ESL Short Subject
Articles and Connecting Words
Intensive Course in Research Writing
Texas A&M University
July 11-15, 2011
Susan E. Aiello, DVM, ELS
susan@words-world.net
WordsWorld Consulting
www.words-world.net
Articles
An article is a special type of modifier
called a determiner.
 a, an
indefinite articles
 the
definite article
 no article
indefinite
Guidelines for Article Use
Every time you use a common noun
or noun phrase (the noun plus its
modifiers), you must decide between:




a
an (used before a vowel sound)
the
no article
Guidelines for Article Use
 First determine whether the noun is countable
or uncountable.
 If classifying a countable noun, use “a” or “an.”
 If classifying an uncountable or plural noun, do
not use an article.
 To identify a noun, countable or uncountable,
singular or plural, use “the.”
Guidelines for Article Use
“the” identifies the noun
Example: I ate the apple in my lunch.
“a, ” “an,” or no article does not identify the
specific noun but shows to what class or
group the noun belongs.
Examples: I eat an apple every day.
I like police movies.
Guidelines for Article Use
If the noun is a singular countable noun, use “a”
or “an.”
Example: Last week, I bought ___ chemistry book at
the University Book Store.
If the noun is uncountable or plural, do not use
an article.
Note: The determiner “some” can be used with uncountable
and plural nouns but only when an amount can be indicated.
Example: Many people drink ___ bottled water.
Example: Before I go to the office, I had better buy ___
printer paper.
Guidelines for Article Use
To identify a common noun, use “the.”
After you have classified a noun with “a,”
use “the” when you use the noun again.
Example: I found ___ used car that I liked
yesterday and bought it. Now I have to
buy insurance for ___ car.
Guidelines for Article Use
 In the following circumstances, use “the.”
The noun can be singular or plural, countable
or uncountable.
– The noun is identified by a ranking adjective that identifies
it as one of a kind (the best, the next, the only, etc)
– The noun is identifiable to the reader and the writer
through shared knowledge.
The sun is going to rise at 6:00 am tomorrow.
I left my papers in the break room.
cont
Guidelines for Article Use
 In the following circumstances, use “the.”
The noun can be singular or plural, countable
or uncountable.
– The noun phrase is identified by the modification that
follows it.
Last week I finally read ___ article that Dr. Gastel
recommended.
– The noun is part of an “of” phrase showing quantity.
Susan noticed that half of ___ chicken had been
eaten already.
Some of ___ horses will be moved to a larger paddock.
Connecting Words
A connector is a word or phrase
used to link paragraphs, sentences,
clauses, or words.
Types of Connectors
Coordinating conjunctions connect words,
phrases, or independent clauses.
– The dog ran out of the house and barked at the car.
– Vincent wanted to study philosophy, but his father
convinced him to study veterinary medicine.
Correlative conjunctions connect similar
grammatical structures.
– You will have to either get a higher-paying job or cut
down on your expenses to pay your bills.
Connecting Words
Transitional words and phrases link
sentences and paragraphs.
I dislike working at night; however, I cannot
find a day job.
Subordinating conjunctions connect a
dependent (or subordinate) clause with
an independent clause.
When we have finished the training course,
we will have a test.
Connecting Words
Used to link items together (eg, two sentences)
or to lead the reader to a new point
Help make writing clear and easy to follow by
providing smooth links between ideas
Be certain of the meaning of connectors!
Connecting Words
Connecting words that add information:
and
not only…but also
both…and
also
beside
moreover
furthermore
in addition
additionally
Connecting Words
Connecting words that give an example
or illustrate a point:
for example
for instance
to illustrate
specifically
in particular
Connecting Words
Connecting words that show a contrast:
but
however
in contrast
conversely
on the contrary
on the other hand
otherwise
still
instead
Connecting Words
Connecting words that show a similarity:
likewise
similarly
in the same way
Connecting Words
Connecting words that show a concession:
yet
nevertheless
even so
admittedly
Connecting Words
Connecting words that show a result:
so
accordingly
as a result
consequently
as a consequence
therefore
thus
Connecting Words
Connecting words that give a reason or cause:
for
because
Connecting Words
Connecting words that establish a
time relationship or order:
first
second
afterward
finally
in conclusion
meanwhile
previously
next
subsequently
Connecting Words
Connecting words that show a condition:
or (or else can also be used)
whether…or
Connecting Words
Connecting words that explain or emphasize:
in fact
namely
that is
actually
in other words
Connecting Words
Connecting words that give a
choice or alternative:
or
either…or
Connecting Words
Pets play an important role in societies throughout the
world. They are important companions in many
households, contributing to the physical, social, and
emotional development of children and the well-being of
their owners, especially senior citizens. Although pets
make important contributions, however, pet ownership
may also be associated with potential hazards. For
example, more and more exotic animals are being invited
into homes as pets. Unfortunately, though, pet owners,
and often physicians, do not know as much as they
should about the potential of many of these unusual
animals to transmit zoonotic diseases.
Connecting Words
Remember
 Transitional words and phrases lead
your reader from one idea to another.
 Connectors can introduce an
example, indicate the order of ideas,
show a contrast, etc.
Preposition Use
In a phrase
(eg, during the daytime)
With a two- or three-word verb
(eg, turn in, check up on)
After a noun or an adjective
(eg, to be happy about)
Correct use of prepositions is learned
mainly through listening and reading.
Prepositions of Time
in: month, year
on: day of the week, date
in: time of day
at: specific time of day
in February, in 1999
on Monday, on June 1
in the morning,
in the afternoon,
in the evening
(but at night)
at 8:00 am,
at 3:30 pm sharp
Prepositions of Place
in:
on:
at:
in:
at:
city, country
street
address
inside of a place
a specific place
in Dallas, in Mexico
on First Street
at 119 Royfield Dr.
in the lab, in the library
at work, at home, at the store,
at the airport, at the movies
Prepositions of Position
on: on top of
in: inside
on the desk, on the chair
in my office, in my car, in my desk