The phrase “welcome to” is a common and polite way to greet someone upon arrival at a place or a new situation. However, relying solely on this phrase can make your English sound repetitive and limited.
Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms and alternative expressions not only makes your communication more engaging but also allows you to tailor your greeting to the specific context and relationship you have with the person you are addressing. This article explores a variety of alternatives to “welcome to,” providing you with the tools to express your hospitality and warmth in a more nuanced and sophisticated manner.
Whether you’re greeting guests at your home, onboarding a new employee, or introducing someone to a new online community, mastering these alternatives will significantly enhance your English communication skills.
This guide is beneficial for English language learners of all levels, from beginners looking to diversify their vocabulary to advanced speakers aiming to refine their conversational skills. By understanding the subtle differences in meaning and usage of these synonyms, you can choose the most appropriate expression for any situation, thereby improving your fluency and confidence in English.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Welcome To” and Its Synonyms
- Structural Breakdown of Greeting Phrases
- Types and Categories of Synonyms for “Welcome To”
- Examples of Synonyms in Use
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuances and Idiomatic Expressions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “Welcome To” and Its Synonyms
The phrase “welcome to” is a standard greeting used to express pleasure or hospitality upon someone’s arrival at a particular place or their entry into a new group, situation, or experience. It signifies acceptance, warmth, and a positive reception.
The core function of “welcome to” is to make the person feel comfortable and included.
Synonyms for “welcome to” encompass a range of expressions that convey similar sentiments but with varying degrees of formality, enthusiasm, and specificity. These synonyms can be categorized based on their level of formality (formal vs. informal), the emotion they express (enthusiastic, warm, polite), and the context in which they are used (professional, personal, location-specific).
Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the most appropriate and impactful greeting.
Here’s a brief overview of some common synonyms:
- Formal: “Greetings,” “I bid you welcome,” “It is a pleasure to welcome you.”
- Informal: “Hey,” “Hi,” “Glad to have you,” “Make yourself at home.”
- Enthusiastic: “So glad you’re here!,” “Thrilled to have you!,” “We’re delighted to welcome you!”
- Professional: “We are pleased to welcome you,” “We extend a warm welcome,” “Welcome aboard.”
Structural Breakdown of Greeting Phrases
Greeting phrases, including synonyms for “welcome to,” typically follow a simple structure. Understanding this structure can help you create your own variations and adapt existing phrases to suit different situations.
The basic structure often includes:
- Greeting Word/Phrase: This sets the tone (e.g., “Hello,” “Hi,” “Greetings”).
- Expression of Welcome: This conveys the actual welcome (e.g., “welcome,” “glad to have you,” “pleased to see you”).
- Location/Situation (Optional): This specifies where or to what the person is being welcomed (e.g., “to our home,” “to the team,” “to this new experience”).
- Optional Additional Remarks: This adds a personal touch or further expresses hospitality (e.g., “We hope you enjoy your stay,” “Feel free to ask any questions”).
For example, in the phrase “Welcome to our company, we are thrilled to have you,” we see all these elements: “Welcome” (greeting), “to our company” (location), and “we are thrilled to have you” (additional remark).
Variations can involve rearranging these elements or adding modifiers to emphasize the welcome. For instance, “A very warm welcome to our city!” places emphasis on the warmth of the welcome.
Similarly, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome you to the team” adds intensity to the welcoming sentiment.
Types and Categories of Synonyms for “Welcome To”
Synonyms for “welcome to” can be grouped into different categories based on various factors, such as formality, emotion, and context. Understanding these categories will enable you to choose the most appropriate synonym for each situation.
Formal Greetings
Formal greetings are typically used in professional settings, when addressing someone you don’t know well, or in situations that require a respectful and polite tone. These greetings often use more elaborate language and avoid contractions.
- Greetings
- I bid you welcome
- It is a pleasure to welcome you
- We are pleased to welcome you
- We extend a warm welcome
- You are most welcome
Informal Greetings
Informal greetings are suitable for casual settings, when addressing friends, family, or colleagues you are close to. These greetings often use simpler language and may include colloquial expressions.
- Hey
- Hi
- Glad to have you
- Make yourself at home
- Come on in
- Nice to see you
- Welcome!
Enthusiastic Greetings
Enthusiastic greetings convey a strong sense of excitement and joy. These greetings are appropriate when you want to express genuine pleasure at someone’s arrival or participation.
- So glad you’re here!
- Thrilled to have you!
- We’re delighted to welcome you!
- Happy to have you!
- It’s great to see you!
Professional Greetings
Professional greetings are used in workplace settings, when welcoming new employees, clients, or business partners. These greetings should be polite, respectful, and professional.
- Welcome aboard
- We are delighted to have you join us
- We are pleased to have you on the team
- Welcome to the company
- We look forward to working with you
Location-Specific Greetings
Location-specific greetings are tailored to the particular place or environment where the person is being welcomed. These greetings add a personal touch and make the person feel more connected to the location.
- Welcome to our home
- Welcome to the neighborhood
- Welcome to the city
- Welcome to the team
- Welcome to the family
Examples of Synonyms in Use
The following tables provide examples of how these synonyms can be used in different contexts. Each table focuses on a specific category of greetings and includes a variety of phrases and scenarios.
