English 2BAC - Grammar

MathMaroc · Learning guide

Linking words: show the relationship between ideas

Original practice material · explained answers · no official-exam attribution

Understand the rule

Linkers express addition, contrast, concession, cause, consequence or purpose. However often connects independent sentences and needs appropriate punctuation. Although introduces a subordinate clause; despite is followed by a noun or an -ing form. Because introduces a reason, while because of takes a noun phrase. So that introduces a purpose clause; in order to takes an infinitive. A linker is useful only when the relationship between ideas makes sense.

Follow a method

Identify the logical relationship. Choose a linker with the right grammatical pattern. Read both ideas together and check punctuation. Do not combine although with but in the same ordinary sentence.

Worked example

Although it was raining, the volunteers continued. Despite the rain, the volunteers continued. The volunteers continued; however, they changed their plan. They worked in pairs so that everyone could participate.

Practise and explain your answer

01Correct: Despite it was raining, they continued.

Despite the rain, they continued; or Although it was raining, they continued.

02Join: She revised carefully. She passed the test. Use a consequence linker.

She revised carefully, so she passed the test.

03Correct: Although he was tired, but he finished.

Although he was tired, he finished.

04Explain the difference between because and so that.

Because gives a reason; so that introduces a purpose in the relevant construction.