However, although, because, so, and time connectors

However, although, because, so

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Clauses of contrast

However

However means ‘but’.

However is normally used at the beginning of a sentence, before a comma (,) and after a full stop (.) or a semicolon (;).

• We didn’t like the hotel. However, we had a good time.
• I would like to have a dog; however, my husband is allergic to dogs. 

Although

Although means ‘despite the fact that’ or ‘but’.

Although can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. We do NOT use a comma after although; we use although + subject + verb.

• Although he had a bad leg, he still won the game.
• I passed the exam, although I hadn’t studied.

Clauses of reason

Because

We use because + subject + verb.

• We had to cancel the concert because it was raining.
• I didn’t call you because I didn’t want to worry you.

Because of

We use because of + noun.

• We had to cancel the concert because of the rain.
• Many shops had to close because of the economic situation. 

Clauses of result

So

So is the most common connector to express result. It is normally used in the middle of a sentence after (,).

• We worked hard all morning, so I am very tired now. 
• The TV is very expensive, so I don’t think I’ll buy it. 

Time connectors

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Before

We can use before + noun / -ing verb, or we can use before + subject + verb.

• Before I have breakfast, I read a few pages. 
• Before having breakfast, I read a few pages. 
• Before breakfast, I read a few pages. 

After

We can use after + noun / -ing verb, or we can use after + subject + verb.

• I smoke a cigarette after dinner/ having dinner/ I have dinner.

When we are talking about consecutive actions, we use then of after that, but NOT after.

• I got up and had a shower. After, I made breakfast.
• I got up and had a shower. Then/After that, I made breakfast.

While

We use while + subject + verb to talk about actions happening at the same time, simultaneously.

• I read the newspaper while I was waiting.

As soon as, when, once

As soon as, when, and once have a similar meaning. As soon as means ‘immediately when’.

• As soon as/when/once I get home, I’ll finish my homework.

Common mistakes

We use the present simple and NOT will to express future after before, after, as soon as, when, and once.

• When I will get home, I’ll call you.
• When I get home, I’ll call you. 

We use a comma after the first part of the sentence when we start with before, after, while, as soon as, etc. But we do not use a comma if we use before, after, while, as soon as, etc in the second part of the sentence.

• Before I go to bed, I brush my teeth. 
• I brush my teeth before I go to bed.