Field Tool 84
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Discover

Grasp the Flow

Logical Connectives

Follow the small words that reveal the author’s reasoning.

Connectives join clauses, sentences, and paragraphs. They show how one statement relates to another—by adding information, giving a reason, drawing a conclusion, marking a contrast, stating a condition, or expressing a purpose.

Addition

And, Also, Moreover

Adds another fact, command, example, or supporting idea.

Ask: What is being added, and how does it strengthen the thought?

Contrast

But, Yet, However

Turns the argument by introducing an opposing or unexpected idea.

Ask: What two ideas are being contrasted?

Reason

For, Because, Since

Gives the reason, basis, or explanation for a preceding statement.

Ask: What claim is this reason supporting?

Result

Therefore, Thus, So Then

Draws a conclusion or identifies the result of what came before.

Ask: What truth or action follows from the previous statement?

Purpose

So That, In Order That

States the intended goal, aim, or purpose of an action.

Ask: What outcome is intended?

Condition

If, Unless, Provided That

Establishes a condition that must be met or a circumstance being considered.

Ask: What depends on this condition?

D.I.G.G.E.R. Field Journal Logical Connectives 84A
Field Tool 84
G

Discover

Grasp the Flow

Logical Connectives — Continued

Trace the Author’s Logic

Read each connective in relation to the ideas on both sides of it.

Comparison

Like, As, Just As, So Also

Shows similarity, analogy, correspondence, or a repeated pattern.

Ask: What features are alike, and where does the comparison stop?

Sequence

Then, Afterward, Until

Marks order in time, progress in thought, or the next step in a sequence.

Ask: What happens first, next, and last?

Explanation

That Is, Namely, In Other Words

Clarifies, restates, defines, or specifies what was just said.

Ask: What statement is being made clearer?

Emphasis

Indeed, Truly, Behold

Calls special attention to a statement or heightens its force.

Ask: Why does the author want this point noticed?

Trace the Argument

Read the Connective in Both Directions

Every connective joins two ideas. Identify both.

Supporting Truth

God is faithful.

therefore
Conclusion

Stand firm.

Look backward: What supports this conclusion?

Look forward: What conclusion follows from this truth?

How to Use This Tool

  1. Circle or underline every connective.
  2. Label the relationship it signals.
  3. Draw arrows between the connected ideas.
  4. Summarize the author’s reasoning in your own words.

Remember

Logical connectives are the joints of a passage. Follow them to see how the author’s thought holds together.