How to Solve Sentence Connectors? Tips & tricks

Sentence Connectors was introduced under English Language by SBI in the PO exam last year. Today, we will discuss about Sentence Connectors and ways to solve these questions.

How to Solve Sentence Connectors? Tips & tricks

Let us first understand what exactly are Sentence Connectors?

• Sentence Connectors is also called “synthesis” in grammatical terminology.
• In such type of questions we are provided with phrase/connector as three options which can be used in the beginning (to start the sentence) to form a single sentence from the two sentences given in the question.
• But we have to keep it in mind that after using these connectors to connect these statements the newly formed sentence should imply the same meaning as expressed in the statement sentences.
• These questions appear somewhat difficult, but are very easy to tackle after some practice and can help you score high in exam. We will analyse these types of questions and suggest you some important tips to solve them with greater accuracy in minimum time.
• Sentences are combined to avoid the monotony that may result due to use of brief sentences.
• Hence, to combine them and give them rhythm and style of various lengths and structures, we use sentence connectors.
• Sentence Connectors are words and phrases that are used for synthesis of sentences, i.e connect two sentences into one sentence with coherence. “Coherence” means “the quality of being logical and consistent”.
• Hence, the correct sentence connector is one that maintains coherence in the given two statements.
• These sentence connectors are used to provide coherence to the statement or paragraphs by presenting a contrast, similarity, consequence, sequence, example, emphasis, dismissal, etc.
• Some important sentence connectors can also be learned by a mnemonic device i.e “ON A WHITE BUS” is given below. 

The letters of this mnemonic stand for subordinating conjunctions of the English Language:-
O: only if, once
N: now that
A: after, although, as
WH: where, wherever, when, whenever, whether, while
H: How
I: in case, if, in order that
T: though, that
E: even though, even if
B: before, because
U: until, unless
S: since, so that
Apart from them, there are also various ways to connect simple, complex and compound sentences. They can also be added by the use of participle, punctuation, infinitive, adjective clause, adverbial phrase, adverbial clause, etc. We will try to understand a few of these methods.

1. We should move away from here.
2. The storm is approaching.

(i) Considering that
(ii) Although we should
(iii) As the storm

1. Only (i)
2. Only (ii)
3. Only (iii)
4. Both (i) and (ii)
5. Both (i) and (iii)

Explanation:
In the first statement, it has been stated that “the storm is approaching”. Hence, it is an alarming situation for someone present over there.  The second statement states an action that should be taken considering the above problem. The first option, “considering that” gives a coherence to the two statements if combined-“Considering that the storm is approaching, we should move away from here”. “Considering that” is used to indicate that one is thinking about a particular fact/problem/situation when making a judgment or decision.
The second option “although we should”  states a contrast and when added to the beginning of any of the given two statements it does not make sense.  For example, “Although the storm is approaching, we should move away from here.” This statement is not logical. The key to solving questions based on sentence connectors lies in making the statements logical and consistent.
The third option “As the storm” consists of “as”. We use “as” in the beginning of a sentence to “state the reason for something”. Hence, in the given statement, it is stating the reason to leave a particular place due to imminent danger.
1. They were afraid.
2. The cat would eat them up.
(i) that anytime
(ii) as a matter of fact
(iii) knowing that
Explanation:
These two sentences can be combined in many ways. By using option (i), “They were afraid that anytime the cat would eat them up.” It can also be combined by using option (iii), They were afraid, knowing that the cat would eat them up. Option (ii) is incorrect for combining these sentences because “as a matter of fact” is used to emphasis sentences.
1. The love and adulation he amasses only continues to grow with each passing day.
2. It has been about four years that Sachin retired.
(i) As it
(ii) All in all
(iii) Although

1. Only (i)
2. Only (ii)
3. Only (iii)
4. Both (i) and (ii)
5. Both (i) and (iii)

Explanation:
The given two statements present a contrasting fact that despite the retirement of Sachin about four years ago, his popularity has been growing as the time passes. Now option (i) does not give coherence to the statements. “As” in the beginning of the sentence is used to state a reason.
In the second option “all in all” is used to state consideration of all aspects of something together.
The third option, “although” is the correct connector to be used. “Although” means “in spite of the fact that”. Hence, the correct answer should be option C.
1. She knows nothing about him.
2. He is young and handsome.
(i) Although he is
(ii) Except that
(iii) However, she knows

1. Only (i)
2. Only (ii)
3. Only (iii)
4. Both (i) and (ii)
5. Both (i) and (iii)

Explanation:
In the above given statements, two different statements are given in which the first one states that the lady knows nothing about a particular person whereas  a fact about that person is mentioned. The given statements can be used by using “except that”- “She knows nothing about him except that he is young and handsome”.
1. He keeps his pistol in a holster.
2. This is the holster.
(i) along with his
(ii) in fact
(iii) where he keeps

1. Only (i)
2. Only (ii)
3. Only (iii)
4. Both (i) and (ii)
5. Both (i) and (iii)

Explanation:
In the above mentioned statements, one statement states an information and the other statement provides a brief description. Such types of sentences can be added by the use of “adjective clauses”.  These two statements can be added in the given way- This is the holster where he keeps his pistol.
Hence, after a careful scrutiny of the given statements and understanding their implied meaning you can use appropriate sentence connectors from the given options. A little practice will immensely help you in making you comfortable in identifying the conveyed meaning of the statements and enable you to use appropriate sentence connectors to combine the sentences.

ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR EXAMS
Team Aim Success..!!