However, although, because, so, and time connectors

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  • However, although, because, so

    Grammar chart explaining the use of conjunctions 'however,' 'although,' 'because,' and 'so' for contrast and result, with sentence examples.

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    Clauses of contrast

    However

    However means ‘but’.

    However is normally used at the beginning of a sentence, before a comma (,) and after a full stop (.) or a semicolon (;).

    • We didn’t like the hotel. However, we had a good time.
    • I would like to have a dog; however, my husband is allergic to dogs. 

    Although

    Although means ‘despite the fact that’ or ‘but’.

    Although can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. We do NOT use a comma after although; we use although + subject + verb.

    • Although he had a bad leg, he still won the game.
    • I passed the exam, although I hadn’t studied.

    Clauses of reason

    Because

    We use because + subject + verb.

    • We had to cancel the concert because it was raining.
    • I didn’t call you because I didn’t want to worry you.

    Because of

    We use because of + noun.

    • We had to cancel the concert because of the rain.
    • Many shops had to close because of the economic situation. 

    Clauses of result

    So

    So is the most common connector to express result. It is normally used in the middle of a sentence after (,).

    • We worked hard all morning, so I am very tired now. 
    • The TV is very expensive, so I don’t think I’ll buy it. 

    Time connectors

    Grammar chart detailing time connectors 'before', 'after', 'while', 'as soon as', 'when', and 'once' with examples and usage rules.

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    Before

    We can use before + noun / -ing verb, or we can use before + subject + verb.

    • Before I have breakfast, I read a few pages. 
    • Before having breakfast, I read a few pages. 
    • Before breakfast, I read a few pages. 

    After

    We can use after + noun / -ing verb, or we can use after + subject + verb.

    • I smoke a cigarette after dinner/ having dinner/ I have dinner.

    When we are talking about consecutive actions, we use then of after that, but NOT after.

    • I got up and had a shower. After, I made breakfast. blank
    • I got up and had a shower. Then/After that, I made breakfast. blank

    While

    We use while + subject + verb to talk about actions happening at the same time, simultaneously.

    • I read the newspaper while I was waiting.

    As soon as, when, once

    As soon as, when, and once have a similar meaning. As soon as means ‘immediately when’.

    • As soon as/when/once I get home, I’ll finish my homework.

    Common mistakes

    We use the present simple and NOT will to express future after before, after, as soon as, when, and once.

    • When I will get home, I’ll call you. blank
    • When I get home, I’ll call you. blank

    We use a comma after the first part of the sentence when we start with before, after, while, as soon as, etc. But we do not use a comma if we use before, after, while, as soon as, etc in the second part of the sentence.

    • Before I go to bed, I brush my teeth. 
    • I brush my teeth before I go to bed. 

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