What is a Connective? Your Grammar Guide

Grammar is like the invisible scaffolding holding up every piece of writing. Without it, there’s a risk everything falls down!

In today’s grammar guide, we’re looking at connectives. Those handy linking words (or phrases) that make our writing flow. They help us structure ideas, create cohesive arguments and add polish to creative writing, speeches and essays.

If your child is preparing for the 11 Plus, tackling tricky SATs questions, or gearing up for GCSE or A Level English, understanding connectives is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: what they are, how they’re used, and why they’re so vital at every stage of education.

Whether you’re a parent helping with homework or a student brushing up on your skills, you’ll find clear explanations, practical tips and plenty of examples. Let’s connect the dots.

Table of Contents

What is a connective?

Let’s start with a definition. A connective is a word or phrase that links ideas together in a sentence or between sentences. That’s it! Simple, really. It’s what turns a series of thoughts into a cohesive argument or story. Without connectives, writing would feel disjointed and awkward. Like trying to follow a story where all the chapters are out of order.

Here’s an example:

Without connectives: “I love cake. It tastes great. It looks fun.”
With connectives: “I love cake because it tastes great and looks fun.”

The second sentence flows better, doesn’t it? That’s the power of connectives. They help clarify relationships between ideas, whether you’re adding more information, showing a contrast or explaining why something happened.

Some of the most common examples of connectives include:

And
But
Because
So
Therefore
Although
However
Meanwhile
In conclusion

These tiny words pack a big punch when it comes to improving clarity and making writing more engaging.

What are connectives for kids?

So, now we know what they are, how can we make connectives accessible for younger learners? What is a connective kid definition?

For younger children, connectives can be tricky to grasp, so it’s helpful to break things down with a simple analogy.

Step 1: Give an analogy

Ask your child to imagine a train.

Each sentence is a carriage, but without connectives (the hooks between carriages), the train won’t stay together. Connectives are the hooks that join the sentences, making your “story train” run smoothly.

If you’ve got a train set (or similar toy!) to demonstrate what you’re saying, this will help their understanding.

Or for a nature-loving child, you could use the analogy of a spider’s web.

Explain that each sentence is like a strand of silk in the web. Without connectives, the strands are separate pieces of thread, just floating around. But when the spider (that’s you, the writer!) uses connectives, it’s like weaving the strands together to make a strong, complete web. The web works because all the strands are joined, just like a story or piece of writing makes sense when the sentences are connected.

If you’re outdoors, pointing out a real spider’s web can help bring this idea to life, showing how everything links together to make something strong and beautiful!

Step 2: Give examples

To further help your child grasp the concept, give simple examples.

Connectives are words like and, because, so, and then. They help your sentences make sense by linking your ideas together.

Then, ask your child to get involved. Look for connectives in their favourite book. For instance, can you spot the connective in this sentence?

“I went to the park because it was sunny.”

Notice how “because” explains why you went to the park? That’s a connective in action!

Step 3: Encourage everyday participation

Make grammar and connectives an everyday part of chitchat. For instance, if your child loves storytelling, challenge them to use more than just “and or then” when they speak.

Instead of “We went to the zoo and then saw the lions,” they could try:
“We went to the zoo because we love animals, and we saw the lions before lunch.”

This combination of analogies, examples and active participation is a fun and easy way to introduce connectives in everyday conversations. It will help your child build confidence and familiarity with connectives, before tackling creative writing in school.

What are the main connectives?

Connectives come in all shapes and sizes, but some are more common than others. These are the main ones you’ll see popping up everywhere:

Adding information: and, also, moreover, in addition
Contrasting ideas: but, however, although, on the other hand
Explaining why: because, since, as
Showing cause and effect: so, therefore, thus, consequently
Indicating time or sequence: then, next, after that, meanwhile, finally

At first glance, these words might seem a bit mundane, but their role in writing is crucial. Imagine trying to write an essay without because or but. You’d struggle to explain your ideas or show the relationship between them. So don’t underestimate their importance, whether for GCSE or A Level, or even degree-level study.

