Mastering English Linkers

Identify the linker in the following sentence: 'She was tired, so she went to bed early.'

• so

• or

• but

• and

Answer explanation

The linker 'so' indicates a cause-and-effect relationship in the sentence. It connects the reason for going to bed early (being tired) with the action taken, making 'so' the correct choice.

Choose the correct linker: 'He studied hard, ______ he passed the exam.'

• because

• although

• unless

• if

Answer explanation

The correct linker is 'because' as it indicates a reason. The sentence means he studied hard, and as a result, he passed the exam. 'Despite' would imply a contrast, which does not fit the context.

Fill in the blank with an appropriate linker: '________ the rain, we decided to go for a walk.'

• Although

• Because

• Despite

• Since

Answer explanation

'Despite' is the correct linker as it indicates that the decision to go for a walk was made regardless of the rain. The other options do not fit the context of overcoming an obstacle.

Which linker best fits? 'I will go to the party. ______ I have a lot of homework.'

• however

• therefore

• although

• meanwhile

Identify the linker: 'They were late due to traffic.'

• as a result of

• in light of

• due to

• because of

Answer explanation

The correct linker is 'due to' as it directly indicates the reason for being late, which is traffic. The other options do not fit the context of explaining a cause.

Use a linker to complete the sentence: 'He was hungry, ______ he made a sandwich.'

• so

• and

• because

• but

Answer explanation

The correct linker is 'so' because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. The sentence means he was hungry, and as a result, he made a sandwich. 'And', 'because', and 'but' do not fit this context.

Differentiate the linkers: 'She loves ice cream, ______ she is lactose intolerant.'

• because she enjoys it

• since she prefers chocolate

• even if she doesn't like it

• even though

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'even though' because it indicates a contrast between her love for ice cream and her lactose intolerance, highlighting that she enjoys it despite the intolerance.

Choose the correct linker: '________ studying every day, she improved her grades.' (In order to, Despite)

• Despite

• Because

• Although

• In order to

Answer explanation

The correct linker is 'Despite' because it indicates that she improved her grades in the face of challenges, such as not studying every day. 'In order to' suggests a purpose, which doesn't fit the context.

Identify the linker in this sentence: 'He was happy. Nevertheless he felt a bit anxious.'

• but

• nevertheless

• however

• although

Answer explanation

In the sentence, 'nevertheless' serves as a linker that contrasts the two clauses. It indicates that despite being happy, there is an underlying feeling of anxiety, making it the correct choice.

Fill in the blank: '________ the difficulties, they managed to finish the project.' (In spite of, Because of)

• In light of the difficulties

• Due to the difficulties

• Thanks to the difficulties

• In spite of

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'In spite of' because it indicates that despite the difficulties, they were able to complete the project. The other options suggest a causal relationship, which does not fit the context.