Function | Coordinators | Subordinators | Transitions |
|---|
| Link independent clauses within a sentence. | Link an independent clause with a dependent clause or phrase within a sentence. | Link independent clauses within a sentence. Link sentences within a paragraph. |
| Punctuation | Use a comma before a coordinator:
I researched the topic, and I created the presentation. | When the dependent clause is at the beginning of the sentence, it should be followed by a comma:
After I researched the topic, I created the presentation. Do not use a comma when the dependent clause is at the end of the sentence:
I created the presentation after I researched the topic. | When the transition begins the sentence, it should be followed by a comma:
First, I researched the topic.
Then, I created the presentation. When the transition connects two independent clauses, a semi-colon comes before it and a comma follows it:
I researched the topic; afterwards, I created the presentation. |
| Showing time, beginning, during, ending | | - Before
- As
- As long as
- At the same time (as)
- Every time
- Since
- So long as
- The first/second/next/last time
- When
- Whenever
- While
- By the time
- Till
- Until
| - Afterward(s)
- At first
- Initially
- Meanwhile
- Meantime
- Simultaneously
- Eventually
- Finally
|
| Showing a sequence | | - After
- As soon as
- Ever since
- Following
- Later
- Once
| - Next
- Subsequently
- Then
- Thereafter
- First
- Firstly
- Initially
- To begin
- Next
- Second
- Secondly
- Then
- Third
- Thirdly
- Finally
- Last
- Lastly
|
| Showing conclusion | | | - In all
- In summation
- In conclusion
- To conclude
|
| Showing contrast | | - Although
- Despite
- Even though
- In spite of
- Instead of
- Though
- Whereas
- While
| - By comparison
- By contrast
- Conversely
- However
- In contrast
- Instead
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- On the contrary
- On the other hand
- Otherwise
|
| Showing similarity | | | - In other words
- Likewise
- Similarly
|
| Adding information | | | - Additionally
- Also
- Besides
- Further
- Furthermore
- In addition
- Moreover
|
| Adding example | | | - For example
- For instance
- In particular
|
Showing cause | | - As a result of …
- Because …
- Due to (the fact that)
- In order to …
- Resulting from …
- Since …
| |
| Showing effect | | - (If) … then
- … resulting in
- So …that
- … then
| - Accordingly,
- As a result,
- Consequently,
- Hence,
- Therefore,
- Thus,
|
| Showing condition | | - Even if
- If … then
- In case
- Provided that
- Providing
- Unless
- Whether or not
|
|