PTE Grammar: Connectives (Conjunctions & Linking Words)
Complete Guide with
Synonyms, Meanings, and Examples in English & Nepali
Why Connectives Matter in
PTE Reading & Writing
Connectives (also called linking
words or transition words) are the glue that holds sentences
and paragraphs together. They show the logical relationship between
ideas—whether the author is adding information, showing contrast, explaining
cause and effect, or sequencing events.
Why it's crucial for PTE:
- In Reading:
Connectives help you predict what comes next and understand the author's
argument flow.
- In Writing:
Using connectives correctly improves your coherence and cohesion score.
- In Fill
in the Blanks: Choosing the right connective depends on understanding
the logical relationship between sentences.
1. Addition Connectives
These words add new
information to what has already been said.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
Furthermore |
Moreover,
Additionally, Also |
Used
to add another point in support of the argument |
थप रूपमा (Thap rupma) |
The
new policy reduces costs. Furthermore, it improves efficiency. |
|
Moreover |
Furthermore,
Additionally, Also |
In
addition to what has been said |
यसबाहेक (Yasabahek) |
The
hotel is expensive. Moreover, it's located far from the city
center. |
|
Additionally |
Also,
Furthermore, Moreover |
As
an extra factor or circumstance |
अतिरिक्त रूपमा (Atirikt rupma) |
She
speaks three languages. Additionally, she plays the piano. |
|
In
addition |
Furthermore,
Moreover, Also |
Used
to introduce an extra piece of information |
थपेर (Thaper) |
In
addition to
his salary, he receives a yearly bonus. |
|
Also |
Too,
As well, Additionally |
In
addition; too |
पनि (Pani) |
He
is a doctor. He is also a researcher. |
2. Contrast / Concession
Connectives
These words show opposition, difference,
or unexpected results.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
However |
Nevertheless,
Nonetheless, Yet, But |
Used
to introduce a statement that contrasts with previous information |
तर पनि (Tar pani) / जे होस् (Je hos) |
The
experiment was well-designed. However, the results were
inconclusive. |
|
Nevertheless |
However,
Nonetheless, Yet, Still |
In
spite of what has just been said |
तैपनि (Taipani) |
The
weather was terrible. Nevertheless, they continued their journey. |
|
Nonetheless |
However,
Nevertheless, Yet, Still |
Despite
that; however |
तैपनि (Taipani) |
It
was raining heavily. Nonetheless, she went for a walk. |
|
Although |
Though,
Even though, Whereas |
In
spite of the fact that; used to introduce a subordinate clause |
यद्यपि (Yadyapi) |
Although he was tired, he finished the
project on time. |
|
Though |
Although,
Even though, However |
Despite
the fact that; however |
यद्यपि (Yadyapi) |
Though it was expensive, they bought
the house. |
|
Even
though |
Although,
Though, Despite |
Despite
the fact that (stronger emphasis) |
भए पनि (Bhae pani) |
Even
though she
studied hard, she didn't pass the exam. |
|
But |
However,
Yet, Nevertheless |
Used
to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been
mentioned |
तर (Tar) |
The
food was delicious but the service was slow. |
|
Yet |
But,
However, Nevertheless |
Used
to introduce a contrast or contradiction |
तापनि (Tapani) |
He
is wealthy yet he lives very simply. |
|
Whereas |
While,
Although, On the other hand |
Used
to compare two different facts or situations |
जहाँ (Jaha) |
He
is outgoing whereas his brother is shy. |
|
While |
Although,
Whereas, Though |
During
the time that; at the same time as (can also show contrast) |
जब (Jaba) |
While she supports the plan, she has
some reservations. |
|
Despite |
In
spite of, Regardless of |
Without
being affected by; in spite of |
बावजुद (Bawajud) |
Despite the rain, the match continued. |
|
In
spite of |
Despite,
Regardless of |
Without
being affected by |
बावजुद (Bawajud) |
In
spite of his
injuries, he finished the race. |
|
On
the other hand |
Conversely,
However, In contrast |
Used
to introduce a contrasting point |
अर्कोतर्फ (Arkotarf) |
I
love urban life. On the other hand, my wife prefers the
countryside. |
|
Conversely |
On
the contrary, In contrast, On the other hand |
Introducing
a statement that is the opposite of a previous one |
विपरीत रूपमा (Viparit rupma) |
Older
adults prefer stability. Conversely, young people seek adventure. |
|
On
the contrary |
