Study materials
Every connector in this paragraph is in place, and it is still hard to read.
The costs rose. Moreover, we changed supplier. Moreover, the quality improved.
The costs rose, so we changed supplier. The quality improved as a result.
A connector is not an ornament at the start of a sentence. It names a specific logical relation, and if the relation is different, the reader stumbles.
The connector must match the relation
The mistake here is rarely grammatical. Usually the word is placed correctly but names the wrong relation.
| Relation | Words |
|---|---|
| result | therefore, consequently, as a result |
| contrast | however, nevertheless, by contrast |
| addition | moreover, in addition, furthermore |
| restatement | in other words, that is, specifically |
| example | for example, for instance |
The costs rose. Moreover, we changed supplier.
The costs rose. Consequently, we changed supplier.
Punctuation depends on the type of word
Words with the same meaning behave differently depending on whether they are conjunctions or linking adverbs.
It was raining, but we went out.
It was raining. However, we went out.
It was raining; however, we went out.
The difference is not stylistic. However inside a sentence with no punctuation is an error, not a variant.
The mistakes everyone makes
The first is choosing a connector of the wrong meaning.
The costs rose. Moreover, we changed supplier. → Consequently, we changed supplier.
The second is using however as a conjunction.
It was raining however we went out. → It was raining, but we went out.
The third is opening every sentence with a connector.
Moreover... However... Therefore...
All three are caught by one question. What exactly is the relation between these two ideas?
Try it right now
Take a paragraph of your own writing and mark every connector.
Next to each, write in one word the relation it names. If no word comes, the connector does not belong there.