Linkers

A few words on some of the linkers we used today:

- According to + noun or person's name + comma = It's used to introduce an idea which is supported by  a person/people  or research/statistics. If this phrase comes at the end of a sentence, there is no comma after 'to'.
e.g. According to the directions, the glue takes 24 hours to dry.
e.g. Using a preposition at the end of a sentence is acceptable according to the usage dictionaries.

- Instead (of) = in place of somebody or something.

e.g. It was too hot to go outside so we stayed at home instead.
e.g Instead of going to the cinema, we decided to stay at home.

- However + comma = Used at the beginning of a sentence in order to add a comment to a previous sentence.  It implies a contrast.

e. g.Katty couldn't cash her paycheck. However, she managed to buy a new TV set.

- In fact = Both actually and in fact can be used to modify or contradict a previous statement:

e.g. I hear that you're a doctor. ~ Well, actually/in fact, I'm a dentist.

Actually and in fact can also be used to introduce more detailed information or to make things clearer or more precise:

e. g.  I got so bored listening to what he was saying that I actually fell asleep / in fact I fell asleep half way through his presentation.

- Whereas = It is used to compare and contrast 2 facts or opinions. It's not normally used at the beginning of a sentence.

e.g. I love meat whereas my husband is a complete vegetarian.

- Although = Used to contrast 2 clauses

e.g. Although she was ill, she went to work  (The comma separates the 2 clauses)

Since = Because (In this contest. Remember that it is also a time preposition)

e.g. Since John can't come to the meeting tomorrow, we'll have it next week.

That's all folks!!!