Conversely,
In contrast, By contrast |
Used
to show that the opposite is true |
यसको विपरीत (Yasko viparit) |
He
is not lazy. On the contrary, he works very hard. |
|
By
contrast |
In
contrast, Conversely, On the other hand |
Used
to show how two things are different |
तुलनात्मक रूपमा (Tulanatmak rupma) |
Her
first book was popular. By contrast, her second was ignored. |
3. Cause and Effect
Connectives
These words show reason and result relationships.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
Therefore |
Hence,
Thus, Consequently, So |
For
that reason; as a result |
त्यसैले (Tasaile) |
He
worked hard. Therefore, he succeeded. |
|
Thus |
Therefore,
Hence, Consequently, So |
As
a result of what has just been mentioned |
यसकारण (Yaskaran) |
The
evidence was clear. Thus, the jury found him guilty. |
|
Hence |
Therefore,
Thus, Consequently, So |
As
a consequence; for this reason |
त्यसैले (Tasaile) |
The
company lost profits. Hence, it needed to restructure. |
|
Consequently |
Therefore,
Hence, Thus, As a result |
As
a result of something |
फलस्वरूप (Phalaswarup) |
He
didn't study. Consequently, he failed the exam. |
|
As
a result |
Therefore,
Consequently, Hence |
Because
of something that has happened |
परिणामस्वरूप (Parinamaswarup) |
Global
temperatures are rising. As a result, ice caps are melting. |
|
So |
Therefore,
Thus, Hence, Consequently |
For
that reason; with the aim that |
त्यसैले (Tasaile) |
The
room was dark, so I turned on the light. |
|
Because |
Since,
As, For |
For
the reason that; due to the fact that |
किनभने (Kinabhane) |
He
left early because he was feeling unwell. |
|
Since |
Because,
As, For |
For
the reason that; from a time in the past |
किनभने (Kinabhane) / देखि (Dekhi) |
Since she was tired, she went to bed
early. |
|
As |
Because,
Since, For |
For
the reason that; while |
किनभने (Kinabhane) |
As he was the oldest, he became
the leader. |
|
Due
to |
Because
of, Owing to, As a result of |
Caused
by; on account of |
कारणले (Karanle) |
The
match was cancelled due to heavy rain. |
|
Owing
to |
Because
of, Due to, On account of |
Because
of; due to |
कारणले (Karanle) |
Owing
to his
experience, he got the job. |
|
Thanks
to |
Due
to, Because of, Owing to |
Used
to say that something happened because of someone or something (usually
positive) |
धन्यवादले (Dhanyabadle) |
Thanks
to her help,
we completed the project on time. |
|
On
account of |
Because
of, Due to, Owing to |
For
the reason of |
कारणले (Karanle) |
The
flight was delayed on account of bad weather. |
|
Lead
to |
Result
in, Cause, Bring about |
To
result in or cause something |
नेतृत्व गर्नु (Netritwa garnu) |
Poor
diet can lead to serious health problems. |
|
Result
in |
Lead
to, Cause, Bring about |
To
cause a particular situation or outcome |
परिणाम दिनु (Parinam dinu) |
The
new policy resulted in higher productivity. |
4. Purpose Connectives
These words show the
intention or goal of an action.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
To |
In
order to, So as to, For |
Used
to express purpose |
गर्न (Garna) |
She
left early to catch the train. |
|
In
order to |
To,
So as to, For the purpose of |
For
the purpose of achieving something |
गर्नको लागि (Garnako lagi) |
In
order to succeed,
you must work hard. |
|
So
as to |
To,
In order to, For |
With
the aim of doing something |
गर्नको निम्ति (Garnako nimti) |
He
got up early so as to avoid traffic. |
|
So
that |
In
order that, So |
With
the aim that; used to express purpose with a clause |
ताकि (Taki) |
She
studied hard so that she could pass the exam. |
|
In
case |
Lest,
Just in case |
To
protect against a possible situation |
यदि (Yadi) |
Take
an umbrella in case it rains. |
|
For |
To,
In order to, So as to |
Used
to show the purpose of something |
को लागि (Ko lagi) |
This
is a tool for cutting wood. |
5. Result / Consequence
Connectives
These words show the outcome of
an action or situation.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
So |
Therefore,
Thus, Hence, Consequently |
For
that reason; as a result |
त्यसैले (Tasaile) |
It
was raining, so I stayed home. |
|
Such...that |
So...that,
Very |
To
such a degree that; extremely |
यति धेरै कि (Yati dherai ki) |
It
was such a hot day that everyone went to
the beach. |
|
So...that |
Such...that,
Very |
To
such a degree that; extremely |
यति धेरै कि (Yati dherai ki) |
He
