Chapter 57: Conectores Avanzados y Marcadores del Discurso - Advanced Connectors & Discourse Markers
¡Hola! To elevate your Spanish from good to great, mastering advanced connectors and discourse markers is essential. These words and phrases go beyond basic conjunctions like "y" or "pero," allowing you to structure your arguments more effectively, express complex relationships between ideas (contrast, cause/effect, addition, etc.), and add overall coherence and nuance to your speech and writing. This chapter will introduce a range of these useful tools.
Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
Understand the function of discourse markers in organizing and structuring communication.
Learn and use a variety of advanced connectors to express contrast (e.g., sin embargo, no obstante).
Learn and use connectors to express cause and effect (e.g., por consiguiente, por lo tanto, ya que).
Learn and use connectors for adding information or exemplifying (e.g., además, es decir, por ejemplo).
Improve the coherence and sophistication of your written and spoken Spanish.
Introduction/Warm-up
Think of discourse markers as signposts in a conversation or text. They guide the listener or reader, showing how different parts of the message relate to each other. While basic conjunctions form simple links, advanced connectors build more complex bridges between ideas.
(Optional Review): Recall basic conjunctions from Chapter 33: y, o, pero, porque, si, aunque. We will now build upon these with more formal or nuanced alternatives.
Presentation of New Material: Types of Advanced Connectors
1. Conectores de Contraste u Oposición (Contrast or Opposition Connectors)
These connectors introduce an idea that contrasts with or opposes what was previously stated. They are often more formal or emphatic than "pero."
sin embargo (however, nevertheless, nonetheless)
Estudió mucho; sin embargo, no aprobó el examen. (He studied a lot; however, he didn't pass the exam.)
no obstante (however, nevertheless, despite that - often more formal)
Llovía mucho; no obstante, salimos a pasear. (It was raining a lot; nevertheless, we went out for a walk.)
en cambio (on the other hand, instead)
A Juan le gusta el fútbol; en cambio, a María le prefiere el tenis. (Juan likes soccer; on the other hand, Maria prefers tennis.)
por el contrario / al contrario (on the contrary)
No estoy cansado; por el contrario, tengo mucha energía. (I'm not tired; on the contrary, I have a lot of energy.)
aunque (although, even though, even if - can also introduce concession)
Aunque estaba enfermo, fue a trabajar. (Although he was sick, he went to work.)
a pesar de (que) (in spite of, despite [the fact that])
Salimos a pesar de que llovía. / Salimos a pesar de la lluvia. (We went out in spite of the fact that it was raining. / We went out despite the rain.)
2. Conectores de Causa y Efecto/Consecuencia (Cause and Effect/Consequence Connectors)
These connectors link a cause or reason with its result or consequence.
por lo tanto / por consiguiente (therefore, consequently, as a result)
No estudió; por lo tanto, suspendió el examen. (He didn't study; therefore, he failed the exam.)
así que / de modo que / de manera que (so, so that)
Hacía frío, así que me puse un abrigo. (It was cold, so I put on a coat.)
ya que / puesto que / como (since, because, as - introducing cause)
Ya que estás aquí, ¿puedes ayudarme? (Since you're here, can you help me?)
No pudimos salir, puesto que llovía. (We couldn't go out, because it was raining.)
debido a (que) (due to (the fact that))
El partido fue cancelado debido a la lluvia. (The game was canceled due to the rain.)
en consecuencia (consequently, as a result)
Hubo un accidente; en consecuencia, el tráfico estaba parado. (There was an accident; consequently, traffic was stopped.)
