Linking Clauses: Complete Guide with 5 Worked Examples

Master SAT Linking Clauses questions with this comprehensive guide. Learn to choose correct conjunctions and transitions for contrast, cause-effect, and addition relationships. Includes 5 fully worked examples, FANBOYS rules, and expert strategies for logical connections.

SAT Reading & Writing – Standard English Conventions

Linking Clauses

Choosing appropriate conjunctions and transitions to connect ideas logically

Linking Clauses questions test your ability to select appropriate conjunctions, transitions, and connecting words that accurately express the logical relationship between ideas, distinguish between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, use transition words correctly, and create coherent connections that reflect contrast, cause-effect, addition, or other relationships. On the SAT, you'll choose connecting words that best express how ideas relate.

Success requires understanding logical relationships between ideas, knowing which connecting words express which relationships, recognizing proper punctuation for different connectors, and selecting transitions that create coherent flow. These linking skills aren't just grammar rules—they represent logical expression essential for academic writing, professional communications, argument construction, and any context where clear connections between ideas matter for comprehension and persuasion.

Understanding Clause Linking

Types of Connecting Words

Different connectors serve different purposes.

Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS): for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Usage: Join independent clauses with comma before conjunction
Subordinating conjunctions: because, although, when, if, since, while, unless
Usage: Create dependent clauses; comma rules vary by position
Conjunctive adverbs: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, furthermore
Usage: Need semicolon before or period + capital letter; comma after

Logical Relationships (The Key Focus!)

Choose connectors that match the logical relationship.

Contrast: but, yet, however, although, while, nevertheless, on the other hand
Cause/Effect: because, since, so, therefore, consequently, thus, as a result
Addition: and, moreover, furthermore, additionally, also, in addition
Time sequence: when, while, before, after, then, subsequently
Example/clarification: for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, namely

Punctuation Matters

Different connectors require different punctuation.

Comma + FANBOYS: I'm tired, so I'm going home.
Subordinating conjunction at start: Because I'm tired, I'm going home.
Subordinating conjunction in middle: I'm going home because I'm tired. (no comma)
Semicolon + conjunctive adverb: I'm tired; therefore, I'm going home.
Period + conjunctive adverb: I'm tired. Therefore, I'm going home.

Context Is Everything

Read surrounding sentences to understand the relationship.

Look backward: What idea came before?
Look forward: What idea comes after?
Identify relationship: Are ideas similar, opposite, causal?
Match connector to relationship: Choose word expressing that logic
Check coherence: Does the connection make sense?

Essential Clause Linking Strategies

Identify the Logical Relationship First

Read both clauses: What's the relationship between the ideas?

Are they opposite? Need contrast word (but, however, although)

Does one cause the other? Need cause/effect word (because, so, therefore)

Are they adding information? Need addition word (and, moreover, also)

Know Your Connector Categories

FANBOYS can follow commas: Only these seven with comma

Conjunctive adverbs need stronger punctuation: Semicolon or period

Subordinating conjunctions create dependent clauses: Different structure

Don't confuse categories: Each has its own punctuation rules

Test the Logic

Plug in connector: Does the sentence make logical sense?

Check for contradiction: Using "and" when ideas contrast? Wrong!

Check for weak connection: Using "but" when ideas don't contrast? Wrong!

Verify cause-effect: Does one actually cause the other?

Consider Emphasis and Flow

Subordination shows importance: Main idea in independent clause

Coordination shows equal weight: Both ideas important

Transition strength: Some transitions are stronger than others

Match formality: Some connectors are more formal/academic

Common Pitfalls & Expert Tips

❌ Using "however" with just a comma

"I'm tired, however, I'm going home" is WRONG. "However" is not a FANBOYS conjunction—need semicolon before it or use period.

❌ Choosing connectors that don't match the logic

"The weather was terrible, and we decided to stay home." Should be "so" (cause-effect), not "and" (addition). Logic matters!

❌ Not reading the full context

You must read sentences before and after to understand the relationship. Don't choose a connector based only on the sentence with the blank!

❌ Confusing "because" and "so"

"Because" introduces the reason (cause). "So" introduces the result (effect). They're opposites in where they point in the cause-effect chain!

✓ Expert Tip: Identify contrast vs. cause-effect

Most linking questions test whether you recognize contrast (but/however/although) vs. cause-effect (because/so/therefore). Identify which relationship exists!

✓ Expert Tip: Remember conjunctive adverbs need semicolons

However, therefore, moreover, consequently—these need semicolons before them (or periods), never just commas. Only FANBOYS can follow commas.