ran so fast that he broke the record. |
|
Thus |
Therefore,
Hence, So, Consequently |
As
a result; in this way |
यसरी (Yasari) |
He
lied to me, thus I cannot trust him. |
6. Sequence / Order
Connectives
These words show the order of
events or ideas.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
Firstly |
First,
To begin with, Initially |
Used
to introduce the first point in a series |
पहिलो (Pahilo) |
Firstly, I will explain the problem. |
|
Secondly |
Second,
Next, Then |
Used
to introduce the second point |
दोस्रो (Dosro) |
Secondly, we will discuss possible
solutions. |
|
Thirdly |
Third,
Next, Then |
Used
to introduce the third point |
तेस्रो (Tesro) |
Thirdly, we will evaluate the results. |
|
Finally |
Lastly,
Eventually, Ultimately |
After
a long time or a long list of points |
अन्त्यमा (Antyama) |
Finally, I will conclude the presentation. |
|
Next |
Then,
Afterwards, Subsequently |
After
this; immediately after |
अर्को (Arko) |
Next, we will examine the data. |
|
Then |
Next,
After that, Afterwards |
At
that time; after that |
तब (Taba) |
I
finished my work. Then, I went home. |
|
Afterwards |
Then,
After that, Subsequently |
At
a later time; after an event |
पछि (Pachi) |
We
had dinner. Afterwards, we went for a walk. |
|
Subsequently |
Afterwards,
Then, Later, Consequently |
After
a particular event or time |
पछि (Pachi) |
He
moved to London and subsequently found a job. |
|
Previously |
Before,
Earlier, Formerly |
At
an earlier time |
पहिले (Pahile) |
Previously, he had worked as a teacher. |
|
Initially |
Firstly,
At first, Originally |
At
the beginning |
सुरुमा (Suruma) |
Initially, I was skeptical about the plan. |
|
Ultimately |
Finally,
Eventually, In the end |
In
the end; finally |
अन्ततः (Antatah) |
Ultimately, she decided to change careers. |
|
Eventually |
Finally,
Ultimately, In the end |
At
the end of a process or period of time |
अन्ततः (Antatah) |
Eventually, we arrived at our destination. |
7. Illustration / Example
Connectives
These words introduce examples or clarifications.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
For
example |
For
instance, Such as, E.g. |
Used
to introduce an example |
उदाहरणको लागि (Udaharnako lagi) |
Many
animals are endangered. For example, the tiger. |
|
For
instance |
For
example, Such as, E.g. |
As
an example |
उदाहरणको रूपमा (Udaharnako rupma) |
He
loves sports. For instance, he plays tennis every day. |
|
Such
as |
Like,
For example, Including |
Used
to introduce examples of something |
जस्तै (Jastai) |
She
enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling. |
|
In
particular |
Particularly,
Especially, Specifically |
Especially;
specifically |
विशेष गरी (Bishesh gari) |
I
love all animals, in particular, dogs. |
|
Namely |
Specifically,
That is to say, To be precise |
Used
to introduce specific examples or details |
अर्थात् (Arthat) |
There
is one issue, namely, the lack of funding. |
|
That
is |
In
other words, I.e., Namely |
Used
to explain or clarify what you mean |
अर्थात् (Arthat) |
The
temperature is 30°C, that is, 86°F. |
8. Emphasis Connectives
These words strengthen or highlight a
point.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
Indeed |
Certainly,
Undoubtedly, In fact |
Used
to emphasize a statement |
वास्तवमा (Wastavama) |
The
results were impressive. Indeed, they exceeded expectations. |
|
In
fact |
Actually,
As a matter of fact, Indeed |
Used
to say the truth about a situation |
वास्तवमा (Wastavama) |
He
seems friendly. In fact, he is very kind. |
|
Actually |
In
fact, Really, Indeed |
In
truth; really |
वास्तवमा (Wastavama) |
Actually, I've never been to Japan. |
|
Above
all |
Most
importantly, Primarily, Chiefly |
More
than anything else; most importantly |
सबैभन्दा महत्त्वपूर्ण (Sabaibhanda mahattwapurna) |
Above
all, we must
ensure safety. |
|
Especially |
Particularly,
In particular, Notably |
Used
to emphasize something specific |
विशेष गरी (Bishesh gari) |
I
love food, especially Italian cuisine. |
|
Particularly |
Especially,
Specifically, Notably |
More
than usual or more than others |
विशेष गरी (Bishesh gari) |
This
book is particularly interesting. |
9. Condition Connectives
These words show conditions or hypothetical
situations.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
If |
Provided
that, On condition that, Assuming |
Used
to introduce a condition |
यदि (Yadi) |
If it rains, I will stay home. |
