Structuurwoorden in het Engels

Structuurwoorden zijn in alle vormen van communicatie belangrijk, mondeling en schriftelijk. Vooral in schriftelijke communicatie helpen ze de lezer de informatie gemakkelijker te verwerken. Het correcte gebruik van structuurwoorden kan bij het schrijven van Nederlandse teksten al lastig zijn, in het Engels is het dat voor non-natives helemaal. Hieronder vind je een lijst met Engelse structuurwoorden, ofwel linking words, en voorbeelden van hoe ze worden gebruikt. In het Engels, zodat je de structuurwoorden in hun natuurlijke context ziet.

Contrasting / tegenstellend

despite (+ zelfstandig naamwoord) = ondanks
Despite the crowds of protesters in the streets, the politicians refused to listen.

although (+ bijzin) = hoewel, alhoewel
Although many people were protesting in the streets, the politicians refused to listen.

contrary to (+zelfstandig naamwoord) = in tegenstelling tot
Contrary to what had been assumed previously, Copernicus suggested that the Earth orbits the sun rather than vice versa.
Contrary to common belief, Spanish is in fact more widely spoken than English.

as opposed to (+zelfstandig naamwoord/noun phrase) = in tegenstelling tot
Copernicus suggested that the Earth orbits the sun, as opposed to the sun orbiting the Earth.

however, … (meestal vooraan in de zin) = maar, echter

Wordt gebruikt als 'maar', maar is wat formeler. However kan gebruikt worden op verschillende plaatsen in de zin, maar als het aan het begin van de zin staat, wordt however normaal gesproken gevolgd door een komma.

Many of the ruins on the Acropolis are well over 2000 years old. However, the rest of Athens is largely modern.
Many of the ruins on the Acropolis are well over 2000 years old. The rest of Athens is largely modern, however.

nevertheless, … (meestal vooraan in de zin) = desalniettemin
Formeler dan however, maar ideaal om meer nadruk te plaatsen. Wordt meestal niet aan het einde van de zin gebruikt.
In the early 1920s, Greek refugees from Asia Minor swelled the population of Athens. Nevertheless, it was not until the 1950s that Athens really began to expand.

Narrowing of focus

more specifically = in het bijzonder
This article looks at the issue of work-life balance, and more specifically what organizations can do to help their employees to achieve a better balance between their work and their private lives.

in particular = in het bijzonder
This article looks at the issue of work-life balance, and in particular what organizations can do to help their employees to achieve a better balance between their work and their private lives.

Cause and effect

because (+ bijzin) = omdat
Jupiter’s four largest moons are named the Galilean moons, because they were discovered by Galileo.

because of (+zelfstandig naamwoord) = wegens, vanwege, omwille van
Jupiter’s four largest moons are named the Galilean moons, because of their discovery by Galileo.

due to (+zelfstandig naamwoord) = wegens, vanwege, omwille van
Jupiter’s four largest moons are named the Galilean moons, due to their discovery by Galileo.

owing to (+zelfstandig naamwoord) = wegens, vanwege, omwille van
Jupiter’s four largest moons are named the Galilean moons, owing to their discovery by Galileo.

as a result, … (meestal vooraan in de zin) = daarom
Galileo discovered Jupiter’s four largest moons. As a result, they are named the Galilean moons.

as a result of (+zelfstandig naamwoord) = ten gevolge van
Many beginners struggle to make themselves understood in Hungarian as a result of its sixteen grammatical cases, giving a total of over 90 different personal pronouns.

consequently, … (meestal vooraan in de zin) = daarom
There are sixteen grammatical cases in Hungarian, giving a total of over 90 different personal pronouns. Consequently, many beginners struggle to make themselves understood.

Listing

Firstly, … Secondly, … Thirdly, … etc. = ten eerste, ten tweede, ten derde enz.
In addition, … / additionally, … = bovendien

Finally, … = ten slotte, tot slot

Je gebruikt deze woorden bijvoorbeeld voor opsommingen. Ze helpen de lezer om informatie correct te verwerken. Deze structuurwoorden staan in het Engels vaak aan het begin van de zin, gevolgd door een komma.

There are many reasons why gold is such a valuable metal. Firstly, it is prized for its beauty. Secondly, it is a relatively rare element. Additionally, it is non-reactive and will retain its lustre even when exposed to the weather. Finally, gold is now also in demand for certain components in electronic equipment.

Giving examples

for instance, …/ for example, … = bijvoorbeeld
such as (+zelfstandig naamwoord) = zoals

Ook deze structuurwoorden zijn eenvoudig in het gebruik. Let op: bij for instance en for example gebruik je vaak een komma, bij such as meestal niet. Verhoog de leesbaarheid van je tekst daarnaast door passages als 'such as for example' te voorkomen. Eén van de twee is genoeg!

Learners of English should be aware that there are some important differences between UK English and US English, such as words that are used to refer to different things. An American will understand something rather different from the phrase ‘We’re out of gas’ than an Englishman, for example.

Signalling addition

Furthermore, … / What is more, … (meestal vooraan in de zin) = bovendien
Home computers are becoming faster and more powerful all the time. Furthermore, average prices have fallen steeply in recent years.
Home computers are becoming faster and more powerful all the time. What is more, average prices have fallen steeply in recent years.

in addition to (+zelfstandig naamwoord) (meestal vooraan in de zin) = daarnaast
In addition to its use in thermometers, mercury was also once used in antiseptic skin creams.

besides (+zelfstandig naamwoord), … (meestal vooraan in de zin) = behalve van
It is illegal to carry mercury on board civil aircraft. Besides the toxic fumes that it gives off, mercury will also eat through the aluminium components of the aircraft in a matter of minutes if spilt, endangering all those on board.