What are examples of connectives?

Connectives are generally grouped based on what they do. You’ve got additive connectives (i.e. words adding information), adversative connectives (showing opposing ideas), causal connectives (words that explain why or show cause and effect) and temporal connectives (words relating to the passing of time). This may sound tricky, but we promise you – they’re pretty simple.

Here’s a closer look at these main types of connective, with examples.

Additive connectives

These add extra information or expand on a point.
Examples: and, also, furthermore, in addition.
“I love reading, and I also enjoy writing stories.”

Adversative connectives

- These highlight contrasts or opposing ideas.
- Examples: but, however, although, on the other hand.
- “I wanted to go outside, but it started raining.”

Causal connectives

These show cause and effect.
Examples: because, so, therefore, thus, as a result, consequently.
“I stayed home because I wasn’t feeling well.”

Temporal connectives

These indicate time or sequence.
Examples: then, next, meanwhile, finally, after.
“First, we ate dinner. Then, we played games.”

Want to brush up on more English grammar? Don’t miss our guides to subjects and objects, subordinate clauses and fronted adverbials.

What’s a connective in KS2?

At Key Stage 2 (that’s Years 3 to 6 of primary school, for children aged 7 to 11), connectives become a key focus in English lessons. They’re part of what’s known as “SPaG” (or spelling and grammar to you and me). Why? Because this is when students are expected to move beyond simple sentences and start creating more complex, detailed writing.

A connective for KS2 will still be reasonably simple. Words like and, because, so, however etc. But students will also start to use words like meanwhile, although, consequently by Year 6.

Using connectives helps KS2 students achieve two things:

Better structure: They can link ideas within a paragraph or between paragraphs, improving the flow of their writing.
More variety: They learn to use a range of connectives, from basic ones like and to more advanced ones like although and meanwhile.

For example, in a KS2 story, instead of writing:

“We went to the park. We had a picnic. We played football.”

A student might write:

“We went to the park and we had a picnic. Afterwards, we played football because the weather was so nice.”

The difference? The second version is richer, more engaging and shows a clear sequence of events.

If you’re helping your child with their KS2 English, we’ve also got detailed guides to homophones, powerful adjectives, 11 Plus scoring, homeschooling advice and much more.

Is “however” a connective?

Absolutely! However is a connective used to introduce a contrast or a different perspective. It’s one of the most versatile and commonly used connectives, particularly in academic writing. For example: “The film was beautifully shot. However, the storyline was hard to follow.”

Adding however gives the sentence balance and makes it more sophisticated. It’s perfect for essays, speeches, or anytime you want to add a counterpoint.

What’s a connective in English Language?

Connectives are the same whatever level of English you’re studying. They’re words that link sentences and ideas. But in GCSE English Language, connectives play two vital roles:

In your writing: They help structure your arguments in essays and creative descriptions. For example, a strong argumentative essay might use connectives like furthermore, however, nevertheless and therefore to guide the reader through your points logically.
In text analysis: When studying texts, spotting connectives can help you understand how an author builds tension, creates contrast or develops ideas. For instance, an author might use although to set up a contrast: “Although the storm raged outside, the child felt safe in her room.”

By analysing how connectives shape meaning, you can uncover deeper insights into a text as well as improve your own writing. They’re essential for reaching top grades.

For example, the AQA English Language mark scheme looks for the following in creative writing:

Content

Register is convincing and compelling for audience
Assuredly matched to purpose
Extensive and ambitious vocabulary with sustained crafting of linguistic devices

Organisation

Varied and inventive use of structural features
Writing is compelling, incorporating a range of convincing and complex ideas
Fluently linked paragraphs with seamlessly integrated discourse markers

Think about it. Can you create convincing and compelling arguments without linking your ideas? Not really. Can you use ambitious vocabulary without connectives? Not if you want to avoid a load of long lists. Varied structural features and fluently linked paragraphs? Yep, you’ve guessed it – it’s connectives.