|
Unless |
If
not, Except if, Without |
Except
if; used to say that something will happen only if something else does not
happen |
जबसम्म (Jabasamma) |
You
cannot enter unless you have a ticket. |
|
Provided
(that) |
If,
On condition that, As long as |
If
and only if; on the condition that |
यदि (Yadi) |
You
can go out provided that you finish your homework. |
|
As
long as |
Provided
that, If, On condition that |
Only
if; on the condition that |
जबसम्म (Jabasamma) |
As
long as you work
hard, you will succeed. |
|
In
case |
If,
Just in case, Lest |
Used
to say what should be done if something happens |
यदि (Yadi) |
Take
a jacket in case it gets cold. |
|
Even
if |
Although,
Despite, Regardless of |
Used
to say that something might happen or be true despite something else |
भए पनि (Bhae pani) |
Even
if it's
difficult, we will try. |
|
Whether |
If,
Regardless of, No matter |
Used
to express a choice or doubt |
कि (Ki) |
I
don't know whether he will come. |
10. Summary / Conclusion
Connectives
These words summarize or conclude an
argument.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
In
conclusion |
To
conclude, Finally, Ultimately |
Used
to introduce a final summary or conclusion |
निष्कर्षमा (Nishkarshama) |
In
conclusion,
the evidence strongly supports this theory. |
|
To
conclude |
In
conclusion, Finally, Ultimately |
Used
to bring a discussion to an end |
निष्कर्ष निकाल्दा (Nishkarsh nikalda) |
To
conclude,
we must take immediate action. |
|
In
summary |
To
summarize, In short, Briefly |
Used
to give a brief statement of the main points |
संक्षेपमा (Sankhepma) |
In
summary, there are
three main causes of this problem. |
|
To
summarize |
In
summary, In short, Briefly |
To
give a brief overview of something |
संक्षेप गर्दा (Sankhep garda) |
To
summarize,
the project was a success. |
|
In
short |
In
brief, In summary, In essence |
Used
to express the main point briefly |
छोटकरीमा (Chotkarima) |
In
short, we need more
funding. |
|
Overall |
Generally,
On the whole, All in all |
Considering
everything; in general |
समग्रमा (Samagrama) |
Overall, the conference was very
productive. |
|
All
in all |
Overall,
On the whole, Generally |
Considering
all the circumstances |
कुल मिलाएर (Kul milaer) |
All
in all, it was a
wonderful experience. |
11. Comparison Connectives
These words show similarities between
ideas.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
Similarly |
Likewise,
In the same way, Equally |
Used
to show that something is similar to something else |
त्यसै गरी (Tasai gari) |
She
loves adventure. Similarly, her brother enjoys traveling. |
|
Likewise |
Similarly,
In the same way, Equally |
Also;
in the same way |
त्यसै गरी (Tasai gari) |
He
voted for the proposal. Likewise, she supported it. |
|
In
the same way |
Similarly,
Likewise, Equally |
Used
to show that two things are comparable |
त्यसै गरी (Tasai gari) |
Cats
are independent. In the same way, tigers are solitary. |
|
Equally |
Similarly,
Likewise, In the same way |
In
an equal or similar manner |
समान रूपमा (Saman rupma) |
Equally important is the issue of
climate change. |
|
Just
as |
Like,
In the same way as, Similarly |
Used
to compare two things or situations |
जसरी (Jasari) |
Just
as fire
needs oxygen to burn, humans need food to survive. |
|
Like |
As,
Similarly to, In the same way as |
Similar
to; in the manner of |
जस्तै (Jastai) |
He
sings like a professional. |
12. Alternative / Choice
Connectives
These words show alternatives or choices.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
Or |
Alternatively,
Otherwise |
Used
to show a choice or alternative |
वा (Wa) |
Would
you like tea or coffee? |
|
Alternatively |
Or,
Otherwise, As another option |
Used
to introduce another possibility or choice |
वैकल्पिक रूपमा (Baikalpik rupma) |
You
can take the bus. Alternatively, you can walk. |
|
Otherwise |
Or
else, Alternatively, If not |
Used
to say what will happen if something else does not happen |
नत्र (Natra) |
You
must study hard. Otherwise, you will fail. |
|
Either...or |
- |
Used
to show a choice between two things |
वा...वा (Wa...wa) |
You
can have either tea or coffee. |
|
Neither...nor |
- |
Used
to say that not one nor the other of two things is true |
न...न (Na...na) |
I
like neither tea nor coffee. |
13. Repetition /
Reinforcement Connectives
These words repeat or reinforce a
point.
