WRITING - Connectors for OET and IELTS

WRITING - Connectors (Conjunctions) for OET and IELTS 

Simple Connectors

FANBOYS

F      - for

A     - and

N     - nor

B     - but

O     - or

Y     - yet

S     - so

1. Use of 'And' : used to connect two similar ideas.

Example:

i. Kollam is a beautiful city.

ii. We have all modern facilities in Kollam.

Both these sentences conveys positive (similar) ideas. To connect such sentences, we use AND.

Note: i. Do not begin a sentence with AND.

          ii. Use a comma before the word (preceding) AND.

          iii. The final 'd' of 'and' is silent.

Example: 

i. Kollam is a beautiful city, and we have all modern facilities there.

ii. The patient is improving. She can be discharged today.

The patient is improving, and she can be discharged today.

2. Use of BUT:

'But' is a contrary conjunction. It is used to connect two dissimilar (contrary) ideas.

Example: 

Kollam is a beautiful city.

Kollam is slightly polluted. 

Here you have contrary (dissimilar) ideas; use BUT to connect such sentences.

Kollam is a beautiful city, but it is slightly polluted.

Note: i. Do not begin a sentence with BUT.

          ii. Use a comma before the word (preceding) BUT.

          iii. The final 't' of 'but' is silent.

Synonyms of BUT:

However, Although, Despite, While, Whereas, Yet.

3. Use of 'However':

'However' can be used in two different ways:

See the two contrary ideas:

He worked hard. He did not get the required score.

i. He worked hard. However, he did not get the required score.

ii. He worked hard; however, he did not get the required score.

 

3. Use of 'Although'

Although is a contrasting conjunction. It can be used at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle of the two ideas. If although is used in the beginning of the sentence, use it with the positive idea and at the end of the clause insert a 'comma followed by the second (opposite) idea.

Example: 

Although the patient is improving, she cannot do the activities of daily living.

However, if although is used in the middle of the sentence, do not

use the 'comma'.

Example:

The patient cannot do the activities of daily living although she is improving.

Note: There is no 'comma' soon after although.

4. The use of Despite:

Example: Despite experiencing mild side effects from the new treatment, the patient made overall improvement.

More examples: 

1. The patient demonstrated excellent progress in managing diabetes; however, they must continue to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to prevent potential complications.

2. Although the patient had a history of non-compliance with the previous treatment plans,  they have agreed to the proposed lifestyle changes.

3. Despite the patient's initial reluctance to adhere to the medication regimen, consistent counseling resulted in a marked improvement in their condition.

4. The patient's blood pressure readings at the clinic were consistently within the normal range, whereas the readings taken at home were significantly higher, suggesting the possibility of white-coat hypertension. 

5.  While the patient has shown a preference for alternate therapy, it is important to consider evidence-based medical treatments to ensure the best possible outcome for their chronic condition.

Should you have any queries, please contact

Dr Vijay C Nair

WhatsApp no: 7356 85 8467.

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