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IELTS Band 9 – Linking Words (Connectives)
September 3, 2020
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Conjunctions
A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF CONJUNCTIONS
A conjunction is a word that links words, phrases, or clauses. There are three types of
conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and subordinating
conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions may join single words, or they may join groups of
words, but they must always join similar elements: e.g. subject+subject, verb phrase+verb
phrase, sentence+sentence.
When a coordinating conjunction is used to join elements, the element becomes a
compound element.
Correlative conjunctions also connect sentence elements of the same kind: however, unlike
coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs.
Subordinating conjunctions, the largest class of conjunctions, connect subordinate clauses
to a main clause. These conjunctions are adverbs used as conjunctions.
The following tables show examples of the various types of conjunctions and some sample
sentences using the conjunctions. Since coordinating conjunctions and correlative
conjunctions are closed sets of words, all are included in the list. Subordinating
conjunctions are a larger class of words; therefore, only a few of the more common ones
are included in this list.
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COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
F
A
N
B
O
Y
S
for
and
nor
but
or
yet
so
An easy way to remember these six conjunctions is to think of the word FANBOYS. Each of
the letters in this somewhat unlikely word is the first letter of one of the coordinating
conjunctions. Remember, when using a conjunction to join two sentences, use a comma
before the conjunction.
Examples and Sentences – Coordinating Conjunctions
Conjunction
What Is Linked
Sample Sentences
and
noun phrase + noun
phrase
We have tickets for the symphony and the opera.
but
Sentence + sentence
The orchestra rehearses on Tuesday, but the chorus rehearses
on Wednesday.
or
Verb + verb
Have you seen or heard the opera by Scott Joplin?
so
Sentence + sentence
I wanted to sit in the front of the balcony, so I ordered my
tickets early.
CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS
both…and
not only…but also
either…or
neither…nor
whether…or
Remember, correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs. They join similar elements.
When joining singular and plural subjects, the subject closest to the verb determines
whether the verb is singular or plural.
Examples and Sentences – Correlative Conjunctions
Conjunctions
What Is Linked
Sample Sentence
both…and
Subject +
subject
Both my sister and my brother play the piano.
either…or
Noun + noun
Tonight’s program is either Mozart or Beethoven.
neither…nor
Subject +
subject
Neither the orchestra nor the chorus was able to overcome the
terrible acoustics in the church
not only…but
also
Sentence +
sentence
Not only does Sue raise money for the symphony, but she also
ushers at all of their concerts.
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SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
Time
Cause + Effect
Opposition
Condition
after
because
although
if
before
since
though
unless
when
now that
even though
only if
while
as
whereas
whether or not
since
in order that
while
even if
until
so
in case (that)
Subordinating conjunctions, (subordinators) are most important in creating subordinating
clauses or dependent clauses. These adverbs that act like conjunctions are placed at the
front of the clause. The dependent clause can come either before or after the main clause.
Subordinators are usually a single word, but there are also a number of multi-word
subordinators that function like a single subordinating conjunction. They can be classified
according to their use in regard to time, cause and effect, opposition, or condition.
Remember, put a comma at the end of the dependent phrase when it comes before the
main clause.
Examples and Sentences – Subordinating Conjunctions
Conjunction
Sample Sentence
after
We are going out to eat after we go to the concert.
since
Since we have lived in Atlanta, we have gone to every exhibit at the High Museum.
while
While I was waiting in line for the Matisse Exhibit, I ate my lunch.
although
Although the line was long and the wait over two hours, the exhibit was well worth it
even if
Even if you have already bought your ticket, you will still need to wait in line.
because
I love Matisse’s works because he uses color so brilliantly.
Leading Expressions
How to Use Sentence Starter?
The most important tip to quickly improve your writing is to follow one rule:
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Start every sentence in a paragraph with a different word. How? Here is my step-by-step
guide:
Use the transition list as you write: Think about how the sentences in your paragraph relate
to one another. Are you comparing and contrasting two ideas? Use “Showing Contrast”
transition words below. Are you writing about steps in a process? Then use the “Adding to
an Idea” transition words below. When writing about something that happened, use the
“Sequence/Time” transitions I’ve provided.
