Connectors: because, so, although, however
Join ideas to show reason (because), result (so), and contrast (although, however, but) — with correct punctuation. B1 grammar with 20 questions.
Connectors (also called linking words) join ideas together to make longer, more natural sentences. At B1, you move beyond “and” and “but” to express reason, result, and contrast clearly.
Reason and result: because and so
| Word | Introduces | Example |
|---|---|---|
| because | a reason (why) | I study every day because I want to improve. |
| so | a result (the effect) | I wanted to improve, so I booked lessons. |
because vs soThey describe the same situation from opposite ends. Reason + because: “She was tired because she worked late.” Result + so: “She worked late, so she was tired.”
Contrast: although and however
| Word | How it’s used | Example |
|---|---|---|
| although | joins two clauses in one sentence | Although it was raining, we went out. |
| however | starts a new sentence; takes a comma | It was raining. However, we went out. |
| but | joins two ideas (informal, mid-sentence) | It was raining, but we went out. |
Examples from EduCareer
- Aisha passed the test because she practised a lot.
- Omar was busy, so he booked an evening lesson.
- Although Yusuf is young, he learns quickly.
- The course is challenging. However, the tutors make it enjoyable.
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersWatch the punctuation with however: it usually starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma (“However, …”). Don’t use it like “but” in the middle without punctuation. Also, use because + a reason, not “because of” + a full clause (“because of” is followed by a noun: “because of the rain”).
Common mistakes
- Although it was raining, but we went out. → Although it was raining, we went out. (don’t use both)
- I was tired because of I worked late. → I was tired because I worked late.
- It was hard, however we finished. → It was hard. However, we finished.
Practise connectors with the 20 questions below.
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.
1."I study every day ___ I want to improve." (reason)
because + a reason.
2."I wanted to improve, ___ I booked lessons." (result)
so + a result.
3."___ it was raining, we went out." (contrast, one sentence)
Although joins contrast clauses.
4."It was raining. ___, we went out."
However starts a new sentence.
5."because" introduces a ___.
because = reason.
6."so" introduces a ___.
so = result.
7."She was tired ___ she worked late."
reason → because.
8."She worked late, ___ she was tired."
result → so.
9."Aisha passed the test ___ she practised a lot."
reason → because.
10."___ Yusuf is young, he learns quickly."
contrast → Although.
11.Which is correct?
Don't use "although" and "but" together.
12.Which is correct?
because + clause (because of + noun).
13.Which is correct?
However starts a sentence + comma.
14."because of" is followed by a ___.
because of + noun (the rain).
15."The lesson was difficult, ___ I understood it."
contrast mid-sentence → but.
16."It was late, ___ we went home."
result → so.
17."___ the course is challenging, the tutors make it fun."
contrast → Although.
18.Choose the reason connector:
because = reason.
19."He didn't study. ___, he failed the test."
result connector → Therefore (like "so").
20."We were tired. ___, we kept working."
contrast → However.
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