✓ Expert Tip: Subordination signals less importance

When you put something in a "because/although/when" clause, you're subordinating it—making it background information. The main clause gets emphasis.

Fully Worked SAT-Style Examples

Example 1: Contrast vs. Cause-Effect

Passage:

Solar panels are expensive to install initially. ______ they can significantly reduce electricity costs over time, making them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

Question:

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Answer Choices:

A) Therefore,

B) However,

C) Furthermore,

D) For example,

Correct Answer: B

Relationship analysis: First sentence = negative (expensive). Second sentence = positive (reduce costs). These ideas contrast—one is a drawback, one is a benefit despite the drawback.

Logic check: Are these ideas similar or opposite? Opposite! Expensive initially vs. saves money long-term = contrast relationship.

Why B is correct: "However" signals contrast/opposition, which matches the logical relationship. Despite being expensive (negative), they save money (positive)—classic contrast setup.

Why A is wrong: "Therefore" signals cause-effect or logical conclusion. Being expensive doesn't cause them to reduce costs—these are contrasting points, not causal.

Why C is wrong: "Furthermore" signals addition of similar information. But reducing costs isn't additional negative info—it's contrasting positive info.

Why D is wrong: "For example" introduces a specific instance of a general claim. The second sentence isn't an example of being expensive—it's a contrasting benefit.

Example 2: Cause-Effect Connector

Passage:

The ancient library contained thousands of rare manuscripts. ______ the building lacked modern climate control, many of these priceless documents deteriorated over the centuries.

Question:

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Answer Choices:

A) Moreover,

B) Nevertheless,

C) Because

D) In contrast,

Correct Answer: C

Relationship analysis: Second sentence explains WHY documents deteriorated. Lack of climate control (cause) → deterioration (effect). This is clear cause-effect relationship.

Causation check: Did lacking climate control CAUSE deterioration? Yes! The lack of proper environment directly caused the damage.

Why C is correct: "Because" introduces the cause/reason for the deterioration. Perfect for explaining why something happened. "Because [cause], [effect]" is standard cause-effect structure.

Why A is wrong: "Moreover" adds similar information. But explaining why documents deteriorated isn't adding to "library contained manuscripts"—it's explaining a consequence.

Why B is wrong: "Nevertheless" signals contrast/concession. Deterioration isn't contrasting with containing manuscripts—it's a consequence of environmental conditions.

Why D is wrong: "In contrast" signals opposition between ideas. Deteriorating isn't opposite of containing manuscripts—it's a result of storage conditions.

Example 3: Addition Connector

Passage:

Marine biologist Sylvia Earle has led over 100 underwater expeditions and has spent more than 7,000 hours beneath the ocean's surface. ______ she has authored numerous books about marine conservation and served as the first female chief scientist of NOAA.

Question:

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Answer Choices:

A) However,

B) Additionally,

C) As a result,

D) On the contrary,

Correct Answer: B

Relationship analysis: Both sentences list Earle's accomplishments. First sentence = underwater work. Second sentence = more accomplishments (books, NOAA). Adding similar positive information.

Logic check: Are these ideas contrasting? No. Cause-effect? No. Both are accomplishments being listed—addition of similar info.

Why B is correct: "Additionally" signals adding more information of the same type. Perfect for continuing a list of accomplishments. Adds to the picture of her impressive career.

Why A is wrong: "However" signals contrast. But authoring books and serving at NOAA don't contradict underwater expeditions—they're all accomplishments supporting the same point.

Why C is wrong: "As a result" signals cause-effect. Her books/NOAA role weren't caused by underwater expeditions—they're separate accomplishments.

Why D is wrong: "On the contrary" signals strong opposition. Books and NOAA role don't oppose or contradict underwater work—they complement it.

Example 4: Coordinating Conjunction

Passage:

The team had prepared extensively for the competition, ______ their performance exceeded all expectations.

Question:

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Answer Choices:

A) and

B) but

C) or

D) for

Correct Answer: A

Relationship analysis: Both clauses are positive facts about the team. Preparing extensively (positive) + exceeding expectations (positive) = no contrast, just related positive information.

FANBOYS selection: Since sentence already has comma, need FANBOYS conjunction. "And" adds related info, "but" contrasts, "or" gives alternatives, "for" explains reason.

Why A is correct: "And" simply connects two related statements without implying contrast or causation. Both clauses are positive aspects of team's success—addition fits perfectly.

