finished her homework. Then, she watched television.
after that	Shows the next step	We had lunch. After that, we rested.	He scored a goal. After that, his team celebrated.
later	Shows something happened after	We played outside. Later, it started to rain.	She studied hard. Later, she felt confident.
finally / lastly	Shows the last point	Finally, we reached the top of the mountain.	Lastly, I would like to thank my teacher.
eventually	After a long time	He kept trying and eventually succeeded.	She faced many problems but eventually overcame them.

5. Giving Examples

Connector	Meaning	Example 1	Example 2 (Composition Style)
for example	Gives an example	I like fruits. For example, I love mangoes.	Many animals are endangered. For example, tigers and pandas.
for instance	Gives an example	Some students are very talented. For instance, John can play the piano well.	There are many fun activities in school. For instance, we have art and music lessons.
such as	Gives examples	I enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming and cycling.	She has many hobbies such as reading and drawing.
like	Gives examples (informal)	I like sports like football and basketball.	Animals like dogs and cats make good pets.

6. Showing Similarity

Connector	Meaning	Example 1	Example 2 (Composition Style)
similarly	In a similar way	John is hardworking. Similarly, his sister is also diligent.	The first plan failed. Similarly, the second plan did not work.
likewise	In the same way	She loves reading. Likewise, her brother enjoys books.	The team played well. Likewise, the coach was happy.
in the same way	Similarly	He helps others. In the same way, his friend is also kind.	She faced many challenges. In the same way, her brother also struggled.

7. Concluding / Summarizing

Connector	Meaning	Example 1	Example 2 (Composition Style)
in conclusion	To conclude	In conclusion, we should protect the environment.	In conclusion, teamwork is very important.
to sum up	To summarize	To sum up, the trip was enjoyable.	To sum up, the story teaches us to be kind.
overall	Considering everything	Overall, it was a good experience.	Overall, the project was a success.
in short	Briefly	In short, she is a talented student.	In short, we had a wonderful day.
all in all	Considering everything	All in all, it was a memorable holiday.	All in all, the event was well organized.