Conjunctions and Linking Words List

UNLESS
	CONJUNCTION (CONDITION)	CN01
#1	used in conditional sentences and has a similar meaning to 'if .. not' in the sense of ‘except if’, unless + present simple + will/going to + verb.	I won't call you unless there are any problems. FUTURE SIMPLE + UNLESS + PRESENT TENSE

IN SPITE OF/DESPITE
	PREPOSITION (CONTRAST)	CN01
#1	used to express a contrast between two things = 'regardless of' or 'even though', in spite of/despite + (pronoun) + noun. We never use 'of' with 'despite'.	In spite of/Despite the frost, the pitch was playable. IN SPITE OF/DESPITE + NOUN
	PREPOSITION (CONTRAST)	CN01
#2	both 'in spite of' and 'despite' can be followed by an -ing form, despite/in spite of + gerund.	He's an ordinary bloke, in spite of/despite being famous. IN SPITE OF/DESPITE + GERUND
	PREPOSITION (CONTRAST)	CN01
#3	to introduce a clause with 'in spite of' or 'despite', we have to add 'the fact that', despite/in spite of + the fact that + clause.	He was good at maths in spite of/despite the fact that he found it boring. IN SPITE OF/DESPITE + THE FACT THAT + CLAUSE

BECAUSE (OF)
	CONJUNCTION (REASON)	CN01
#1	used to give a reason for something, because + subject + verb. 'Because' can go after or before the main clause. It is never followed by 'of'.	She cried because she had hurt her knee. BECAUSE + SUBJECT + VERB
	PREPOSITION (REASON)	CN01
#2	as a result of someone or something, (1) because of + (pronoun) + noun, (2) because of + pronoun or (3) because of + gerund. It is always followed by 'of'.	The game was cancelled because of the rain. BECAUSE OF + NOUN (1) He was tired because of working too hard. BECAUSE OF + GERUND (3)

ALTHOUGH/(EVEN) THOUGH
	CONJUNCTION (CONTRAST)	CN01 CN06
#1	used to introduce a statement that makes your main statement seem surprising or unlikely = 'despite the fact that', although/(even) though + subject + verb.	Although/Even though/Though she is young, she is very independent. ALTHOUGH/(EVEN) THOUGH + SUBJECT + VERB

WHETHER ... OR ...
	CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTION	CN01
#1	used to express a doubt or choice between two possibilities = 'it doesn't matter whether ... or ...', whether + (subject) + verb + or + verb.	He seemed undecided whether to go or stay. WHETHER + TO + VERB + OR + VERB

IF
	CONJUNCTION (CONDITION)	CN02
#1	used to introduce a conditional clause, if + present tenses + comma + future tenses or future tenses + if + present tenses.	If you don't hurry, we'll be late. IF + PRESENT SIMPLE + COMMA + FUTURE SIMPLE
	CONJUNCTION (REPORTING QUESTIONS)	CN06
#1	used after ask, know, find out, wonder, etc. to introduce one of two or more possibilities = 'whether', ask/know/wonder + if/whether + clause.	At times I wonder if/whether he'll ever get a job. WONDER + IF/WHETHER + CLAUSE

BUT
	CONJUNCTION (CONTRAST)	CN02
#1	used to introduce a word or phrase that contrasts with what was said before, independent clause + but + comma + independent clause.	I wanted to go, but I was too tired. INDEPENDENT CLAUSE + BUT + COMMA + INDEPENDENT CLAUSE

HOWEVER
	CONJUNCTION (WAY)	CN02
#1	used as a subordinating conjunction when it means 'in whatever way' or 'in whatever manner', however + subject + verb.	However you look at it, it's going to cost a lot. HOWEVER + SUBJECT + VERB
	ADVERB (CONTRAST)	CN07 CN09
#2	used to introduce a statement that contrasts with something that has just been said, (1) independent clause + semicolon + however + comma + independent clause or (2) independent clause + full stop + However + comma + independent clause	I asked Jim; however, I'm not convinced he knows. SEMICOLOR + HOWEVER + COMMA I asked Jim. However, I'm not convinced he knows. FULL STOP + HOWEVER + COMMA

AS
	CONJUNCTION (TIME)	CN02
#1	used to describe two things happening at the same time or something happening at a particular time = 'while' or 'when', as + subject + verb.	I saw Ann as I was getting off the bus. AS + SUBJECT + VERB