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We use a Connector to talk about:

You must know these! 

Clauses happen at different times

One clause is the cause, or reason for, the other

Presents two conflicting or contrasting ideas

Presents two options

Describe the motive, or reason for an action

One clause depends on the other

Because

I can't eat that because I'm allergic to almonds. 

Followed by: Clause

[Effect] Because [Cause]

  • Somewhat Reversible

Since, As

Porque

Weil

Because Of

The game was cancelled due to rain.

I couldn't trust him because of his past.

Because of her anxiety, Sally struggles in school.

Followed by: Noun

[Effect], Because Of [Cause]

  • Somewhat Reversible

Due To

Por

Wegen

So

You can't look me in the eye so I know you're lying.

Followed by: Clause

[Cause], So [Effect]

  • Not Reversible

They've worked very hard, so they'll probably win.

Therefore

You ran out of time, so you lose.

Asi que

So

That's Why

This product is poisonous. That's why you must wear gloves when you use it. 

They have a lot in common. That's why they're best friends. 

Followed by: Clause

[Cause]. That's Why [Effect]

  • Not Reversible

Por eso

Deshalb

Anchor 1

She has to go to the doctor because she's sick.

Because you worked so hard, you earned a break. 

To

We climbed the hill to get a better view. 

She called to see if I was home.

I go to the gym to stay in shape.

Followed by: Verb

[Action] To [Motive]

  • Not Reversible

In Order To

Para

Zu

So

I helped him study so he would pass his test.

I'll bring a sweater so I'm not cold. 

Followed by: Clause

[Action] So (that) [Motive]

  • Not Reversible

Para que

So

Anchor 2
Anchor 3
Anchor 4

But

I tried to stop him, but it was too late. 

I tried to stop him, but it was too late. 

He called her name, but she didn't hear him.

He called her name, but she didn't hear him.

I want to go out, but I have to do homework.

I want to go out, but I have to do homework.

Followed by: Clause

[Info] But [Contrasting Info]

  • Not Reversible

  • Not Reversible

However

However

Pero

Pero

Aber

Even Though

We went to the festival even though it was raining.

Even though she's shy she still has a lot of friends.

Followed by: Clause

[Fact] Even Though [Hindrance]

  • Reversible

Although, Though, While

Aun que

Wenngleich

Despite

Followed by: Noun

The game continued despite the rain. 

[Fact] Despite[Hindrance]

Despite her good grades, she didn't get the scholarship.

  • Reversible

In Spite Of

Michael got the promotion, despite the fact that he never comes in to work.

A pesar de

Trotz

Followed by: Anything

They went to the park and had a picnic. 

  • Not Reversible

Y

Und

And

We eat fruits and vegetables.

The fox ran into the woods, and the dogs ran after it. 

But

I tried to stop him, but it was too late. 

He called her name, but she didn't hear him.

I want to go out, but I have to do homework.

Followed by: Clause

[Info] But[Contrasting Info]

  • Not Reversible

  • Not Reversible

However

However

Pero

Aber

Because

She got fired because she stole from the company.

I love summer because I get to be outside a lot. 

We ate the food because we were hungry. 

Followed by: Clause

[Effect], Because[Cause]

  • Somewhat Reversible

Since, As

Porque

Weil

To

He turned on the TV to watch the news. 

We go to school to learn. 

My friends came over to hang out.

Followed by: Verb

[Action] To [Motive]

  • Not Reversible

In Order To

Para

Zu

So

Let's start working so we can finish early. 

Bring me my glasses so I can see, please. 

Followed by: Clause

[Action] So (that) [Motive]

  • Not Reversible

Para que

So

I bring cookies to work so my boss will like me.

Followed by: Clause

[Hypothetical Result] If[Trigger Action]

You can use my pool if you want. 

If

You need to go inside if it rains.

  • Reversible

Let me know if you find my keys. 

Si

Wenn

Or

We can cook dinner or order something.

She didn't see her family for Thanksgiving or Christmas. 

Followed by: Anything

[Option 1] Or[Option 2]

  • Not Reversible

Either...Or...

O...O

Oder

And

My dad went to the movies and my mom stayed home.

She quit her job and moved to the beach.

Followed by: Clause, Noun

  • Not Reversible

[Clause 1] And[Clause 2]

Y

Und

I like to play soccer and tennis. 

Or

Followed by: Clause, Noun

[Option 1] Or[Option 2]

Either her phone broke or she's avoiding my calls.

We can hang out here or go out. 

  • Not Reversible

Either...Or...

O...O

Oder

If

I can drive us if you chip in for gas. 

We'll go to the party if we finish work early.

I'll be up all night if I drink coffee now. 

Followed by: Clause

[Hypothetical Result] If [Trigger Action]

  • Reversible

Si

Wenn

As Long As

As long as everyone is respectful, we shouldn't have a problem.

I don't care if things get broken, as long as no one gets hurt.

Followed by: Clause

  • Reversible

[Expected Result] As Long As[Expected Action]

Mientras

Solange

Unless

[What Won't Happen] Unless[Trigger Action]

She won't go unless you go.

Followed by: Clause

  • Reversible

She won't go if you don't go.

Sino

You can't enter unless you have the password.

Es sei denn

Call me when you get home.

We met when we were in the army together.

When I met her, I knew we'd be friends. 

Followed by: Clause

  • Somewhat Reversible

[Fact] When[Event in future or past]

Cuando

Wenn

[First Event] Before[Second Event]

Let's get dinner before we go to the movies. 

Wipe your feet before entering the house.

Followed by: Clause, [verb]-ing

  • Not Reversible

Antes de

Vor

[Second Event] After[First Event]

They went to Philadelphia after they went to Boston.

He cried after hearing the bad news. 

You can't enter unless you have the password.

Followed by: Clause, [verb]-ing

  • Not Reversible

Despues

Nach

[Habitual Event] Whenever[Trigger Event]

My dog barks whenever someone rings the doorbell.

Whenever I see you, you're always in a good mood. 

He gets sick whenever he eats ice cream.

Followed by: Clause

  • Somewhat Reversible

Every Time

Cada vez

Wann Immer

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