Advanced Connectors: Crafting Complex Ideas

At the C1 level, you move beyond simple connectors like 'y' or 'pero' to express more nuanced relationships between ideas. These advanced connectors, or 'conectores discursivos', are essential for understanding sophisticated writing and crafting complex arguments.

Here’s a breakdown by function:

Connectors of Contrast and Concession

These introduce an idea that contrasts with or presents an obstacle to the main clause.

• sin embargo / no obstante: Both mean 'however' or 'nevertheless'. They introduce a direct contrast. No obstante is slightly more formal.
  • Example: El plan era arriesgado; sin embargo, decidieron seguir adelante. (The plan was risky; however, they decided to move forward.)
• a pesar de que: Means 'in spite of the fact that' or 'despite'. It's followed by a verb in the indicative mood if the information is a known fact.
  • Example: A pesar de que llovía, salimos a pasear. (Even though it was raining, we went out for a walk.)
• aun cuando: Means 'even when' or 'even if'. It can express a hypothetical or a factual situation.
  • Example: Te ayudaré, aun cuando no me lo pidas. (I will help you, even if you don't ask me to.)

Connectors of Cause

These introduce the reason or cause for something.

• puesto que / ya que / dado que: All are synonyms for 'since', 'because', or 'given that'. They are often used at the beginning of a sentence.
  • Example: Puesto que no hay más preguntas, damos por terminada la reunión. (Since there are no more questions, we will end the meeting.)

Connectors of Consequence

These introduce the result or consequence of a previous statement.

• por lo tanto / por consiguiente: Both mean 'therefore' or 'consequently'.
  • Example: Has estudiado mucho; por lo tanto, deberías aprobar el examen. (You have studied a lot; therefore, you should pass the exam.)
• de ahí que: A more advanced way to say 'hence' or 'that is why'. It is always followed by the subjunctive.
  • Example: El autor es muy detallista, de ahí que sus novelas sean tan largas. (The author is very detailed, hence why his novels are so long.)