Teaching English as a Foreign Language

160 Part III: Teaching Skills Classes

Table 11-1 How to use linking words

Some lower-level linking words

so You generally use a comma before these words

when they join two sentences together. Some people

leave out the comma when the two sentences are

very short.

Patrick had two bags but he gave one to Nasreen.

and

but

because When these words are first in the sentence use a

comma before the second clause (part of sentence

which is itself like a sentence with a subject and

verb ).

Because I like him, I bought him a gift.

You don’t need a comma when these words are

between the clauses.

I greeted him when I saw him at the party.

when

before

Examples of linking words for intermediate level and above

however Use a comma after this word when it links sentences

and clauses.

I had a nice day. However, the weather was poor.

in addition You use in addition or in addition to this with a

comma then a clause.

There are several styles of dress on display. In addi-

tion to this, there are many nationalities costumes.

consequently You begin a new sentence with these words and a

comma to link the sentence with an idea you have

already mentioned.

I liked the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums were

very good

When your students know how to master a sentence and build sentences

into a paragraph, they are ready to tackle a more substantial task where they

write a complete text.