What are examples of sophisticated connectives?

Here’s a selection of more advanced connective words and phrases, suitable for GCSE, AS and A Level students. For secondary school writing, these words refine arguments, add sophistication and demonstrate a higher level of critical thinking.

To show cause and effect

Consequently
Therefore
As a result
Accordingly
Hence
For this reason
Thus

To contrast

Conversely
Nevertheless
However
Despite this
On the contrary
Whereas
While this is true
Alternatively

To add complexity

Furthermore
Moreover
Not only that, but…
In addition to this
Over and above this
What’s more
Otherwise

To qualify or limit

To some extent
Within limits
Insofar as
Although
Even though
While it may be true that

To emphasise

Significantly
Notably
Importantly
Above all
It should be noted that
Indeed
Without a doubt

To give examples or evidence

For instance
Such as
Namely
As illustrated by
This is exemplified by
To demonstrate

To compare

Similarly
Likewise
Correspondingly
In the same way
Analogously

To conclude or summarise

In conclusion
To summarise
In essence
To bring it all together
All in all
To encapsulate
Provided that

To show time or sequence

Subsequently
Thereafter
Meanwhile
At the same time
Concurrently
Following this

What are connective statements?

Connective statements are phrases that link larger ideas or sections of text, rather than just single words. These are especially useful in essays and speeches to guide the reader or listener through your argument. Connective phrases are a step up from basic connectives and show a more advanced grasp of structure and clarity in writing.

For example:

“On the other hand, this raises another issue…”
“As a result of this, we can conclude that…”
“In conclusion, it is clear that…”

How to signpost in a speech: a quick guide to connectives

While we’re on the topic of connective statements, they’re especially helpful for GCSE English speech writing. These words and phrases guide your audience, helping them follow your argument or narrative with ease. Your teacher (or examiner) will be looking for these phrases, showing you’ve structured your ideas clearly and logically.

So, what’s the best way to signpost in a speech?

Here are a few direct and engaging connective phrases, to help your audience follow your argument.

Signposting connectives: getting started

“To kick things off…”
“Let us delve into…”
“I’d like to set the stage by…”
“Allow me to begin with…”
“The first point to consider is…”

Signposting connectives: adding a point

“Furthermore…”
“It’s also worth noting that…”
“Building on this…”
“Let’s take this a step further…”
“Equally important…”

Signposting connectives: contrasting ideas

“On the flip side…”
“Conversely…”
“Despite this…”
“While this may be true…”
“It’s important to consider the other perspective…”

Signposting connectives: emphasising your argument

“Above all…”
“Let me underline the fact that…”
“What stands out most is…”
“Crucially…”
“This cannot be overstated…”

Signposting connectives: giving examples

“A case in point is…”
“To put this into perspective…”
“Take, for example…”
“One striking example is…”
“To bring this to life…”

Signposting connectives: concluding or summarising

“In light of all this…”
“To bring it all together…”
“In essence…”
“To draw to a close…”
“In reflection…”
“As we conclude, let’s reflect on…”
“Ultimately, the key takeaway is…”

These phrases add variety and sophistication to your speech, ensuring it sounds polished and impactful while keeping your audience engaged from start to finish!

Final thoughts: why connectives matter for your writing

Connectives might seem small, but they’re the backbone of clear communication. Whether you’re writing a story, crafting an essay or analysing a text, mastering connectives will make your writing smoother, sharper and more impactful.

Does your child need help with their grammar or writing skills? At Achieve Learning, we offer expert tuition for all levels, from 11 Plus tuition to Year 2 and Year 6 SATs and GCSE English. We also offer reading and library support to motivate and inspire your child’s reading. Get in touch today to give your child’s grammar a boost!

What is a Connective? Your Grammar Guide

What is a connective?