We explain what explanatory connectors are, their characteristics, use and examples in sentences. Also, other types of connectors.
What are explanatory connectors?
The explanatory connectors are a specific category of the so-called connectors discursive or textual markers, that is, of the linguistic units that serve to link the parts of a text and thus provide you with a thread or logical connection.
These connectors are important for writing a fluid and understandable text, and can be classified into different types, depending on the relationship they introduce between the interlaced parts of the text. Thus, they work in a similar way to links, but instead of linking parts of a prayer, link sentences or parts of a text.
Now, when we talk about explanatory connectors, we refer exclusively to those that, when introduced in a text, allow us to introduce a example, or carry out a reiteration, clarification or some kind of explanatory turn, the purpose of which is to make what was said more clear, saying it again in another way.
Some of the most common explanatory connectors are: thus, Thus, this is, that is to say, for example, in other words, I mean, rather, In summary, specific, this means, so that, we mean by it.
Examples of explanatory connectors
As an example, the following are sentences that use different explanatory connectors:
- Migrant origins characterize a large sector of the Argentine population. Specifically, 4.6% of the country's population is foreign.
- In World War II, a large number of nations intervened, that is, it was a conflict with multiple scenarios.
- Slavery was abolished in most Latin American nations in the late 19th century. This means that at the beginning of the 20th century, most of the continent's slaves were free.
- The country's international reserves are on the ground. In other words, today we are poorer than before.
- The law against racism was approved in Congress, so that from today any act of discrimination will be punishable by law.
Other types of connectors
In addition to the comparative ones, there are other types of connectors, such as:
- Additive or summation connectors. Those who incorporate or add ideas, in the manner of an enumeration or a retelling. For example: also, also, now well, in addition, etc.
- Contrast or adversative connectors. Those that establish an oppositional relationship between the linked ideas, in such a way that the new elements are opposed to the previous ones in the text. For example: although, however, nevertheless, in contrast to, on the other hand, etc.
- Cause-effect connectors. Those who establish a relationship of causality, that is, of origin, with respect to what is said in the text. For example: therefore, then, therefore, consequently, because, etc.
- Comparative connectors. Those that allow introducing a contrast or a comparison between two or more references or situations. For example: as well as, in the same way as, as opposed to, on the contrary, etc.
- Conclusive connectors. Those that allow a conclusion to be introduced, or synthesize what has already been said, or summarize the previous thing in some way. For example: in this way, in conclusion, summarizing, to finish, etc.
- Conditional connectors. Those that establish a conditional relationship, that is, of probability or possibility, with respect to the parts of the text. For example: if so, assuming, unless, as long as, etc.
- Temporary connectors. Those that establish a temporary relationship, either before, after or simultaneously. They can also indicate that the text dates back to other times. For example: at the same time, once, before, then, etc.
- Emphatic connectors. Those that serve to emphasize what has been said, that is, to highlight it or draw special attention to it. For example: certainly, without a doubt, as if that were not enough, what is worse, etc.