The Variations in the Use of Sentence Connectors in Timed and Untimed Student Writing: A Comparative Corpus Study of British Students

This study investigates the use of sentence connectors in British students' timed and untimed writings, utilizing data from the British component of the International Corpus of English (ICE-GB). By comparing the frequency and patterns of 54 selected connectors between these two writing conditions, the research reveals that students tend to overuse certain basic connectors like and and or, particularly in timed examinations. The analysis also highlights the impact of time pressure on linguistic choices, showing a preference for simpler connectors in timed settings. The findings contribute to understanding native English speakers' connector usage and suggest implications for academic writing and teaching strategies.