17 structures · CEFR A1–B2
English conjunctions
Connectors are how two ideas become one sentence instead of two. And, but, so, because, although, while — each one declares a relationship, and choosing the wrong one changes the meaning even when the grammar is perfect. This is also where the commonest written mistake in Indian English lives: "Although it was raining, but we went" uses two connectors for one relationship.
Common connectors mistakes
Every one of these is a sentence Indian-English speakers genuinely produce — not a textbook example.
| Commonly said | Correct English |
|---|---|
I am tired but, I will come. | I am tired, but I will come. The comma goes before "but", not after. and / but / or → |
Because it was raining, so we stayed. | Because it was raining, we stayed. Use one or the other, never both. because / so → |
Although he tried, however he failed. | Although he tried, he failed. One contrast word is enough. although / however → |
Neither he came nor he called me. | He neither came nor called. Keep the two halves the same shape. either…or / neither…nor → |
He is rich, yet but he is unhappy. | He is rich, yet he is unhappy. "Yet" already does the job of "but". so / yet / nor → |
While I was going, I met him while. | While I was going, I met him. The connector appears once, at the front of its own half. when / while / before / after → |
I will wait until you will come. | I will wait until you come. After "until" the future is written in the present. until / since / once → |
As soon as he will arrive, call me. | As soon as he arrives, call me. After "as soon as" the future takes the present tense. as soon as / whenever → |
All 17 connectors structures
Grouped by CEFR band so you can start where you actually are, rather than at the top.
A1 · Starting
2 structures at this level.
A2 · Everyday
1 structure at this level.
B1 · Independent
5 structures at this level.
- although / howeverB1Say two things that do not fit together
- so / yet / norB1Join clauses the way written English does
- until / since / onceB1Say when something stops, starts, or follows
- as soon as / wheneverB1Say one thing happens the moment another does
- so that / in order toB1Say what you did something FOR
B2 · Confident
9 structures at this level.
- either…or / neither…norB2Offer two options, or rule both out
- since / as / due toB2Give a reason in more than one register
- despite / in spite ofB2Show contrast with a noun instead of a clause
- even though / whereasB2Sharpen a contrast, or set two things side by side
- unless / as long as / providedB2Set a condition without saying "if not"
- in case / even ifB2Talk about precautions, and about things that change nothing
- both…and / not only…but alsoB2Link two things in a way that sounds deliberate
- so…that / such…thatB2Say something was so extreme it caused a result
- However, therefore, moreoverB2Move between sentences the way written English does
Dimmed tiles are structures whose example bank is still being written. The explanation and the mistake are there; the sentences are not, yet.
Reading it is not the same as saying it.
CoCap turns connectors into practice you can actually do: a Hindi sentence, your English answer, and one correction at a time.
Practise this, free →