68   I can use link words

A    Reason, result, and addition

A link between A and B is a connection between two or more people or things. The words in bold in this unit all link one idea (A) with another idea (B).

... and everything went wrong. I forgot to set the alarm, and as a result, I overslept and had to get a taxi to the station. Of course, all the trains were delayed due to the snow. What’s more, when the train arrived, it was absolutely freezing as the heating wasn’t working. A bit later the ticket inspector came round, and I discovered I’d bought the wrong kind of ticket, so I had to pay again, plus I had to pay a fine, which was very annoying. And when I finally got off the train, I slipped on the ice and broke my ankle. Consequently I spent the rest of the day, not at the meeting, but in hospital having x-rays. Not my best day.

Glossary

as a result  because or sth that happened before. SYN so.

due to sth  because of sth.

what’s more  INF used when you are adding information in spoken English or informal written English. SYN plus INF (and see spotlight).

as  used to say why sth happens, or why sb does sth. SYNS since, because.

consequently  because of sth that happened before. SYN therefore. (Both words are more formal than as a result or so.)

 

spotlight  in addition, moreover, furthermore

These are more formal ways of adding more information or arguments.

The business was in trouble. In addition, his activities had attracted the attention of the police. Teacher numbers have risen by 12%. Moreover / Furthermore, extra money is being spent on books. 

2     Write the link words in Exercise 1 below.

REASON   

as

________

________

RESULT    

________

________

ADDITION      

________

________

________

________

due to; since; because; so

as a result; therefore; consequently

what's more; plus; moreover; furthermore; in addition

3     Complete the sentences in a logical way.

►   I had a very bad night’s sleep: the bed was uncomfortable, plus the room was hot.

1     In winter, schools sometimes have to ____ due to bad weather.

2     Ulla lost her passport on the way to the airport; consequently, ____ fly that day.

3     The hotel was dirty and the service was poor. Furthermore, the food ____.

4     As I ____ much money to spend, I decided to stay at home that evening.

5     He forgot his key and therefore he couldn’t ____ the flat.

6     Jeans are extremely practical; what’s more, ____ expensive. 

1     close; shut

2     she couldn't

3     was terrible

4     didn't have

5     get in; get into; enter

6     they aren't; they're not

B    Contrasting ideas

A contrast is a difference between two or more people or things that are being compared. The words in bold below are used to introduce an idea which contrasts with something you have just said.

Contrasting two ideas on one sentence:

We got a ticket, although (even though, though) it wasn't easy.

The clause with alghough, even though, and though can come at the beginning or the end.

e.g. Althgouth it wasn't easy, we got a ticket.

I went to work despite feeling very unwell.

                        in spite of the bad weather.

                        despite the fact that I had flu.

Despite and SYN in spite of are followed by an -ing form or a noun.

Contrasting two ideas in two seperate sentences:

The car was old. Despite that (In spite of that), I still bought it.

In despite that and in sptie of that, the word that refers back to the fact that the car was old.

She didn't work hard. However, (Nevertheless, All the same,) she still passed.

However and nevertheless are more formal; all the same is more informal.

He says he's rich. I don't believe hime, though (however).

At the end of a sentence, however is more formal than though.

spotlight  still

Still can be used to emphasize that the second part of a sentence is surprising, especially after what was said in the first part of the sentence.

She fell ill but she still went to work.

Be left an hour early, but he still missed the train.

C    Other link words 

Word or phrase

Example     

Meaning/usage

 

whereas      

I enjoy tennis, whereas my father prefers rugby.      

used for comparing two people, things, etc. and saying there is a difference between them.

 

on the one hand ... on the other (hand)    

On the one hand, it’s lovely here in summer, but on the other, the winter is terrible.

used for showing opposite points of view.

 

otherwise SYN or (else)     

Put your cake on the table, otherwise the dog will eat it.

used to say that if sth doesn’t happen or isn’t true, sth else will happen, sometimes sth bad.

 

provided (that)  SYN as long as

I’ll go provided you come with me.

only if.

 

unless   

I’ll accept the job at the BBC unless they offer me a job at Sky.  

used to say that sth will happen or be true if sth else does not happen or is not true.

 

in case  

Take a map in case you need it.     

because sth might happen.

 

so (that)

He got there early so that he could speak to her before the lesson.      

used to talk about the purpose of an action.

spotlight  purpose

A purpose is a reason for doing something, or a thing that someone wants to achieve.

What’s the purpose of your trip?

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the figures.

8     Test yourself. Look at the words in the first column and cover the examples and meanings. What are the meanings?