GRAMMAR A2 Linking Words Addition Reason and Result Sequence

A2 Linking Words

Learn to connect ideas clearly with and, but, because, so, when, before, after, then, first and finally. Impara a collegare le idee con chiarezza usando and, but, because, so, when, before, after, then, first e finally.

and but because so first / then / finally

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1. See it in context1. Guarda i linking words nel contesto

“I wanted to improve my English, so I joined a course. The lessons are challenging, but they are useful. I study every day because I want to make progress. First, I review the lesson; then, I complete the exercises; finally, I practise speaking.”
What to noticeCosa notare

so: introduce il risultato.

but: introduce un contrasto.

because: introduce la ragione.

first, then, finally: organizzano una sequenza.

2. A2 control panel2. Pannello di controllo A2

Addition
and / also

I study and work.

Contrast
but

It is small but comfortable.

Reason
because

I stayed home because I was tired.

Result
so

I was tired, so I went home.

Time
when / before / after

Call me when you arrive.

Sequence
first / then / finally

First mix, then cook.

3. Addition and contrast3. Aggiunta e contrasto

and

I speak English and Italian.

The course is useful and interesting.

Use: aggiunge un’idea simile.

but

The room is small, but it is bright.

I like the job, but the hours are long.

Use: introduce un contrasto.

also

I also study Spanish.

She is friendly and also very patient.

Position: normalmente prima del verbo principale, ma dopo be.

too

I like this course too.

She speaks French too.

Position: normalmente alla fine della frase.

4. Reason and result4. Ragione e risultato

Linking wordFunctionExample
becausereasonI took a taxi because it was raining.
soresultIt was raining, so I took a taxi.
Compare:Confronta:

I stayed home because I was ill.

I was ill, so I stayed home.

Italian trap: Non usare because e so insieme nella stessa struttura: Because I was tired, so I went home.

5. Time linkers5. Connettivi di tempo

when

Call me when you arrive.

Un’azione avviene nel momento di un’altra.

before

Wash your hands before you eat.

La prima azione avviene prima della seconda.

after

I relax after I finish work.

La seconda azione avviene dopo la prima.

while

I listened to music while I was studying.

Due azioni avvengono nello stesso periodo.

6. Sequencing words6. Parole di sequenza

first
First, open the document.
then / next
Then, write your answer.
Next, check your work.
finally
Finally, save the file.
Useful for:Utile per:

instructions, recipes, routines, stories and emails.istruzioni, ricette, routine, racconti ed email.

7. Linking ideas in a paragraph7. Collegare le idee in un paragrafo

Weak version:
I started a course. I need English for work. The lessons are difficult. They are useful. I study every evening.

Connected version:
I started a course because I need English for work. The lessons are difficult, but they are useful, so I study every evening.

8. Punctuation8. Punteggiatura

StructureExample
Two short items with andI speak English and French.
Two complete clauses with butThe flat is small, but it is comfortable.
Result with soIt was late, so we left.
Sequence word at the beginningFirst, open the app.
Time clause firstAfter I finished work, I went home.

9. Italian brain vs English brain9. Cervello italiano vs cervello inglese

ItalianoErrore comuneInglese naturale
Perché ero stanco.Because I was tired, so I went home.I was tired, so I went home.
Ma è interessante.However it is interesting. at basic A2 levelBut it is interesting.
Poi sono uscito.After I went out.Then I went out.
Dopo aver finito…After finish work…After I finished work…
Prima, poi, infineBefore, after, at the endFirst, then, finally

10. Common mistakes10. Errori comuni

❌ Because I was tired, so I went home.

Non usare because e so insieme in questa struttura.

✅ I was tired, so I went home.
❌ I stayed home so I was ill.

La malattia è la ragione, quindi usa because.

✅ I stayed home because I was ill.
❌ First I opened the app. Finally I wrote my answer. Then I saved it.

La sequenza non è logica.

✅ First I opened the app. Then I wrote my answer. Finally I saved it.
❌ Call me after you will arrive.

Dopo after o when, usa normalmente il Present Simple per il futuro.

✅ Call me when you arrive.

11. Concept Check Questions

1. Which linking word adds similar information?1. Quale connettivo aggiunge informazioni simili?
2. Which linking word introduces a contrast?2. Quale connettivo introduce un contrasto?
3. Which linking word gives a reason?3. Quale connettivo introduce una ragione?
4. Which linking word introduces a result?4. Quale connettivo introduce un risultato?

12. Quick Check

1. I speak English _____ Italian.1. Parlo inglese _____ italiano.
2. The room is small, _____ it is comfortable.2. La stanza è piccola, _____ è comoda.
3. I stayed at home _____ I was tired.3. Sono rimasto a casa _____ ero stanco.
4. It was raining, _____ we took a taxi.4. Pioveva, _____ abbiamo preso un taxi.
5. First, wash the vegetables. _____, cut them into small pieces.5. Prima lava le verdure. _____, tagliale a pezzetti.

13. Challenge Check

1. Choose the correct sentence.1. Scegli la frase corretta.
2. Brush your teeth _____ you go to bed.2. Lavati i denti _____ andare a letto.
3. I usually have coffee _____ I finish lunch.3. Di solito bevo il caffè _____ finisco di pranzare.
4. Call me _____ you arrive.4. Chiamami _____ arrivi.
5. Which sequence is the most logical?5. Quale sequenza è la più logica?

14. Write it in English14. Scrivi in inglese

1. Studio inglese e francese.
2. La casa è piccola, ma è molto luminosa.
3. Sono rimasto a casa perché ero malato.
4. Era tardi, quindi abbiamo preso un taxi.
5. Prima fai colazione, poi vai al lavoro.

15. Correction and transformation15. Correzione e trasformazione

1. Join the sentences using SO.

I was tired. I went to bed early.

2. Join the sentences using BUT.

The course is difficult. It is interesting.

3. Join the sentences using BECAUSE.

I didn’t go out. I was tired.

4. Rewrite using AFTER.

I finished work. I went home.

5. Rewrite using FIRST, THEN and FINALLY.

Open the document. Write your answer. Save the file.

16. Mini dialogue16. Mini dialogo

A: “Why did you choose this course?”A: “Perché hai scelto questo corso?”

17. Guided writing task17. Writing guidato

Write 60–90 words about your daily routine, a recent experience or instructions for a simple task. Use at least six linking words. Scrivi 60–90 parole sulla tua routine, un’esperienza recente o le istruzioni per un compito semplice. Usa almeno sei connettivi.

and
but
because
so
time linker
sequencing word
Capital letter + punctuation + 60 words
Model answer:

I study English because I need it for work, and I want to speak more confidently. The course is challenging, but it is very useful, so I practise every day. First, I review my notes. Then, I complete a grammar exercise and listen to a short recording. After I finish, I write a few sentences. Finally, I check my mistakes and save the new vocabulary.

18. Use it in real life18. Usalo nella vita reale

Explain a reason

I’m learning English because I need it for my job.

Give clear instructions

First, open the document. Then, complete the form. Finally, send it.

Want a lasting method to learn English?Vuoi un metodo duraturo per imparare l’inglese?

Book a consultation to identify the right path for your level and goals.Prenota un colloquio per individuare il percorso più adatto al tuo livello e ai tuoi obiettivi.

Book a consultationPrenota un colloquio

Final score and reportPunteggio finale e report

Your resultIl tuo risultato

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