Logical Connectors

Stage 2 : Exercise

Logical connectors

1. What are Logical Connectors

2. Exercise

Logical connectors are words and phrases which, to give just a few examples, are used as sequencers (first(ly), second(ly), then, next, after that); contrasters (however, on the one hand … on the other hand); generalizers (generally speaking, on the whole, in most cases); and topic-introducers (with regard to, regarding).

Logical connectors are often, but not always, placed at the beginning of a sentence. In this emphatic position, they help listeners to understand, for example, the structure and direction of an oral presentation. Connectors are obviously important for listeners, because spoken words are constantly ‘over-written’ as we speak. However, connectors, are less important in written English, since written texts can be re-read if necessary. In fact, rather than connectors, written English prefers the use of phrases which clearly refer back to a preceding idea or action. If too many connectors are used the writing becomes harder to comprehend. Hong Kong students especially overuse the connectors of addition Furthermore, Moreover, Besides.

2. Exercise

Read through the passage below and then replace each of the connectors which appear in the box with the appropriate linking word or phrase from the drop-down list box. Click submit to check the answers.

in any case another important point is that however

despite for this reason in fact

A number of writers have claimed that Asian women are now as free as their Western counterparts to get divorced. , the average Asian woman does not really have the same freedom to get divorced if she is in an unhappy marriage. Statistics clearly show that in the West, it is women, relatively independent in attitude and finances, who initiate most divorces. , many Asian women still depend financially on their husbands and, may have to endure an unhappy marriage. some countries, the Philippines for example, do not permit divorce and, even if an Asian woman is prepared to live in relative poverty, she is likely to suffer from social problems related to divorce. the problems, the Asian divorce rate is slowly increasing, as is the tendency to remain single. In Singapore, there are numerous unmarried professional women. They are mostly unworried about their single status; they have interesting work and money and prefer freedom to an unequal or bad marriage.