Connecting ideas: using conjunctions for clear writing
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Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.
- Think about a time you had to explain something complicated, either in writing or speaking. What made it challenging?
- How does your writing style change when you write a professional email compared to a text message to a friend?
- If you want to persuade a friend to watch a movie you love, how do you connect your ideas to make your argument stronger?
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Making a Big Decision
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
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Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.
01According to the article, what is the main purpose of using conjunctions in writing?
Sample answerTheir purpose is to connect words and sentences to make writing flow better and be more logical.
02What are some examples of vocabulary words mentioned in the article that help connect ideas?
Sample answerIt gives examples like 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Therefore'.
03In what kind of real-life situations could you use the practical English phrases mentioned?
Sample answerThey would be useful in situations like giving a presentation, or when you need to explain the reason for something or compare different ideas in a conversation or an email.
04Why is it important to use a variety of conjunctions instead of just using 'and' or 'but'?
Sample answerUsing a variety of conjunctions like 'although' or 'therefore' makes your writing more precise. It shows the exact relationship between ideas, which makes your argument stronger and clearer for the reader.
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Grammar: coordinating and subordinating conjunctions
Grammar
Conjunctions are words that connect ideas, phrases, and sentences. Coordinating conjunctions (like 'and', 'but', 'so') join two equal and independent ideas. Subordinating conjunctions (like 'because', 'although', 'if') join a main idea with a less important, or dependent, idea.
Examples
The presentation was informative, and the speaker was very engaging.
Use a coordinating conjunction like 'and' to connect two equally important, complete ideas.
Although the data was complex, the report explained it clearly.
Use a subordinating conjunction like 'although' to introduce a contrasting idea that depends on the main part of the sentence.
You should plan your essay before you start writing because it helps to structure your thoughts.
Use 'because' to introduce a reason. The clause 'because it helps...' cannot be a sentence by itself.
Key points
- Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) connect two independent clauses.
- Subordinating conjunctions (because, since, although, while, if) make one clause dependent on the other.
- When connecting two full sentences with a coordinating conjunction, use a comma before the conjunction.
5
Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.
Word bank
01Using words like 'however' or 'therefore' creates a smooth between your ideas.
02If your arguments are logical and easy to follow, your writing is considered .
03A good essay needs a clear with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
04Before you start writing, you should think about the main of your text.
05A sentence can be made of a main and a subordinate one.
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Key vocabulary for connecting ideas
Vocabulary
Learn these useful phrases to talk about writing and communication.
Examples
To get your point across — to successfully communicate an idea so that others understand it.
Usage note: This is a common phrase in both speaking and writing. For example: 'I used a simple example to get my point across'.
On the one hand... on the other hand — a phrase used to introduce two contrasting or opposing ideas.
Usage note: You must use both parts of this phrase to compare two different sides of a situation. It's great for structured arguments.
In a nutshell — in summary; in the fewest possible words.
Usage note: This is a useful informal idiom to signal you are about to give the main point or conclusion. For example: 'In a nutshell, the project was a success'.
A train of thought — a series of connected ideas in your mind.
Usage note: We often use this when we are interrupted and forget what we were saying, e.g., 'Sorry, I lost my train of thought'. It can also describe a logical argument in a text.
To link ideas — to connect different concepts or pieces of information logically.
Usage note: This is a key phrase for discussing writing. Conjunctions like 'and', 'but', and 'because' are essential tools to link ideas.
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Vocabulary for clear writing
Good writing is about more than just grammar. Learn these words to help you talk about making your ideas clear.
Match the words with their definitions.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
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Useful phrases: explaining a decision at work
Vocabulary
When you need to explain a decision to your team, it's important to be clear and logical. These phrases will help you structure your explanation, give reasons, and show the results.
Examples
After looking at everything, we've decided to... — a clear way to announce a decision.
Register: Neutral. Use this at the start of your explanation to state the final choice after a period of consideration.
The main reason for this is that... — use this to give the most important justification.
Register: Neutral. A simple and direct way to connect a decision to its primary cause. Use it right after stating the decision.
On top of that, it will also help us... — a phrase for adding another benefit or reason.
Register: Neutral/Slightly informal. Good for adding a second positive point to strengthen your argument. It's more conversational than 'Furthermore'.
As a result, we'll need to... — explains the direct consequence or next action.
Register: Neutral. Use this to link the decision to the practical steps that must follow.
I realize this might be a challenge, but... — shows you understand the negative aspects.
Register: Neutral/Empathetic. Use this to acknowledge a difficulty before presenting the positive outcome. It shows you have considered the team's perspective.
Overall, we feel this is the right move because... — a good way to summarize and conclude.
Register: Neutral. Use this at the end of your explanation to reinforce why the decision is a good one.
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Find the error
Each sentence contains one error. Find and correct it.
01Despite of the rain, we decided to go for a walk in the park.
Corrected version
Despite of the rain, we decided to go for a walk in the park.
02I was very tired, but I went to bed early to get some rest.
Corrected version
I was very tired, but so I went to bed early to get some rest.
03Using clear conjunctions make your writing much easier to understand.
Corrected version
Using clear conjunctions make makes your writing much easier to understand.
04Although he explained his idea, but I still didn't understand his train of thought.
Corrected version
Although he explained his idea, but I still didn't understand his train of thought.
05You need to link your paragraphs logical to create a coherent text.
Corrected version
You need to link your paragraphs logical logically to create a coherent text.
06Futhermore, adding examples can help you get your point across.
Corrected versionFuthermore, Furthermore, adding examples can help you get your point across.
07She didn't study for the test, however she passed with a high grade.
Corrected version
She didn't study for the test; however, she passed with a high grade.
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Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- Some people argue that social media is making it harder for people to get their point across clearly in writing. On the other hand, others say it creates new ways to communicate. What is your opinion?
- Think about communication styles in your country. When people link ideas to build an argument, is it more common to be very direct, or more indirect? Can you give an example?
- Imagine you have to explain a complicated new project to your team. In a nutshell, what steps would you take to make sure your train of thought is easy for everyone to follow?