3. Conectores Aditivos y de Énfasis (Additive and Emphasis Connectors)
These connectors add information, reinforce an idea, or give examples.
además (besides, furthermore, moreover, in addition)
Es un buen libro; además, es muy barato. (It's a good book; furthermore, it's very cheap.)
asimismo / igualmente (likewise, similarly)
Debes estudiar para el examen. Asimismo, es importante que descanses. (You must study for the exam. Likewise, it's important that you rest.)
es decir / o sea (that is to say, in other words, I mean)
Le gustan los animales, es decir, los perros y los gatos. (He likes animals, that is to say, dogs and cats.)
por ejemplo (for example)
Hay muchos países hispanohablantes, por ejemplo, México, España y Argentina. (There are many Spanish-speaking countries, for example, Mexico, Spain, and Argentina.)
de hecho (in fact, as a matter of fact)
Pensé que no vendría, pero de hecho, fue el primero en llegar. (I thought he wouldn't come, but in fact, he was the first to arrive.)
en realidad (actually, in reality)
Parece fácil, pero en realidad es bastante complicado. (It seems easy, but in reality it's quite complicated.)
4. Conectores de Orden o Secuencia (Ordering or Sequencing Connectors)
These help to structure a narrative or argument logically.
primero / en primer lugar (first / in the first place)
segundo / en segundo lugar (second / in the second place)
luego / después (then / afterwards)
finalmente / por último (finally / lastly)
para empezar (to begin with)
para concluir / en conclusión (to conclude / in conclusion)
En primer lugar, analizaremos las causas. Luego, discutiremos las consecuencias. Finalmente, propondremos soluciones.
Practice Activities
Boost Your Fluency!
Master these advanced connectors and discourse markers.
Instructions: Match the connector with its primary function.
Sin embargo
Por lo tanto
Además
Es decir
Ya que
A. To clarify or rephrase B. To express contrast C. To express cause D. To add information E. To express consequence
Answer Key:
1-B, 2-E, 3-D, 4-A, 5-C
Production Practice:
Exercise 1: Complete with a Connector
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with an appropriate advanced connector from this chapter. More than one might be possible.
Me gusta mucho el cine; _______________, no tengo tiempo para ir esta semana. (contrast)
No dormí bien anoche; _______________, hoy estoy muy cansado. (consequence)
Las frutas son saludables; _______________, contienen muchas vitaminas. (addition/explanation)
No pudo venir a la reunión _______________ estaba enfermo. (cause)
Este restaurante es excelente. _______________, sus precios son razonables. (addition)
Answer Key (Examples):
sin embargo / no obstante
por lo tanto / así que / en consecuencia
además / es decir / de hecho
ya que / puesto que / porque
Además / Asimismo
Exercise 2: Rewrite with Advanced Connectors
Instructions: Rewrite the following pairs of sentences into one sentence using an appropriate advanced connector.
Es un buen plan. No tenemos suficiente dinero.
Llovió todo el día. No pudimos ir a la playa.
El libro es interesante. También es muy largo.
(Answers will vary.)
Interactive Activity:
Exercise 1: "Mini-Argumentos" (Mini-Arguments)
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, choose a simple topic (e.g., "Advantages and disadvantages of social media," "Why learning Spanish is important"). Take turns presenting points for or against, using advanced connectors to structure your arguments (e.g., "En primer lugar..., además..., sin embargo..., por lo tanto...").
Cultural Insight
In academic, professional, and even formal social settings in Spanish-speaking cultures, the ability to structure arguments clearly and connect ideas logically using appropriate discourse markers is highly valued. While everyday conversation might use simpler connectors, more formal or persuasive communication benefits greatly from a wider range of these tools. Paying attention to how native speakers use these in speeches, articles, or debates can be very instructive.
Language Nuances: Using Connectors Effectively
1. Placement and Punctuation
Many advanced connectors (like sin embargo, no obstante, por lo tanto, además) are often placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause and are typically followed by a comma. Some can also appear mid-sentence, often set off by commas.
Example: Estudió mucho. Sin embargo, no aprobó. OR Estudió mucho; sin embargo, no aprobó.
2. Formality Levels
Some connectors are more formal than others. For instance, no obstante or por consiguiente are generally more formal than pero or así que. Choosing the right connector depends on the context and your audience.
