Advanced linking words

Rules

• Rule 1: Contrast – albeit, notwithstanding, whereas

  albeit = although, followed by an adjective, adverb or short phrase, not a full clause. notwithstanding = despite, followed by a noun (it can also come after the noun). whereas compares two facts.

  Pattern: …, albeit + adjective / phrase · Notwithstanding + noun / noun + notwithstanding · … whereas + clause

  Example: Our robot worked, albeit very slowly.

  Example: Notwithstanding the long line, we got into the museum.

• Rule 2: Condition – provided that, as long as, unless, in the event that

  provided that / as long as = only if. unless = if … not. in the event that = if it happens that (very formal). Use the present simple after them, not will.

  Pattern: provided that / as long as / unless / in the event that + present simple

  Example: You may use the lab as long as a teacher is present.

  Example: In the event that the match is canceled, tickets will be refunded.

• Rule 3: Reason – given that, owing to

  given that = considering that, followed by a clause. owing to = because of, followed by a noun.

  Pattern: Given that + clause · Owing to + noun

  Example: Given that it was her first race, Nehir did brilliantly.

  Example: Owing to the heavy snow, the school bus was late.

• Rule 4: Purpose – lest, so as to

  lest = so that … not (negative purpose, very formal). Use should + verb or the base form, and no not – the meaning is already negative. so as to + verb = in order to (negative: so as not to).

  Pattern: lest + subject + (should) + base form · so as (not) to + verb

  Example: Tiptoe past the nest lest you frighten the birds.

  Example: We left at dawn so as to avoid the traffic.

• Rule 5: Extent and method – insofar as, whereby

  insofar as = to the extent that; it limits a claim. whereby = by which; it explains a system, rule or arrangement.

  Pattern: … insofar as + clause · system / rule / arrangement + whereby + clause

  Example: The app is helpful insofar as it reminds you to drink water.

  Example: The library has a program whereby children earn badges for reading.

Common mistakes

• The test was hard, albeit it was fair. → The test was hard, albeit fair.

  albeit + adjective/phrase, not a full clause.

• Hold the rail lest you don't fall. → Hold the rail lest you fall.

  lest is already negative.

• Owing to it rained, the picnic was canceled. → Owing to the rain, the picnic was canceled.

  owing to + noun.