What is Cohesion and Why Use Complex Connectors?
Cohesion is the "grammatical glue" that links sentences and ideas, ensuring a text flows smoothly. Basic connectors like and, but, so are the foundation, but at an advanced level, using more complex connectors adds precision, formality, and sophistication to your writing in English.
These connectors act as powerful signals, showing the exact logical relationship between different parts of your text.
💡 Pro Tip: Using a variety of complex connectors prevents your writing from sounding repetitive. However, choose the connector that precisely matches your intended logical relationship.
Basic vs. Complex Connectors
While basic conjunctions often group multiple ideas loosely, complex connectors tightly bind ideas with specific conditions, causalities, or contrasts.
* Basic: I was tired, so I went to sleep.
* Complex: Owing to exhaustion, I retired for the evening.
Complex Connectors Structure and Formula
When using complex connectors, the syntactic structure often shifts depending on whether the connector is followed by a clause or a noun phrase.
Structure with Noun Phrase (e.g., owing to, despite):
[Connector] + Noun Phrase, S + V + O.
* Despite the heavy rain, they played the match.
Structure with Clause (e.g., provided that, whereas):
[Connector] + S1 + V1, S2 + V2. (Or S2 + V2 + [Connector] + S1 + V1)
* Assuming that he arrives on time, we will leave immediately.
How to Form Connectors of Cause and Effect
Go beyond because and so to express causality with more nuance.
| Function | Complex Connector | Grammatical Note | Real-life Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | owing to / due to | Followed by a noun phrase. | Owing to a mechanical failure, the flight was cancelled. |
| on the grounds that | Followed by a clause. Very formal. | He was fired on the grounds that he had violated company policy. | |
| by virtue of | Emphasizes that a quality is the cause. | She got the job by virtue of her extensive experience. | |
| Effect | consequently / as a result | Links two independent sentences. | The company lost money. Consequently, staff were laid off. |
| hence / thus | Formal. Introduces a logical conclusion. | The evidence was flawed; hence, the verdict was overturned. |
List of Connectors of Condition
Move beyond a simple if to specify the exact conditions required.
| Connector | Meaning / Specific Nuance | Real-life Example |
|---|---|---|
| provided that / on condition that | A strong, formal condition; the only condition. | We will sign, provided that you guarantee delivery. |
| assuming that | Based on a probable assumption. | Assuming that traffic is light, we arrive at 6 PM. |
| so long as / as long as | Emphasizes the duration of the condition. | You can borrow the car so long as you are careful. |
| unless | A negative condition (if... not). | We will not proceed unless we receive payment. |
Connectors of Contrast and Concession
These are crucial for building balanced arguments and acknowledging opposing facts.
- in spite of / despite: Followed by a noun phrase or
-ingform.- Despite the pouring rain, they continued the match.
- while / whereas / whilst: Used to show direct contrast between two things.
- Whereas the old system was inefficient, the new one is streamlined.
- notwithstanding: Very formal. Means "in spite of." Can come before or after the noun.
- Notwithstanding the fierce opposition, the law was passed.
💡 Pro Tip: Never use "despite of." It is a common grammatical error. It is either despite + noun or in spite of + noun.
Subordinate Linking Using Participial Phrases
A highly effective advanced technique is to use participial phrases (-ing or -ed forms) to link ideas. This condenses two sentences into one, creating a more fluid text.
1. Present Participle (-ing): S [doing X], V + O
Used when the subject is performing two actions simultaneously, or one causes another.
* Instead of: She opened the drawer and she took out a file.
* Better: Opening the drawer, she took out a file.
2. Past Participle (-ed / V3)
Used to start a sentence with a passive idea.
* Instead of: The report was written by experts, and it is convincing.
* Better: Written by experts, the report is very convincing.
Summary & Cheatsheet for Complex Connectors
Always ensure the "doer" of the action in the participle phrase is the subject of the main clause to avoid a dangling modifier error.
* Incorrect Dangling: Having finished the report, the computer was turned off. (The computer didn't finish the report)
* Correct: Having finished the report, I turned off the computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Complex Connectors in English?
Complex connectors are advanced transitional phrases (like provided that, owing to, whereas) used to combine ideas and demonstrate precise logical, conditional, or causal relationships between clauses.
How to Identify a Dangling Modifier when using Participles?
A dangling modifier occurs when the subject of the participial phrase does not match the subject of the main clause. It usually sounds illogical or humorous, as if an inanimate object is performing a human action.
When to Use "Despite" vs "Although"?
Use "despite" or "in spite of" followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (e.g., Despite the rain...). Use "although" followed by a full subject and verb clause (e.g., Although it was raining...).