Connectives are words that join part of a text with another. Sometimes, connectives can be called conjunctions.

The examiner might ask you to identify a connective in the text. Other times, you will be expected to use connectives to build coherence in your summary writing or sequence events in narratives and other text types.

Coordinating conjunctions- normally connect words and phrases that are coordinate (equal) to each other. Examples include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. You can remember the with the acronym FANBOYS

Subordinating conjunctions– normally used in complex sentences and to introduce subordinate clauses. Examples include, after, although, as, as if, because, before, how, if, since, than, though, unless, until, when, where and while.

Useful connectives and phrases

To add information or build on ideas:

• In addition, similarly, as well as, moreover, in the same way, furthermore, equally

To introduce a contrasting idea or point of view:

• In contrast, nevertheless, nonetheless, however, rather than, on the other hand, despite, in spite of, whereas, alternatively, conversely, although

To give order to your ideas:

• Firstly, secondly, in summary, in conclusion, finally, overall, essentially

To express cause and effect:

• As a result, consequently, therefore, in order to, inevitably, for example, clearly, naturally, in any case

To express passing time:

• The following day/night/week/year etc, as soon as, meanwhile, during, subsequently, later, before this, previously, immediately