Using the transition list while you are revising: Sometimes, it is easier not to worry about
these words until your final draft stage, especially if you are a beginning writer. How do you
do this? Use the following tips:
Go through your first draft and circle the first word in every sentence.
If you use the same word to start a sentence twice in a paragraph, then you need to choose
another transition word and re-word the sentence.
Choosing the Right Word
How can you choose the right word for each sentence? What makes using transitions
improve your writing is that it forces you to explain the connections between your ideas. Ask
yourself:
What does the sentence before this one say?
How does this sentence relate to that one?
Scan the list for a transition that seems to fit best. You can also use these questions for
help:
Does this sentence add information? Use: moreover, furthermore, additionally, not only…but
also, or another addition transition.
Does the sentence contrast or contradict? Use: however, on the other hand, in contrast, yet,
conversely, or another contrasting transition.
Are you writing something that happens in order? Use: next, then, in fact, similarly, or a time
word like first, second, third, and finally.
Does this sentence add evidence? Use: for example, consequently, for this reason, or
another adding transition.
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Does the sentence emphasize an idea? Use: obviously, especially, as a rule, particularly, or
another emphasizing transition.
Does the sentence start your conclusion: Use: finally, in conclusion, in sum, obviously, or
another concluding transition.
Tips to Remember
1. Use a variety of transition words, not the same one.
2. Put a comma after the transition word.
3. Put the subject of the sentence after the comma.
Transition Word List
Words to Show Contrast
Words to Add to an
Idea
Words That Show
Cause
Words That Add
Emphasis
however
additionally
accordingly
admittedly
although
moreover
as a result
above all
conversely
furthermore
because
as a rule
in contrast
as well as
consequently
as usual
instead
another reason
due to
assuredly
in comparison
along with
for this reason
certainly
nevertheless
also
for this purpose
chiefly
whereas
coupled with
hence
especially
yet
correspondingly
otherwise
granted
on the one hand…on the
other hand
for example
since
generally speaking
on the contrary
in addition
so then
for the most part
other than
indeed
subsequently
in this situation
outside of
in fact
therefore
no doubt
(undoubtedly)
rather
identically
thereupon
obviously
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Words to Show Contrast
Words to Add to an
Idea
Words That Show
Cause
Words That Add
Emphasis
still
likewise
this is why
of course
besides
again
thus
ordinarily
comparatively
similarly
wherefore
particularly
different from
whereas
following this
singularly
even though
likewise
as you can see
unquestionably
otherwise
one other thing
for all of those
reasons
usually
2. Use a Variety of Words When Citing Examples
especially
for one thing
in particular (particularly)
specifically
chiefly
as an illustration
markedly
this can be seen in
for/as an example
illustrated with/by
namely
such as
for instance
in this case
including
in fact
Easy Ways to Improve Your Essay
3. Use Different Words to Order Events and Sequence Time
first… second… third…
currently
with this in mind
in turn
generally… furthermore… finally
during
for now
later on
in the first place… also… lastly
earlier
immediately
meanwhile
to be sure… additionally… lastly
eventually
in the meantime
next
first… just in the same way… finally
finally
for the time being
then
basically… similarly… as well as
first of all
the next step
simultaneously
afterward
to begin with
in conclusion
soon
at first
in the first place
in time
while
4. Use Interesting Words When Summarizing
after all
in any event
in other words
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on balance
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IELTS Band 9 – Linking Words (Connectives) – IELTS AcademicIELTS Academic
all in all
in brief
in short
that is (that is to say)
all things considered
in conclusion
in brief
therefore
briefly
in essence
in summary
to put it differently
by and large
indeed
in the final analysis
to sum up
hence
on the whole
in the long run
to summarize
in any case
overall
namely
finally
lastly
once and for all
conclusively
at the end
Examples of Using Transition Words
Example 1
Without transition words:
Cell phones have changed our family communication for the worse. Parents complain about
their teenagers spending too much time on their phones. Teenagers are annoyed that they
can’t get the attention of their parents, who are always working or shopping on their phones.
We need to make some changes.
Adding transition words:
Generally speaking, cell phones have changed our family communication for the worse.
