We explain what causal connectors are, their function in the text and examples in sentences. Also, other types of connectors.
What are causal connectors?
Causal connectors, effect connectors or cause connectors, are a type of textual markers or discursive connectors, that is, linguistic units that link the parts of a text to provide it with a logical thread. Connectors are important for cohesive and understandable writing. Its operation is similar to that of links, only that they link parts of a text instead of sentences or parts of a sentence.
Furthermore, the connectors can be of different types, depending on the type of relationship they introduce in the text. For example, causal connectors are those that express a causal relationship, of cause or reason, between the connected ideas, making it clear that one is due to the other.
Some of the most commonly used causal connectors are: so, for this reason, so that, therefore, thus, this is due to, Thus, because, then, Given the, due, by the fact that, given that.
Examples of causal connectors
In the following sentences we can observe, by way of example, the use of this type of connectors:
- Dad got his driver’s license suspended. Thus, he will not be able to take us to school.
- The ministry’s budget was reduced by 30%. This is because the government embarks on a campaign to adjust public spending.
- The Earth’s atmosphere has improved its composition in recent months, given that the pandemic has prevented us from continuing to pollute as we did before.
- We have been tasked with constructing this building, so we have hired the best architects and engineers.
- I failed the math test, because obviously I didn’t study enough.
- Most voters opposed the measure. Consequently, it had to be reformulated.
Other types of connectors
In addition to the causal, there are other types of connectors, such as:
- Additive (or summation) connectors. Those who incorporate or add ideas, in the manner of an enumeration or a recount. For example: also, also, now well, in addition, etc.
- Adversative (or contrast) connectors. Those that establish an oppositional relationship between the linked ideas, in such a way that the new elements are opposed to the previous ones in the text. For example: although, however, nevertheless, in contrast to, on the other hand, etc.
- Comparative connectors. Those that establish a comparison relationship, that is, a comparison, between the parts of the text. For example: similarly, analogously, equally, in the same way, instead, contrary, etc.
- Explanatory connectors. Those that allow the introduction of examples, explanations or reiterations in the text, returning to what was said in another way to make it clearer. For example: that is, for example, therefore, put another way, in other terms, etc.
- Conclusive connectors. Those that allow a conclusion to be introduced, or to synthesize what has already been said, or to summarize the previous thing in some way. For example: in this way, in conclusion, summarizing, to finish, etc.
- Conditional connectors. Those that establish a conditional relationship, that is, of probability or possibility, with respect to the parts of the text. For example: if so, assuming, unless, as long as, etc.
- Temporary connectors. Those that establish a temporary relationship, either before, after or simultaneously. They can also indicate that the text dates back to other times. For example: at the same time, once, before, back then, etc.
- Emphatic connectors. Those that serve to emphasize what has been said, that is, to highlight it or draw special attention to it. For example: certainly, without a doubt, as if that were not enough, what is worse, etc.