Why B is wrong: "But" signals contrast/opposition. Exceeding expectations doesn't contradict preparing extensively—it's a natural positive outcome, not an unexpected contradiction.

Why C is wrong: "Or" presents alternatives/choices. The team both prepared AND exceeded—these aren't alternative possibilities but both happened.

Why D is wrong: "For" means "because" and introduces reason. But exceeding expectations isn't the reason they prepared—if anything, preparation enabled exceeding expectations.

Example 5: Subordinating Conjunction

Passage:

______ electric vehicles produce no direct emissions, they still have environmental impacts related to battery production and electricity generation.

Question:

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Answer Choices:

A) Because

B) Although

C) Since

D) When

Correct Answer: B

Relationship analysis: First clause = positive (no emissions). Second clause = negative (environmental impacts). These contrast—despite one positive aspect, there's still a negative aspect.

Concession logic: The sentence acknowledges something positive but then points out a limitation/contrary fact. This is classic concessive/contrast structure.

Why B is correct: "Although" introduces concession/contrast. "Although [positive], [negative]" = Despite the good thing, there's still a bad thing. Perfect for this contrast.

Why A is wrong: "Because" signals cause. No emissions didn't cause environmental impacts—if anything, they're separate issues. Logic doesn't work.

Why C is wrong: "Since" means because/given that. Having no emissions didn't cause other environmental impacts—these are contrasting points about different stages.

Why D is wrong: "When" signals time relationship. The sentence isn't about timing of emissions vs. impacts—it's about contrasting environmental aspects.

Linking Words by Logical Relationship

Relationship Coordinating Conj. Subordinating Conj. Conjunctive Adverbs
Contrast but, yet although, though, while, whereas however, nevertheless, nonetheless
Cause/Effect so, for because, since, as therefore, consequently, thus
Addition and moreover, furthermore, additionally
Time when, while, before, after, until then, subsequently, meanwhile

Linking Clause Selection Checklist

Decision Process

1. Read both clauses/sentences

2. Identify logical relationship

3. Match connector to relationship

4. Check punctuation is correct

Common Relationships

Opposite ideas = Contrast (but, however)

One causes other = Cause/Effect (because, so)

Similar ideas = Addition (and, moreover)

Time sequence = Time (when, after, then)

Linking Clauses: Connecting Ideas with Logical Precision

Linking Clauses questions assess your ability to select appropriate connecting words—conjunctions, transitions, and other linkers—that accurately express logical relationships between ideas including contrast, cause-effect, addition, time sequence, and other connections essential for coherent communication. The SAT tests this competency because proper clause linking represents logical precision: understanding that different connectors signal different relationships between ideas, recognizing when ideas contrast versus when one causes another, knowing which connecting words can follow commas versus requiring stronger punctuation, distinguishing coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) from conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore) from subordinating conjunctions (because, although), and developing sensitivity to how connector choice affects meaning and reader comprehension of relationships between statements. When selecting transitions "that complete the text with the most logical connection," you practice the same logical awareness required for academic papers where argument structure depends on showing whether points support or contrast with each other, professional documents where cause-effect relationships must be explicit for decision-making, technical writing where sequential and conditional relationships guide procedures, persuasive writing where concession and contrast strengthen arguments, and any communication where readers must understand not just individual facts but how those facts relate—whether they oppose each other, cause each other, add to each other, follow each other in time, or connect in other logical ways. Clause linking follows systematic, learnable principles: identify the logical relationship by reading both ideas and determining whether they're similar (addition), opposite (contrast), causal (one causes/explains other), temporal (time-based), conditional (if-then), or another relationship; match connector to relationship using contrast words (but, however, although) for opposing ideas, cause-effect words (because, so, therefore) when one idea explains or results from another, addition words (and, moreover, furthermore) for similar supporting information, and time words (when, then, subsequently) for chronological connections; verify punctuation correctness by remembering that coordinating conjunctions follow commas, conjunctive adverbs need semicolons or periods before them, and subordinating conjunctions create dependent clauses with varying comma needs; and test logic by reading the complete sentence with chosen connector to ensure the relationship makes sense. Every time you identify contrast relationships requiring "however" rather than "therefore," recognize cause-effect needing "because" rather than "although," select "moreover" to add supporting information rather than contrasting it, or choose subordinating over coordinating conjunctions to emphasize one clause over another, you're exercising the logical awareness that enables not just grammatically correct but logically coherent writing where connections between ideas are explicit and readers understand precisely how each statement relates to others—whether supporting, opposing, explaining, resulting from, or otherwise connecting to create argument, narrative, or explanation.