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.
