Essential Spanish Connectors and Linking Words

Copulative Connectors

These relate elements through addition. (And, nor, that, moreover, even more, though.)

Disjunctive Connectors

These indicate separation between two or alternative sentence elements. (Or, either, well.)

Adversative and Concessive Connectors

These point to opposition between sentence elements. The second indicates a limitation to the first. They can be:

• Restrictive: But.
• Exclusive: Rather, but, still, in spite of, though, even if, nevertheless, even so, with that and everything, however, not only, but.

Conditional Connectors

These point to a condition or requirement that must be met. (Yes, provided that, such that, if and when, where, as the case, depending.)

Causal Connectors

These indicate the motive or cause of an event raised in the main clause. (Because, since, as, etc.)

Consecutive Connectors

These note the result of a fact or argument raised in the main clause. (In consequence, therefore, then, so, with that.)

Comparative Connectors

These connect comparisons, indicating equality, inferiority, or superiority. (As, so, as well as, less than, more than, like.)

Temporal Connectors

These allow for a temporal sequence of events in chronological order. (Before, after, then, while, when, as soon as, etc.)

Hierarchical Discourse Management

These point out the order in which information is organized and delivered. (In principle, to begin with, first, second, finally.)

Final Connectors

These indicate the purpose or end of an action. (For, so that, for the purpose of, in order to, etc.)

Explanatory or Equivalent Connectors

These repeat an idea or reword it to clarify or illustrate. (That is, i.e., in other words, rather, for example.)

Doubtful Connectors

These express an idea of uncertainty or doubt. (Perhaps, maybe, it seems, probably.)

Modal Connectors

These indicate how a process is carried out using adverbs or adverbial phrases. (Thus, well, bad, fast, without more, hiding, and adverbs ending in -ly.)

Pronouns

Pronouns serve as referential elements in discourse. Common types include demonstrative and relative pronouns. (Who, what, whose, this, that, etc.)

Affirmative Connectors

These affirm the realization of an action. (Yes, certainly, without doubt, in fact, too, of course, sure, always, etc.)

Negative Connectors

These deny the realization of an action. (No, not, no way, never, etc.)

Quantity Connectors

These quantify the items designated or the action. (Much, little, almost, quite, etc.)