However, here's a comprehensive breakdown of common linkers categorized by their function:
1. Coordinating Conjunctions: These link words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank.
* And: Adds information. (e.g., "I went to the store, and I bought some milk.")
* But: Shows contrast. (e.g., "I wanted to go to the party, but I was too tired.")
* Or: Presents an alternative. (e.g., "You can have the cake, or you can have the ice cream.")
* Nor: Indicates a negative alternative. (e.g., "He is not at home, nor is he at work.")
* For: Shows reason or explanation. (e.g., "I stayed home, for I was sick.")
* Yet: Shows contrast, often with a surprising element. (e.g., "I tried my best, yet I still failed.")
* So: Shows consequence or result. (e.g., "I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.")
2. Subordinating Conjunctions: These introduce dependent clauses that provide additional information about the main clause.
* Time: After, before, since, while, when, as, until, once
* Cause/Reason: Because, since, as
* Contrast: Although, though, even though, while, whereas
* Condition: If, unless, provided that, in case
* Purpose: So that, in order that
* Result: So, so that, therefore, consequently
* Comparison: As, as if, as though
3. Conjunctive Adverbs: These link clauses or sentences and show the relationship between them.
* Addition: Moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides, also
* Contrast: However, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, conversely
* Cause/Effect: Therefore, consequently, thus, hence, as a result
* Exemplification: For example, for instance, such as
* Emphasis: Indeed, in fact, actually
* Conclusion: In conclusion, finally, in short, in summary
4. Prepositional Phrases: These can act as linkers, connecting ideas and showing relationships between them.
* Time: After, before, during, since, until
* Place: Near, far from, next to, above, below
* Cause: Because of, due to, owing to
* Purpose: For, in order to, to
* Result: As a result of, thanks to
* Comparison: In contrast to, compared to
5. Transitional Phrases: These provide smoother transitions between ideas and sentences.
* Addition: In addition, moreover, furthermore
* Contrast: However, on the other hand, nevertheless
* Cause/Effect: Therefore, consequently, as a result
* Exemplification: For example, for instance, such as
* Summary: In short, in conclusion, to summarize
Beyond the Basics:
* Semicolons (;): Used to connect related independent clauses.
* Colons (:): Used to introduce a list, explanation, or example.
* Dashes (-): Used to show an abrupt change in thought or emphasize a point.
This list is not exhaustive, but it offers a comprehensive overview of the linkers commonly used in English. The choice of linker depends on the specific relationship you want to convey between the ideas you are connecting.