Linking Ideas & Clauses

Concept

Formal writing links ideas by function: cause (because, since), result (so, therefore, consequently), contrast (however, on the other hand), addition (moreover, in addition), and purpose (so that, in order to). Choose the linker by meaning first, then check whether it needs a clause, a noun or an infinitive.

اختر أداة الربط حسب المعنى أولاً، ثم تأكد هل تتبعها جملة أم اسم أم مصدر.

Rules & forms

• Purpose: so that + clause · in order to / to + base verb

  so that تتبعها جملة، وin order to يتبعها فعل أساسي.

  • • He left early so that he could catch the train.
  • • She studies daily in order to improve her score.

• Result: so + clause · so / such ... that

  • • The test was easy, so everyone finished.
  • • It was such a long lecture that we felt tired.

• Addition: in addition to + noun · moreover / furthermore + sentence

  • • In addition to English, he speaks French.
  • • The plan is cheap; moreover, it is quick.

• Clause vs phrase: a clause has a subject and a verb; a phrase does not.

  الجملة الفرعية فيها فاعل وفعل، أما العبارة فلا.

  • • Because the road was closed (clause) / Because of the closure (phrase)

Common mistakes & STEP traps

• ❌ He studied hard so that to pass.

  ✅ He studied hard so that he could pass.

  So that is followed by a clause.

• ❌ In order that improve, she practises daily.

  ✅ In order to improve, she practises daily.

  In order to is followed by the base verb.

• ❌ It was so long lecture that we left.

  ✅ It was such a long lecture that we left.

  Such is used before a noun phrase; so before an adjective alone.

• ❌ Moreover of the cost, the plan is slow.

  ✅ In addition to the cost, the plan is slow.

  Moreover links sentences; in addition to takes a noun.