What the question looks like
Mains papers give two sentences and ask which connector (a conjunction, adverb or phrase) joins them without changing their meaning. Common formats:
- Choose the connector from five options.
- Three connectors (i), (ii), (iii) are given; choose which of them can start the combined sentence (Only (i), Both (ii) and (iii), and so on).
- Fill a connector between two clauses separated by a semicolon: ...; ______, customers had to wait.
Step-by-step approach
- Find the relationship between the two sentences: contrast, cause, effect, condition, purpose, addition, time or alternative.
- Pick the family of connectors for that relationship (see the table).
- Check grammar. Some connectors take a full clause (although, because), some take a noun or -ing phrase (despite, in spite of, because of), and some must sit after a semicolon (however, therefore, consequently, otherwise).
- Check that the meaning is unchanged. If customers update their KYC, their accounts will be frozen reverses the meaning; Unless keeps it.
Connector families
| Relationship | Clause connectors | Phrase connectors / adverbs |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast | although, though, even though, while, whereas | despite, in spite of; however, yet, nevertheless |
| Cause | because, since, as | because of, due to, owing to |
| Effect | so | therefore, hence, consequently, as a result |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | otherwise, in case of |
| Purpose | so that, in order that, lest (+ should) | in order to, so as to |
| Addition | not only ... but also | besides, apart from, moreover, in addition to |
Key rules
- Despite / in spite of + noun or -ing, never a full clause: Despite having the documents..., not Despite she had....
- Unless already means "if not"; never add not after it.
- Lest means "so that ... not" and is followed by should or the base verb: Keep your PIN secret lest someone (should) misuse it.
- When the combined sentence starts with a participle (Besides offering...), the subject of the main clause must be the doer of that action.
Worked example
I. The repo rate was cut twice this year. II. Banks have been slow to reduce their lending rates. Rate cuts should lead to lower lending rates, but they did not, so the relation is contrast: Although the repo rate was cut twice this year, banks have been slow to reduce their lending rates.
Time target: 25-35 seconds. Decide the relationship before reading the options, and then check grammar for the one or two that fit.