Connectors: Addition and Contrast

Explanation

Connectors signal the logical link between clauses. Addition connectors extend a point, contrast connectors mark a difference. They sit inside a clause and take punctuation around them, unlike conjunctions which can join clauses directly.

Examples

• The scheme cut costs; moreover, it reduced waiting times.
• The sample was small; however, the effect was consistent.
• Whereas the first trial succeeded, the second did not.

Common mistakes

• The scheme cut costs, moreover it reduced waiting times.

  The scheme cut costs; moreover, it reduced waiting times.

  A connector is not a conjunction.

• The sample was small, however the effect was consistent.

  The sample was small; however, the effect was consistent.

  However needs a semicolon or full stop before it.

• The first trial succeeded. Whereas the second did not.

  The first trial succeeded, whereas the second did not.

  Whereas joins clauses.