B1 Grammar - Connecting Words
B1 Grammar - Connecting Words
B1 Grammar - Connecting Words
Connecting words
There are 10 questions in this quiz. Read the grammar explanation below.
1. Which word or phrase CANNOT complete the sentence?
The match was cancelled ____ the rain.
because
due to
because of
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Use:
Connectives join two clauses, and show the relationship between them.
The relationship can show:
These words cannot be used interchangeably. They may be located in different places with in the sentence,
and they may use a different grammar.
Form:
a) Connectives showing Contrast
Compare these sentences with the same meaning:
Never start a sentence with But. You can use but after a comma(,). In short sentences, no punctuation is
needed.
ii Although it is sunny, temperatures are low. / Even though it is sunny, temperatures are low.
Note how Although and Even though are located in a different part of the sentence from But. Although and
Even though go before the known clause, whereas but goes before the unknown clause. The two clauses are
separated with a comma. The order of clauses can be reversed.
Note how however starts a sentence and is followed by a comma. It may also be seen after a semi-colon (;).
Consequently, it is usually seen in longer sentences.
Also note that these words are followed by a noun, not a verb clause. You can also use the –ing form of the
verb in these sentences.
Note you can ONLY start a sentence with Because if there are two clauses in the sentence.
Starting a sentence with Because is more formal than using it in the middle of a sentence, and is most
commonly used in writing, not speaking.
ii I arrived late because of the bad traffic. OR Because of the bad traffic, I arrived late.
I arrived late due to the bad traffic. OR Due to the bad traffic, I arrived late.
I arrived late as a result of the bad traffic. OR As a result of the bad traffic, I arrived late.
Note how these expressions are followed by a noun, not a verb clause.
Never start a sentence with So. So can follow a comma(,). In short sentences, no punctuation is needed.
Consequently, As a result, Therefore and Thus are more formal than So. They are common in formal
sentences. They often start a sentence, but they can be joined to the previous sentence with and.
Common Mistakes:
1. Some students begin sentences with But and So.
Joe went to university. But he didn’t like it. → Joe went to university, but he didn’t like it.
2. Some students write a sentence with because and only one clause.
I went to the shop. Because I needed some bread. → I went to the shop because I needed some bread.
3. Some students do not use nouns when they needed to.
I went indoors due to it was cold outside. → I went indoors due to the cold weather outside.
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B1 Grammar topics
Passives (B1_simple_passives.htm)
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