Conjunctions: Connect Your Ideas Clearly
⏱ 5 Minutes · A2/B1
📖 From Experience
My daughter is 18 months old. She already knows ‘no’ — but she doesn’t yet know ‘however’. That one word, ‘however’, is the difference between a child’s logic and an adult’s argument. Conjunctions are the joints of your ideas. Get them right and your writing becomes a structure, not a list.
📚 Four Types of Conjunction
| Type | Words | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition | and, moreover, in addition, also, furthermore | add related ideas | I work hard, and I read every day. |
| Contrast | but, however, although, despite, whereas | show a difference or unexpected result | I work hard. However, I still struggle. |
| Cause/Effect | because, so, therefore, as a result | link cause to effect | I studied daily, so I improved. |
| Concession | although, even though, despite | acknowledge one fact while stating another | Although it was difficult, I succeeded. |
✅ Examples
- I left Sydney. However, I kept in touch with everyone. [contrast — two sentences]
- I left Sydney although I loved the city. [concession — one sentence]
- I worked hard; as a result, I got promoted. [cause/effect]
✏️ Your Turn
Choose the best conjunction and explain why:
- She speaks French perfectly ___ she has only lived in France for two years. (and / although / because)
- He didn’t study. ___, he failed the test. (However / Therefore / Although)
- I enjoy teaching ___ I find it exhausting. (although / because / moreover)
💡 Check Answers
- although — this is a surprising contrast (short time, perfect French)
- Therefore — direct cause and effect (didn’t study → failed)
- although — two contrasting true facts held in one sentence
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