Common Linkers in English Grammar

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 40 views

In English grammar, linkers are words that connect two clauses or sentences together. They help to show the relationship between the two clauses and provide more information about the connection between them. In this article, we will explore the correct linkers to use in three different sentences.

Sentence 1: I haven’t been to a concert (but / because) I’d love to try one.

The first sentence is a conditional sentence that expresses a desire to attend a concert. The linker "but" is used to contrast the two clauses. However, the correct linker to use in this sentence is "because". The reason is that "because" indicates the reason or cause for the speaker's desire to attend a concert.

Incorrect: I haven’t been to a concert (but) I’d love to try one.
Correct: I haven’t been to a concert (because) I’d love to try one.

Sentence 2: (Although / So) I’ve been to the countryside many times, I’ve never been camping.

The second sentence is a sentence that expresses a contrast between two clauses. The linker "although" is used to indicate that the speaker has been to the countryside many times, but they have never been camping. The linker "so" is used to indicate a consequence or a result.

Incorrect: So I’ve been to the countryside many times, I’ve never been camping.
Correct: Although I’ve been to the countryside many times, I’ve never been camping.

Sentence 3: The weather’s lovely today (but / so) I want

The third sentence is a sentence that expresses a contrast between two clauses. The linker "but" is used to indicate a contrast between the weather and the speaker's desire. The linker "so" is used to indicate a consequence or a result.

Incorrect: The weather’s lovely today (so) I want
Correct: The weather’s lovely today (but) I want

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the correct linker to complete a sentence is crucial in English grammar. The linkers "but", "because", "although", and "so" are used to connect two clauses or sentences together and provide more information about the connection between them. By understanding the correct usage of these linkers, you can improve your writing and speaking skills.

Common Linkers in English Grammar

Here are some common linkers used in English grammar:

But: used to contrast two clauses or sentences
Because: used to indicate the reason or cause for something
Although: used to indicate a contrast between two clauses or sentences
So: used to indicate a consequence or a result
However: used to indicate a contrast between two clauses or sentences
In addition: used to add more information to a sentence
Meanwhile: used to indicate a contrast between two clauses or sentences
On the other hand: used to indicate a contrast between two clauses or sentences

Tips for Using Linkers Correctly

Here are some tips for using linkers correctly:

Read the sentence carefully: before choosing a linker, read the sentence carefully to understand the connection between the two clauses.
Choose the correct linker: choose the linker that best fits the connection between the two clauses.
Use linkers to provide more information: use linkers to provide more information about the connection between the two clauses.
Practice using linkers: practice using linkers in your writing and speaking to improve your skills.

Conclusion

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of choosing the correct linker to complete a sentence. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about linkers and provide more information about how to use them correctly.

Q: What is the difference between "but" and "however"?

A: "But" and "however" are both used to contrast two clauses or sentences. However, "but" is a more informal linker, while "however" is a more formal linker. "But" is often used in spoken language, while "however" is often used in written language.

Q: Can I use "because" and "since" interchangeably?

A: While "because" and "since" are both used to indicate the reason or cause for something, they are not interchangeable. "Because" is a more general linker, while "since" is a more formal linker. "Since" is often used in formal writing, while "because" is often used in informal writing.

Q: How do I choose between "although" and "though"?

A: "Although" and "though" are both used to indicate a contrast between two clauses or sentences. However, "although" is a more formal linker, while "though" is a more informal linker. "Although" is often used in formal writing, while "though" is often used in informal writing.

Q: Can I use "so" and "therefore" interchangeably?

A: While "so" and "therefore" are both used to indicate a consequence or a result, they are not interchangeable. "So" is a more general linker, while "therefore" is a more formal linker. "Therefore" is often used in formal writing, while "so" is often used in informal writing.

Q: How do I use linkers in a sentence?

A: To use linkers in a sentence, follow these steps:

Read the sentence carefully: before choosing a linker, read the sentence carefully to understand the connection between the two clauses.
Choose the correct linker: choose the linker that best fits the connection between the two clauses.
Use linkers to provide more information: use linkers to provide more information about the connection between the two clauses.
Practice using linkers: practice using linkers in your writing and speaking to improve your skills.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using linkers?

A: Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using linkers:

Using the wrong linker: using the wrong linker can change the meaning of the sentence.
Using too many linkers: using too many linkers can make the sentence confusing.
Not using linkers at all: not using linkers can make the sentence unclear.

Q: How can I improve my skills in using linkers?

A: To improve your skills in using linkers, follow these tips:

Practice using linkers: practice using linkers in your writing and speaking to improve your skills.
Read widely: read widely to see how linkers are used in different contexts.
Listen to native speakers: listen to native speakers to hear how they use linkers in conversation.
Get feedback: get feedback from a teacher or tutor on your use of linkers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the correct linker to complete a sentence is crucial in English grammar. By understanding the correct usage of linkers, you can improve your writing and speaking skills. Remember to read the sentence carefully, choose the correct linker, use linkers to provide more information, and practice using linkers to improve your skills.