Connectors: although, however, because, so, when, while
Learn English connectors although, however, because, so, when, and while to show contrast, reason, result, and time between ideas, at A2 level.
Connectors are words that link ideas in a sentence or between sentences. They help you show contrast, reason, result, or time.
In this lesson, you will learn how to use:
although, however, because, so, when, while
What Do Connectors Do?
Connectors join two ideas and show the relationship between them.
Examples
- “I was tired. However, I worked.”
- “I stayed home because it rained.”
Using “because” (Reason)
We use because to explain why something happens.
Structure:
Result + because + reason
Examples
- “I stayed home because I was tired.”
- “She was late because she missed the bus.”
- “They are happy because it is the weekend.”
Do not use because and so together in the same sentence. Choose one:
- ✗ “Because I was tired, so I went to bed.”
- ✓ “Because I was tired, I went to bed.”
- ✓ “I was tired, so I went to bed.”
Using “so” (Result)
We use so to show a result.
Structure:
Reason + so + result
Examples
- “I was tired, so I went to bed.”
- “She missed the bus, so she was late.”
- “It was raining, so we stayed home.”
Using “although” (Contrast)
We use although to show contrast (two different or surprising ideas).
Structure:
- Although + contrast clause, main clause
- Main clause + although + contrast clause
Examples
- “Although I was tired, I worked.”
- “She went out although it was raining.”
- “Although he is rich, he is not happy.”
Using “however” (Contrast Between Sentences)
We use however to show contrast between two sentences. It often starts the second sentence.
Structure:
- Sentence. However, sentence.
Use a comma after however.
Do not write: ✗ “I was tired, however I worked.”
Write: ✓ “I was tired. However, I worked.”
Examples
- “I was tired. However, I worked.”
- “She studied a lot. However, she failed the test.”
- “It was expensive. However, I bought it.”
Although or however?
Use although to link two clauses in one sentence. Use however to connect two separate sentences:
- “Although it was raining, we went out.”
- “It was raining. However, we went out.”
Using “when” (Time)
We use when to talk about something that happens at a specific time.
Structure:
- When + action, result
- Result + when + action
Examples
- “When I get home, I relax.”
- “She called me when she arrived.”
- “When it rains, we stay inside.”
Future time with when
After when for the future, use the present simple, not will:
- ✗ “When I will get home, I will call you.”
- ✓ “When I get home, I will call you.”
Using “while” (Time and Contrast)
While has two common meanings at A2:
| Meaning | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| at the same time / during | actions or situations during the same period | “While I was cooking, he set the table.” |
| contrast | two different facts or preferences | “While Leo likes tea, Mia prefers coffee.” |
For time, a common pattern is while + past continuous, past simple or while + past continuous, past continuous.
Time examples:
- “While I was cooking, he set the table.”
- “I cut my finger while I was cooking.”
- “While she was at university, she lived with her aunt.”
Future time with while
After while for the future, also use the present simple, not will:
- ✗ “While I will be away, my sister will feed the cat.”
- ✓ “While I am away, my sister will feed the cat.”
For contrast, while is similar to although, but it often presents two facts side by side:
- “While Leo enjoys cities, Mia prefers the countryside.”
- “I like working in the morning, while my brother works better at night.”
When or while?
Use while for a background action that continues. Use when for a shorter action or event, especially one that interrupts the background action.
- “While I was cooking, the phone rang.” (background action)
- “When the phone rang, I was cooking.” (shorter, interrupting action)
Word Order with Connectors
Checklist:
- If because/although/when/while start the sentence, use a comma after the first clause: “Because I was tired, I went home.”
- With because, when, and while in the middle, we usually don’t use a comma: “I went home because I was tired.” A comma before medial although is also possible: “She went out, although it was raining.”
- However usually starts a new sentence and needs a comma after it: “However, …”
Common Mistakes
| Avoid | Better | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| ✗ “Because it rained, so we stayed home.” | ✓ “Because it rained, we stayed home.” | Do not use because and so together for the same link. |
| ✗ “It rained, however we went out.” | ✓ “It rained. However, we went out.” | At this level, start a new sentence before however and put a comma after it. |
| ✗ “Although I was tired, but I worked.” | ✓ “Although I was tired, I worked.” | Do not use although and but together for the same contrast. |
These connector rules are the same in British and American English. In formal writing, however often starts a new sentence; in everyday conversation, speakers often use but instead.
Quick check
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Easy Way to Remember
| Connector | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| because | reason | “I stayed home because I was tired.” |
| so | result | “I was tired, so I went to bed.” |
| although | contrast in one sentence | “Although I was tired, I worked.” |
| however | contrast between two sentences | “I was tired. However, I worked.” |
| when | time: an event or point in time | “When the bell rang, we left.” |
| while | time or contrast | “While I was reading, my brother listened to music.” / “While I like tea, Mia prefers coffee.” |
Use connectors to link ideas and show reason, result, contrast, and time in a clear way.
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Connectors: although, however, because, so, when, while
7 wordsLast updated October 14, 2026