articles and connecting words

Articles and Connecting Words
Intensive Course in Research Writing
Texas A&M University July 11-15, 2011

Susan E. Aiello, DVM, ELS


WordsWorld Consulting www.words-world.net
ESL Short Subject
Articles
An article is a special type of modifier
called a determiner.

 a, an indefinite articles
 the definite article
 no article indefinite
Guidelines for Article Use
Every time you use a common noun
or noun phrase (the noun plus its
modifiers), you must decide between:
 a
 an (used before a vowel sound)
 the
 no article

Guidelines for Article Use
 First determine whether the noun is countable
or uncountable.
 If classifying a countable noun, use “a” or “an.”
 If classifying an uncountable or plural noun, do
not use an article.

 To identify a noun, countable or uncountable,
singular or plural, use “the.”
Guidelines for Article Use
“the” identifies the noun
Example: I ate the apple in my lunch.
“a, ” “an,” or no article does not identify the
specific noun but shows to what class or
group the noun belongs.
Examples: I eat an apple every day.
I like police movies.
Guidelines for Article Use
If the noun is a singular countable noun, use “a”
or “an.”
Example: Last week, I bought ___ chemistry book at
the University Book Store.
If the noun is uncountable or plural, do not use
an article.
Note: The determiner “some” can be used with uncountable
and plural nouns but only when an amount can be indicated.
Example: Many people drink ___ bottled water.
Example: Before I go to the office, I had better buy ___
printer paper.
Guidelines for Article Use
To identify a common noun, use “the.”
After you have classified a noun with “a,”
use “the” when you use the noun again.

Example: I found ___ used car that I liked
yesterday and bought it. Now I have to
buy insurance for ___ car.

Guidelines for Article Use
– The noun is identified by a ranking adjective that identifies
it as one of a kind (the best, the next, the only, etc)
– The noun is identifiable to the reader and the writer
through shared knowledge.
The sun is going to rise at 6:00 am tomorrow.
I left my papers in the break room.
 In the following circumstances, use “the.”
The noun can be singular or plural, countable
or uncountable.
cont
Guidelines for Article Use
– The noun phrase is identified by the modification that
follows it.
Last week I finally read ___ article that Dr. Gastel
recommended.
– The noun is part of an “of” phrase showing quantity.
Susan noticed that half of ___ chicken had been
eaten already.
Some of ___ horses will be moved to a larger paddock.
 In the following circumstances, use “the.”
The noun can be singular or plural, countable
or uncountable.
Connecting Words

A connector is a word or phrase
used to link paragraphs, sentences,
clauses, or words.

Types of Connectors
Coordinating conjunctions connect words,
phrases, or independent clauses.
– The dog ran out of the house and barked at the car.
– Vincent wanted to study philosophy, but his father
convinced him to study veterinary medicine.

Correlative conjunctions connect similar
grammatical structures.
– You will have to either get a higher-paying job or cut
down on your expenses to pay your bills.
Connecting Words
Transitional words and phrases link
sentences and paragraphs.
I dislike working at night; however, I cannot
find a day job.
Subordinating conjunctions connect a
dependent (or subordinate) clause with
an independent clause.
When we have finished the training course,
we will have a test.
Connecting Words

Used to link items together (eg, two sentences)
or to lead the reader to a new point
Help make writing clear and easy to follow by
providing smooth links between ideas
Be certain of the meaning of connectors!

Connecting Words

and
not only…but also
both…and
also
beside
Connecting words that add information:
moreover
furthermore
in addition
additionally

Connecting Words
for example
for instance
to illustrate
specifically
in particular
Connecting words that give an example
or illustrate a point:
Connecting Words
but
however
in contrast
conversely
on the contrary
Connecting words that show a contrast:
on the other hand
otherwise
still
instead

Connecting Words

likewise
similarly
in the same way
Connecting words that show a similarity:
Connecting Words

yet
nevertheless
even so
admittedly
Connecting words that show a concession:
Connecting Words
so
accordingly
as a result
consequently
as a consequence
therefore
thus
Connecting words that show a result:
Connecting Words
for
because
Connecting words that give a reason or cause:
Connecting Words
first
second
afterward

finally
in conclusion
Connecting words that establish a
time relationship or order:
meanwhile
previously
next
subsequently
Connecting Words

or (or else can also be used)
whether…or
Connecting words that show a condition:
Connecting Words

in fact
namely
that is
actually
in other words
Connecting words that explain or emphasize:
Connecting Words

or
either…or
Connecting words that give a
choice or alternative:
Connecting Words
Pets play an important role in societies throughout the
world. They are important companions in many

households, contributing to the physical, social, and
emotional development of children and the well-being of
their owners, especially senior citizens. Although pets
make important contributions, however, pet ownership
may also be associated with potential hazards. For
example, more and more exotic animals are being invited
into homes as pets. Unfortunately, though, pet owners,
and often physicians, do not know as much as they
should about the potential of many of these unusual
animals to transmit zoonotic diseases.