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Grammar Worksheet

Conjunctions and Linkers

A2–B1 and, but, so, because, although, however, therefore
Explanation

Conjunctions and linkers connect ideas within or between sentences to show relationships such as addition, contrast, cause, and result.

Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, or) join two clauses of equal importance within one sentence.

Subordinating conjunctions (because, although) and adverbial linkers (however, therefore) show more specific logical relationships.

Form
LinkerFunctionExample
andadditionI like tea and coffee.
butcontrast (same sentence)She is tired but happy.
oralternativeYou can stay or leave.
soresultIt was late, so we left.
becausereason / causeI stayed home because I was ill.
although / even thoughunexpected contrastAlthough it was cold, we went out.
howevercontrast (new sentence)It was expensive. However, I bought it.
thereforeresult (formal)She studied hard. Therefore, she passed.

Use a comma before ‘but’, ‘so’, and ‘or’ when joining two clauses: I wanted to go, but it was too late.

‘However’ and ‘therefore’ usually start a new sentence and are followed by a comma: It was cold. However, we enjoyed it.

Examples
  1. I was tired, so I went to bed early.
  2. She can speak French and Spanish.
  3. He didn’t study, so he failed the test.
  4. I like the flat, but it is very expensive.
  5. Although she was nervous, she gave a great presentation.
  6. The weather was bad. However, we enjoyed the trip.
  7. He worked very hard. Therefore, he got a promotion.
  8. We stayed indoors because it was raining.
Common Mistakes
Exercises
1 Choose the right linker

Choose the correct conjunction or linker to complete each sentence.

I wanted to go for a walk, _____ it started raining. (but / because)  →  but

  1. She studied all night she passed the exam. (so / although)
  2. I didn’t go to the party I was feeling ill. (but / because)
  3. The film was long. , it was very good. (Therefore / However)
  4. You can have a coffee a tea — which do you prefer? (or / and)
  5. he was tired, he stayed up to finish the report. (Because / Although)
2 Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake. Write the correct sentence.

  1. She was late because of she missed the train.
  2. Although it was sunny, but we stayed inside.
  3. It was cold. But we went for a walk.
  4. He was hungry, however he didn’t stop to eat.
3 Join the sentences

Join each pair of sentences using the conjunction or linker in brackets.

  1. She was tired. She kept working. (although)
  2. It was getting dark. We decided to leave. (so)
  3. He didn’t have much money. He bought the jacket. (however)
  4. I missed the bus. I was late for the meeting. (therefore)
  5. The hotel was comfortable. The food was excellent. (and)
4 Write your own

Write four sentences using a different linker from the box in each one: and • but • because • although • so • however.

  1. Write a sentence with ‘although’ about something surprising you do or feel.
  2. Write a sentence with ‘because’ explaining a choice you made.
  3. Write a sentence with ‘however’ showing a contrast.
  4. Write a sentence with ‘so’ explaining a result.
5 Identify the function

Write the function of the underlined linker: addition / contrast / cause / result.

  1. I stayed at home because I was ill.
  2. She was nervous. However, she spoke well.
  3. He saved his money, so he could buy a laptop.
  4. Although it was expensive, she bought it.
Speaking Activity

Discuss these topics with a partner. Try to use at least three different conjunctions or linkers in your conversation.

Share one of your partner’s ideas with the class. Try to use a linker when you report it: ‘She said that … , so …’