|
Connective |
Synonym |
Meaning (English) |
Meaning (Nepali) |
Example |
|
In
other words |
That
is, I.e., To put it differently |
Used
to explain something in a different way |
अर्को शब्दमा (Arko shabdama) |
He
is a polyglot. In other words, he speaks many languages. |
|
I.e. |
That
is, In other words, Namely |
That
is to say; used to introduce a clarification |
अर्थात् (Arthat) |
The
company is located in the capital, i.e., Kathmandu. |
|
E.g. |
For
example, For instance, Such as |
Used
to introduce an example |
उदाहरणका लागि (Udaharnaka lagi) |
You
need fruits, e.g., apples and bananas. |
Practical
PTE Examples with Connectives
Example 1: Reading Fill in
the Blanks
Passage:
The government introduced new
environmental regulations last year. __________ (1), many industries have
struggled to comply with the stricter standards. __________ (2), some companies
have invested heavily in green technology and are now leading the market.
__________ (3), the transition has been challenging for smaller firms with
limited resources.
Options:
1.
A) Therefore / B) However / C) Furthermore / D) Similarly
2.
A) On the contrary / B) Consequently / C) On the other hand / D)
In addition
3.
A) Moreover / B) Nevertheless / C) Thus / D) Initially
Answers:
1.
B) However - Shows contrast (new regulations vs. struggle to comply)
2.
C) On the other hand - Shows contrasting example
(some companies vs. others)
3.
B) Nevertheless - Shows contrast (despite
challenges, small firms struggle)
Example 2: Writing Task
Original (without connectives):
The proposal has many benefits. It
increases efficiency. It reduces costs. It improves employee morale. There are
some drawbacks. Implementation is expensive. It requires extensive training.
Improved (with connectives):
The proposal has many
benefits. Firstly, it increases efficiency. Furthermore,
it reduces costs. Moreover, it improves employee morale. However,
there are some drawbacks. Specifically, implementation is
expensive. Additionally, it requires extensive training.
Quick
Reference Summary Table
|
Category |
Common Connectives |
Function |
|
Addition |
Furthermore,
Moreover, Additionally, Also, In addition |
Add
information |
|
Contrast |
However,
Nevertheless, Although, But, Yet, Despite, Whereas |
Show
opposition |
|
Cause/Effect |
Therefore,
Thus, Consequently, Because, Since, Due to |
Show
reason & result |
|
Purpose |
To,
In order to, So that, So as to |
Show
intention |
|
Sequence |
Firstly,
Secondly, Finally, Next, Then, Subsequently |
Show
order |
|
Example |
For
example, For instance, Such as, Namely |
Give
examples |
|
Emphasis |
Indeed,
In fact, Especially, Particularly, Above all |
Highlight
points |
|
Condition |
If,
Unless, Provided that, As long as, Even if |
Show
conditions |
|
Summary |
In
conclusion, To summarize, Overall, In short |
Conclude/summarize |
|
Comparison |
Similarly,
Likewise, In the same way, Equally |
Show
similarities |
|
Alternative |
Or,
Alternatively, Otherwise |
Show
choices |
PTE
Exam Tips for Connectives
1.
Identify the relationship: Before choosing a connective,
ask yourself: Is this adding, contrasting, showing cause, or concluding?
2.
Read surrounding sentences: The connective must logically
connect the sentence before and after the blank.
3.
Watch for punctuation: Commas often follow connectives
like "However," "Furthermore," and "Moreover."
4.
Avoid overusing: In writing, use a variety of
connectives but don't overuse them—every sentence shouldn't start with a
connective.
5.
Practice with context: The best way to master
connectives is to read academic texts and notice how authors use them.
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