We explain what logical connectors are, their importance in a text, the types that exist and examples in sentences.
What are logical connectors?
In grammar, is known as logical connectors or discursive connectors to certain types of words or expressions whose function within the text is to give relationship logic at prayers and link the different parts that compose it.
They are essential elements for the information of the text can be structured in the best way, that is, presented in the most orderly and intelligible way. They should not be confused with grammatical links.
The logical connectors guide the reader's interpretation of the text, acting as a logical –and not just grammatical- link between the ideas. They are responsible for giving cohesion to the text, that is, for supporting its different interconnected parts and giving it a total, organic meaning. At the same time they help your coherence, that is, your ideas are more easily understood.
A discursive connector can be a word, an expression or a phrase, and the use of one or the other depends directly on the style of the writer. On the other hand, each connector has a specific and unique meaning, similar or different from the others.
Types of logical connectors
Discursive connectors are classified according to the meaning they introduce in the text or the function they fulfill in it, as follows:
- Coordinating connectors. They allow the reader to be guided into the text, detailing the meaning of what he reads and serving as a bridge between one idea and the next. For example: next, and if that was not enough, In another order of ideas.
- Disjunctive connectors. They propose separations or contradictions between the ideas presented in a text. For example: contrary, on the other hand, However.
- Causal connectors. They introduce a cause and effect relationship, or a reason for being, of what is stated in the text. For example: so that, therefore, that way.
- Temporary connectors. They propose a temporal relationship, that is, chronological, of ideas, saying what happens first and what happens later. Thus, they can be in advance (for example: long time, once upon a time), concurrency (for example: at once, at par, simultaneously) or later (subsequently, Finally, then).
- Locative connectors. They define within the text a place of reference, a special or temporo-spatial location. For example: below, there, Above.
- Additive connectors. Those who "add" ideas, that is, accumulate them, to gain intensity in saying. For example: in addition, and if that was not enough, in the same way.
- Clarifying connectors. They comply with insisting or clarifying a previous point, taking it up again or adding new nuances to achieve the desired meaning. For example: In other words, this means, more precisely.
- Comparative connectors. They allow to introduce contrasts within the exhibition, comparing something with something else, that is, comparing elements. For example: similarly, However, contrary to.
- Conclusive connectors. They introduce a feeling of closure or termination of the exhibition, or at least of a section of it. For example: In summary, in summary, Finally.
- Conditional connectors. They establish a relationship of conditionality, that is, that an idea depends on something else before or after the speech. For example: as long as, if, unless.
- Continuous connectors. They allow to lengthen a sequence of ideas, adding elements or continuing a presentation that was previously interrupted. For example: Taking up what was said, I mean, back to, in other words.
Sentences with logical connectors
Here are some examples of the use of these logical connectors, within possible sentences:
- “The birds migrate each fall to the south, but not before accumulating the energies necessary for the trip ”(conditional connector).
- "This is how our heroes lost all their money. Which means they couldn't go home ”(clarifying connector).
- “There was practically nothing to buy in the supply. Contrary to the shopping centers, which were bursting with merchandise ”(comparative connector).
- “Some terms in the book cannot be understood. And as if that were not enough, they are written with gothic letter”(Additive connector).
- “Miguel turned off the lights and went to sleep. The next morning, everything was just as I had left it ”(temporary connector).
- "The immune reaction that Covid-19 produces in the host is, contrary to expectations, tremendously violent" (coordinating connector).
- “The fall in the national GDP registered unprecedented levels. Therefore, it will be imperative to go to the community International to request a loan ”(causal connector).