Obviously, parents complain about their teenagers spending too much time on their phones.
Moreover, teenagers are annoyed that they can’t get the attention of their parents, who are
always working or shopping on their phones. Unquestionably, we need to make some
changes.
Example 2
Without transition words
Liz went to the store to get some groceries. She ran into her roommate Joy in the produce
section. They argued about whether they were out of blueberries and what they should buy
for dinner. Joy insisted that she was better at choosing ripe avocados. Liz retorted that Joy
didn’t know how to make guacamole correctly and that she was tired of Mexican food every
night. They bickered for five minutes. Joy’s phone rang. It was their friend Mark inviting
them over to his house for dinner. Listening, Liz smiled and nodded. Joy laughed and told
him, “We are on our way!”
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With transition words
After work, Liz went to the store to get some groceries. In the produce section, she ran into
her roommate Joy. First of all, they argued about whether they were out of blueberries, and
secondly what they should buy for dinner. Next, Joy insisted that she was better at choosing
ripe avocados. Simultaneously, Liz retorted that Joy didn’t know how to make guacamole
correctly and that she was tired of Mexican food every night. Subsequently, they bickered
for five minutes. Finally, Joy’s phone rang. Luckily, it was their friend Mark inviting them over
to his house for dinner. Listening, Liz smiled and nodded. Consequently, Joy laughed and
told him, “We are on our way!”
Definitive Pronouns
That vs. Which ‘That’ is used as part of a clause that is restrictive, meaning that the clause
is essential to the sentence and without it the meaning of the rest of the sentence would be
different. ‘Which’ is used as part of a clause that may add extra information or a shade of
meaning, but is not required in the same way. Fill in the blank with the best word: that or
which.
1. The last movie _____ we went to see was ‘The Box Trolls’.
2. I wrote down everything important in my notebook, _____ is blue and wide-ruled.
3. This computer, _____ Mom got me last Christmas, has the horsepower to play the latest
online games.
4. The table _____ the peace treaty was signed on is now in the Smithsonian.
5. The truck _____ we saw driving dangerously had California license plates.
6. I finally found my blue pen, _____ had been lost seemingly forever.
7. Typing, _____ is not formally taught in schools anymore, is still essential in certain
professions.
8. There are traditionally seven colors _____ make up a rainbow.
9. On the wall, I keep the racket _____ I used to win the school’s tennis tournament.
10. That silly cartoon tie, _____ I got a few Father’s Days ago, was a hit at my presentation!
ANSWERS:
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1. That 2. Which 3. Which 4. That 5. That 6. Which 7. Which 8. That 9. That 10. Which
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6 Responses to “IELTS Band 9 – Linking Words
(Connectives)”
Mounika vemu September 5th, 2020 (https://www.aehelp.com/blog/2020/09/03/ielts-band9-linking-words-connectives/#comment-404)
I have got no words to THANK YOU ,such a marvellous work.A thousand Thanks for this
great work, i became clearer with the difference between which and that after going through
this class.Thank you the team.
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aeadmin September 7th, 2020 (https://www.aehelp.com/blog/2020/09/03/ielts-band9-linking-words-connectives/#comment-405)
Awesome! Happy to help Mounika, keep up the good studies.
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-band-9-linking-words-connectives%2F)
Aaron Omar Colina September 22nd, 2020 (https://www.aehelp.com/blog/2020/09/03/ieltsband-9-linking-words-connectives/#comment-407)
Amazing help, thanks a lot. Seriously, you are the best teacher in the whole galaxy.
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Tsz Chung October 8th, 2020 (https://www.aehelp.com/blog/2020/09/03/ielts-band-9linking-words-connectives/#comment-410)
It is very helpful!!!!!!!!!!! Thank You!!!!!!!!!
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Sidhesh June 22nd, 2021 (https://www.aehelp.com/blog/2020/09/03/ielts-band-9-linkingwords-connectives/#comment-458)
Thanks a lot! This is very helpful.
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GURI August 28th, 2022 (https://www.aehelp.com/blog/2020/09/03/ielts-band-9-linkingwords-connectives/#comment-530)
Its really helpful thank you AE help
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