Writing: Build a Sentence

Shows that the main action happens later than the action in the following clause.

“After the policy took effect, complaints fell sharply.”

“He revised the draft after his professor returned it.”

Often used: soon after · shortly after · after having done

TOEFL tip: Don't add 'will' after 'after' when talking about the future; use the present or present perfect in the time clause.

Introduces a clause that contrasts with or concedes something to the main clause.

“Although the study was small, its findings were widely cited.”

“The team finished the project on time, although two members were absent.”

Often used: although it is · although there are · although some people

TOEFL tip: In Build a Sentence, 'although' must start a full clause (subject + verb) and can sit either first or in the middle — but never before a noun alone; use 'despite' for that.

Introduces the reason or cause for the situation in the main clause.

“Because the roads were flooded, classes were cancelled.”

“Many people cycle to work because it saves both time and money.”

Often used: because of the fact · mainly because · partly because

TOEFL tip: 'Because' + clause, 'because of' + noun. If the tiles show only a noun phrase after it, you need 'because of'.

Shows that the main action happens earlier than the action in the following clause.

“Before you submit the essay, check the citation format.”

“The species had almost vanished before conservation laws were passed.”

Often used: long before · shortly before · before it is too late

TOEFL tip: 'Before' can head either clause, but if it starts the sentence you must add a comma before the main clause.

Used to introduce a fact that contrasts with what was said before.

“The theory was elegant. However, it failed to predict the 1998 data.”

“Most students expect a simple answer; the evidence, however, is mixed.”

Often used: however, in reality · there is, however · however, this changed

TOEFL tip: Information after 'however' usually corrects a common assumption, and correct answers often come from that corrected version.

Gives a reason, or marks the starting point of a period of time.

“Since the deadline had passed, the committee refused the application.”

“Attendance has doubled since the new campus opened.”

Often used: ever since · since then · since it is clear that

TOEFL tip: Reason-'since' usually opens the sentence with a comma; time-'since' normally follows a present perfect main clause, so check the verb tense in the tiles.

Signals a contrast; it can begin a subordinate clause or, less formally, end a sentence as an adverb.

“Though the tuition was high, enrolment kept rising.”

“The plan is expensive; it may still be worth trying, though.”

Often used: even though · though it seems · strange though it may

TOEFL tip: If the word tiles place 'though' at the very end after a comma, it works as an adverb; anywhere else it must be followed by a subject and verb.

Except if; used to state the one condition that changes a rule.

“The gym closes at ten unless a class is scheduled.”

“Bags may not be left here unless they are clearly labelled.”

Often used: unless otherwise stated · unless you notify us · unless requested

TOEFL tip: 'Unless otherwise stated' means the general rule applies by default; watch for exceptions listed elsewhere in the notice.

Marks the point in time at which an action or situation stops.

“The library stays open until the last exam finishes.”

“Until the results were published, few researchers took the theory seriously.”

Often used: not until · until now · until such time as

TOEFL tip: Use a present tense after 'until' for future meaning ('until the data arrives', not 'will arrive') — a common tile-order trap.

Means 'every time that' or 'at any time that'.

“Whenever the temperature drops, energy demand spikes.”

“She takes notes whenever a new term is introduced.”

Often used: whenever possible · whenever necessary · whenever they are

TOEFL tip: 'Whenever' fronts a time clause and pairs naturally with simple present verbs in both clauses when describing habits.

Introduces a clause showing either simultaneous time or a contrast.

“While the survey was being conducted, prices continued to rise.”

“While some critics praised the design, others called it impractical.”

Often used: while others · while at the same time · while it is true that

TOEFL tip: 'While' opens a dependent clause, so the sentence needs a second, independent clause; if 'while' is first, place a comma before the main clause.

In addition to what has just been said.

“Furthermore, the treaty was never ratified by the northern states.”

“The method is cheap and, furthermore, extremely fast.”

Often used: furthermore, research shows · and furthermore · furthermore, unlike

TOEFL tip: Hearing 'furthermore' means the current subtopic is not finished — keep your note under the same heading instead of starting a new one.

In addition to what has already been said, and often more importantly.

“The soil is poor; moreover, the growing season is extremely short.”

“Moreover, the technique requires no specialized equipment.”

Often used: moreover, the evidence · moreover, it is · and moreover

TOEFL tip: In Insert Text questions, 'Moreover' must follow a sentence making a similar point, never a contrasting one.

Used to compare two things by showing how they differ.

“Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, whereas conifers retain theirs.”

“Whereas the northern colony grew rapidly, the southern one stagnated.”

Often used: whereas in contrast · whereas others · whereas previously

TOEFL tip: Sentence Simplification answers must keep 'whereas' contrasts intact; eliminate options that merge the two contrasted ideas into one.

Used to introduce an idea or situation that is the opposite of the one just mentioned.

“Warm currents raise coastal temperatures; conversely, cold currents suppress them.”

“Conversely, species with short lifespans adapt to environmental change far more quickly.”

Often used: conversely, however · and conversely · conversely, when

TOEFL tip: In Insert Text questions, 'conversely' at the start of the inserted sentence means the sentence before it must state the opposite case — test each square by checking for that reversal.