3. Subjunctive with Certain Connectors
Some connectors, especially those expressing purpose, condition, or concession when the outcome is uncertain or hypothetical, may require the subjunctive mood in the following clause (e.g., para que, a menos que, con tal de que, aunque when referring to a non-factual or future possibility). This was covered in part in Chapter 44 and will be reinforced as you encounter more complex texts.
Example: Te lo digo para que lo sepas. (I'm telling you so that you know it - subjunctive)
4. Empezar vs. Comenzar: Choosing Your "Start"
Both empezar and comenzar mean "to start" or "to begin" and are very often interchangeable. For new learners, you can generally use them in the same way.
Common Usage:Empezar is generally considered more common in everyday, informal conversation. Comenzar can sometimes sound slightly more formal or literary, but this is a subtle distinction.
Empezamos la clase ahora. (We start the class now.) - Very common
La reunión comenzará en cinco minutos. (The meeting will begin in five minutes.) - Also correct, perhaps slightly more formal.
With an Action (Infinitive): Both verbs use the preposition a before an infinitive (when you start to do something).
Voy a empezar a leer el libro. (I'm going to start to read the book.)
Ella comenzó a cantar. (She began to sing.)
With a Noun: Both can be followed directly by a noun.
Empezamos el proyecto la semana pasada. (We started the project last week.)
El curso comienza en otoño. (The course starts in the fall.)
Key takeaway: Don't worry too much about the difference initially. Using empezar is always a safe bet. As you read and hear more Spanish, you'll develop a feel for any subtle contextual preferences for comenzar.
La Hora del Cuento (Story Time)
An opinion piece about technology.
El Impacto de la Tecnología
La tecnología ha transformado nuestras vidas de manera radical. En primer lugar, ha facilitado la comunicación global; es decir, podemos conectar con personas de todo el mundo instantáneamente. Además, ha revolucionado el acceso a la información.
Sin embargo, no todo es positivo. El uso excesivo de la tecnología puede llevar al aislamiento social. Asimismo, la constante exposición a las pantallas puede tener efectos negativos en la salud visual. De hecho, muchos expertos advierten sobre la adicción a los dispositivos móviles.
Por lo tanto, es crucial usar la tecnología de manera consciente y equilibrada. Aunque ofrece innumerables beneficios, debemos ser conscientes de sus posibles desventajas para que podamos aprovecharla al máximo sin comprometer nuestro bienestar. En conclusión, la tecnología es una herramienta poderosa, pero su impacto final depende de cómo la utilicemos.
The Impact of Technology (Translation)
Technology has radically transformed our lives. In the first place, it has facilitated global communication; that is to say, we can connect with people from all over the world instantly. Furthermore, it has revolutionized access to information.
However, not everything is positive. Excessive use of technology can lead to social isolation. Likewise, constant exposure to screens can have negative effects on visual health. In fact, many experts warn about addiction to mobile devices.
Therefore, it is crucial to use technology consciously and balancedly. Although it offers countless benefits, we must be aware of its possible disadvantages so that we can make the most of it without compromising our well-being. In conclusion, technology is a powerful tool, but its final impact depends on how we use it.
sin embargo, no obstante, en cambio, por lo tanto, por consiguiente, así que, ya que, debido a, además, asimismo, es decir, o sea, por ejemplo, de hecho, en realidad, en primer lugar, finalmente, para concluir.
Self-Assessment:
Can you name two connectors for contrast? Give an example for one.
Can you name two connectors for cause/effect? Give an example for one.
How can you add more information or clarify a point using advanced connectors?
Why are discourse markers important in longer texts or speeches?
Looking Ahead
Using these advanced connectors will significantly improve the flow and sophistication of your Spanish. In the next chapters, we will begin to engage with authentic and complex materials, such as news articles and literary texts, where you'll see these connectors used extensively. ¡Prepárate para leer y analizar!