The function of the connective in the paragraphs is to unite or relate words or sentences that are interconnected with each other. Connective words are short words or phrases that are used to connect two or more grammatical constructions.
The connective are very important since they are used to maintain a logical sequence in the presentation of ideas.
The use of connectives is related to the continuity and coherence between all the ideas that make up the complete text.
Some of the most used connective are: the letters o, y, u e; and short phrases such as:"in addition","therefore"and"consequently", among others.
The 5 main functions of connective
Depending on the specific function that connectives perform in writing, they can be used to paraphrase ideas, add comments, express opposition to an earlier idea, introduce a new topic and exemplify, among other uses.
1- Addition
They add an idea to the text. This idea usually complements what was stated in the previous paragraph.
Examples:
- Likewise, jogging brings a rapid weight reduction as a benefit.
- In addition, thanks to its high water content, cucumber has important moisturizing properties.
Other connectives that involve the inclusion of new ideas are:"and","also","in addition","then","thus","is more"and"in addition".
2- Comparison
They contrast, establish similarities and / or common factors among the ideas.
Examples:
- In a smaller proportion are the contributions made by group B, with only 15% participation.
- Similarly, lettuce is also a vegetable with a high water content.
Other connectives that establish comparison are:"equally","more than","less than","like","similarly", among others.
3- Opposition
They express discrepancy between two or more ideas developed in the text.
Examples:
- Despite the foregoing, this type of actions applied in the long term can have negative consequences.
- Unlike carnivorous animals, herbivores only eat plants.
Other connectors of this type are:"antagonistically","nevertheless","in another order of ideas","now well","in spite of everything","though","on the other hand","instead" ,"Contrary", among others.
4- Consequence
They show cause-effect relationship between two paragraphs. This type of connective is usually very used in essays or argumentative texts.
Examples:
- Consequently, it is feasible to deduce that smoking is harmful to health.
- Therefore, the practice of saving is fundamental to set goals in the medium and long term.
Other connectives of consequence are:"therefore","in that order of ideas","in view of it","for this reason"and"in such a way".
5- Exemplification
They are connectors used to exemplify some definition or detailed situation in the text.
Examples:
- Such is the case of anacondas, which are an example of viper boa constrictor.
- To exemplify the above, appreciate the demonstrations of nature.
Some connectives used to exemplify are:"as well as","for example","as","similarly","an example of it","to illustrate the above", among others.
Other connective
Other connectives used in the writing of texts are the following:
For introduction of a theme
"First of all","first of all","first","first","first".
To conclude a topic
"Finally","in synthesis","to conclude you have to","finally","finally".
To paraphrase or clarify ideas
"In other words","in any case","in this way","what is the same","that is to say".
References
- Connective (s.f.). Fundéu BBVA. Retrieved from: wikilengua.org
- Examples of Connective (2012). Exemple.com Magazine. Retrieved from: ejemplode.com
- Escalona, T. (s.f.). Paragraph and Sentence Connectors with Connectors in the Drafting. Recovered from: aprenderlyx.com
- The connectors and their function (s.f.). EAFIT University. Department of Humanities. Retrieved from: eafit.edu.co
- Mirel, W. (2013). Know the linguistic connectors and their functions. Retrieved from: utel.edu.mx