Vocabulary: Core & Everyday Vocabulary (Expanding) (B1) - Lesson 4: A wider range of Connectors & Linking Words

Lesson 4: Connectors & Linking Words

Building More Complex Sentences

You can make good, simple sentences. But how do you connect your ideas together to sound more fluent? You use "connectors" or "linking words". These are the bridges between your ideas. Mastering them is a key step to moving to the next level of English.

Key Vocabulary

• Connector (noun) | ពាក្យតភ្ជាប់
  A word or phrase that links clauses or sentences.
• In addition (phrase) | លើសពីនេះ
  A formal way to add another piece of information.
• Contrast (noun) | ភាពផ្ទុយគ្នា
  A difference between two or more things.
• However (adverb) | ទោះយ៉ាងណាក៏ដោយ
  A formal way to introduce a statement that contrasts with the previous one.
• Although (conjunction) | ទោះបីជា
  Used to show an unexpected contrast.
• Result (noun) | លទ្ធផល
  A consequence or outcome of an action.
• Reason (noun) | ហេតុផល
  A cause or explanation for an action or event.

1. Connectors for Adding Information

• and
  The most common connector.
  Example: "I like coffee and tea."
• also
  Used to add another fact. Often used after the subject.
  Example: "I like coffee. I also like tea."
• in addition
  A more formal way to add another point.
  Example: "The hotel has a pool. In addition, it has a gym."

2. Connectors for Showing Contrast

• but
  Used to show a direct contrast.
  Example: "I like coffee, but my sister likes tea."
• however
  A more formal way to show contrast, often at the start of a new sentence.
  Example: "It was raining. However, we still went to the market."
• although
  Used to show an unexpected contrast.
  Example: "Although the test was difficult, I think I did well."

3. Connectors for Showing Reason & Result

• so
  Shows the result or consequence of something.
  Example: "I was tired, so I went to bed early."
• because
  Gives the reason for something.
  Example: "I went to bed early because I was tired."

Usage Note: Punctuation with Connectors

Pay attention to the commas (,) when using these words.

• and, but, so: When they connect two full sentences, use a comma before them.
  Example: "It was hot, so we went swimming."
• However, In addition: When they start a sentence, they are usually followed by a comma.
  Example: "However, we still had fun."
• Although: If it starts the sentence, put a comma after the first part of the idea.
  Example: "Although it was raining, we went out."

In Conversation

Srey asks Bora about his recent trip to the coast.

Srey: How was your trip, Bora?

Bora: It was great, but the bus journey was very long. I was exhausted when we arrived.

Srey: Oh no! Was the weather good?

Bora: It was sunny most days. However, it was extremely windy on Saturday.

Srey: Although it was windy, did you still go swimming?

Bora: No. The sea was too rough, so we just walked on the beach. We also found a great restaurant.

Srey: Nice! What did you like about it?

Bora: The food was delicious. In addition, the staff were very friendly. I want to go back because it was so relaxing.

Check Your Understanding

1. "I wanted to go to the party, ______ I was too tired."
   • a) so
   • b) but
   • c) also
   Answer: b) but (This shows a contrast between wanting to go and being tired).

2. "She passed the exam ______ she studied very hard."
   • a) because
   • b) although
   • c) however
   Answer: a) because (This gives the reason why she passed).

3. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
   • a) It was hot so, we went swimming.
   • b) It was hot, so we went swimming.
   • c) It, was hot so we went swimming.
   Answer: b) It was hot, so we went swimming.

Your Mission

1. My Sentences: Write three sentences about your life using 'although', 'however', and 'in addition'.
2. Combine Ideas: Take these two simple sentences and combine them: "The food was delicious. It was very expensive." (Hint: Use 'but' or 'although').
3. Speak: Your mission is to tell a friend about your day or weekend. Try to use 'and', 'but', 'so', and 'because' in your story.