Linking up: using conjunctions

Conjunctions are words which link together parts of sentences, or link sentences together into paragraphs:

The experiment was repeated three times, but the results were totally consistent.

There are frequent strikes. However, the economy remains strong.

Words such as but, however, although, whereas, while, yet, despite are a special type of conjunction: conjunctions of opposition. It is vital to understand how these work both for reading and writing.

These conjunctions are signposts which tell the reader that two sides of a situation are being presented, often a positive and a negative, for example:

      frequent strikes = negative
      strong economy = positive

Note the position of the conjunction in the following:

Although/ while there are frequent strikes, the economy remains strong.

There are frequent strikes, but/ yet the economy remains strong.

There are frequent strikes. Nevertheless, the economy remains strong.


Students are strongly advised NOT to use 'On the one hand .... on the other ...' as it is frequently mis-used.