In English we use several different kinds of words to connect clauses and words together. For example, conjunctions can be used to connect two clauses or words. Prepositions can be used to connect a noun with another word in the sentence. There is yet another group of connecting words. These are called conjunctive adverbs. They don’t connect two clauses in the strict sense of the term. They merely show how the ideas expressed by the two sentences are related.
Test your understanding of the linking words in English with this grammar exercise. Complete the following sentences using appropriate connecting words. There may be more than one solution to each question.
1. …………………… she lacked experience, she got the job.
2. My brother’s hand-writing is quite legible, …………………… . mine is a total mess.
3. You had better wear a helmet while riding your motorbike. …………………… . you could hurt yourself.
4. The essay contained too many mistakes. ……………………, it was too short.
5. Alcohol affects your cognitive skills; ………………… .., you should never drink and drive.
6. Our ministers have already proved that they are incapable of handling the situation. ………………… they are quite irresponsible too.
7. He was not good at math, so he decided to learn literature ……………………
Answers
1. Although / though she lacked experience, she got the job. Strictly speaking, even though is also possible in this sentence.
2. My brother’s hand-writing is quite legible, whereas mine is a total mess.
3. You had better wear a helmet while riding your motorbike. Otherwise, you could hurt yourself.
4. The essay contained too many mistakes. Furthermore / Moreover / What’s more, it was too short.
5. Alcohol affects your cognitive skills; hence / therefore, you should never drink and drive.
6. Our ministers have already proved that they are incapable of handling the situation. Moreover / What’s more, they are quite irresponsible too.
7. He was not good at math, so he decided to learn literature instead.