Formal Greeting Examples
This table illustrates formal greetings used in various scenarios. These greetings are suitable for professional environments or when addressing someone with respect.
| Greeting | Scenario | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Greetings | Welcoming a guest speaker to a conference | Greetings, Dr. Smith. We are honored to have you present at our conference. |
| I bid you welcome | Welcoming dignitaries to an official event | I bid you welcome to our city, and we hope you enjoy your stay. |
| It is a pleasure to welcome you | Welcoming a new client to a business meeting | It is a pleasure to welcome you to our offices. We are excited to discuss your project. |
| We are pleased to welcome you | Welcoming a new employee to the company | We are pleased to welcome you to our company. Your expertise will be a valuable asset. |
| We extend a warm welcome | Welcoming foreign delegates to a diplomatic event | We extend a warm welcome to all the delegates attending this international summit. |
| You are most welcome | Responding to a thank you after offering assistance | “Thank you for your help.” “You are most welcome.” |
| Greetings | Addressing a formal gathering | Greetings, everyone. It is a privilege to address such a distinguished audience. |
| I bid you welcome | Formally welcoming someone to a historic building | I bid you welcome to this historic landmark, a testament to our nation’s heritage. |
| It is a pleasure to welcome you | Welcoming a VIP guest to a private event | It is a pleasure to welcome you to this exclusive gathering. |
| We are pleased to welcome you | Announcing a new member to a board of directors | We are pleased to welcome Mr. Johnson to our board of directors. |
| We extend a warm welcome | Welcoming a new professor to a university | We extend a warm welcome to Professor Lee, who will be joining our faculty. |
| You are most welcome | Responding to gratitude for a formal invitation | “Thank you for inviting me.” “You are most welcome. We are glad you could attend.” |
| Greetings | Starting a formal presentation | Greetings, esteemed colleagues. Today, I will be presenting our latest research findings. |
| I bid you welcome | Welcoming guests to a formal dinner | I bid you welcome to our annual charity gala. |
| It is a pleasure to welcome you | Greeting a visiting scholar to a research institution | It is a pleasure to welcome you to our research institute. We are eager to collaborate with you. |
| We are pleased to welcome you | Announcing a new executive to a company | We are pleased to welcome Ms. Davis as our new Chief Financial Officer. |
| We extend a warm welcome | Welcoming international students to a university | We extend a warm welcome to all our international students. We hope you feel at home here. |
| You are most welcome | Replying to thanks in a formal email | “Thank you for your prompt response.” “You are most welcome. Please let me know if you need anything else.” |
| Greetings | Opening remarks at a formal ceremony | Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. We are gathered here today to commemorate… |
| I bid you welcome | Welcoming someone to a formal reception | I bid you welcome to this evening’s formal reception. |
Informal Greeting Examples
This table provides examples of informal greetings suitable for casual settings and personal relationships.
| Greeting | Scenario | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Hey | Greeting a friend at their house | Hey, come on in! I’ve been waiting for you. |
| Hi | Greeting a neighbor you see on the street | Hi, how’s it going? Nice to see you. |
| Glad to have you | Welcoming a friend to a casual get-together | Glad to have you! Make yourself at home. |
| Make yourself at home | Welcoming a guest to your house | Come on in, make yourself at home. Can I get you something to drink? |
| Come on in | Inviting someone into your home | Come on in! The movie’s about to start. |
| Nice to see you | Greeting someone you haven’t seen in a while | Hi, Mark! Nice to see you! It’s been ages. |
| Hey | Greeting a coworker in a casual setting | Hey, Sarah! How was your weekend? |
| Hi | Greeting a family member at the airport | Hi Mom! So good to see you! |
| Glad to have you | Welcoming someone to a game night | Glad to have you! Let’s get this game started. |
| Make yourself at home | Telling a friend to relax at your place | Make yourself at home, I’ll be right back. |
| Come on in | Inviting a friend over unexpectedly | Come on in! I was just about to make some tea. |
| Nice to see you | Greeting a friend at a coffee shop | Nice to see you! What can I get you? |
| Hey | Greeting someone online in a chat | Hey! Long time no see! |
| Hi | Greeting a delivery person at the door | Hi, thanks for the delivery! |
| Glad to have you | Welcoming someone to a casual study group | Glad to have you join our study group. |
| Make yourself at home | Encouraging someone to relax at a casual gathering | Make yourself at home, everyone’s really easygoing. |
| Come on in | Inviting someone into a shared workspace | Come on in and find a spot. |
| Nice to see you | Greeting someone at a casual brunch | Nice to see you this morning! |
| Welcome! | Casually welcoming a friend to your apartment | Welcome! I just finished baking cookies. |
| Welcome! | Greeting a friend at a casual event | Welcome! So glad you could make it. |
Enthusiastic Greeting Examples
This table showcases enthusiastic greetings used to express genuine excitement and joy.
| Greeting | Scenario | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| So glad you’re here! | Welcoming a long-awaited guest | So glad you’re here! We’ve been looking forward to your visit for months! |
| Thrilled to have you! | Welcoming a celebrity guest to an event | We are thrilled to have you! Your presence makes this event even more special. |
| We’re delighted to welcome you! | Welcoming a new member to a club | We’re delighted to welcome you to our book club! |
| Happy to have you! | Welcoming volunteers to a charity event | Happy to have you! Your help is greatly appreciated. |
| It’s great to see you! | Greeting a friend after a long separation | It’s great to see you! I’ve missed you so much! |
| So glad you’re here! | Welcoming someone to a surprise party | So glad you’re here! Surprise! |
| Thrilled to have you! | Welcoming a star athlete to a team | We are thrilled to have you! Your skills will be a great asset to our team. |
| We’re delighted to welcome you! | Welcoming a famous author to a book signing | We’re delighted to welcome you to our bookstore! |
| Happy to have you! | Welcoming participants to a workshop | Happy to have you! Let’s get started with this exciting workshop. |
| It’s great to see you! | Greeting someone at a reunion | It’s great to see you! It’s been too long! |
| So glad you’re here! | Expressing excitement at a friend’s arrival | I’m so glad you’re here! This is going to be an awesome night. |
| Thrilled to have you! | Welcoming a special performer to a show | We are thrilled to have you perform tonight! |
| We’re delighted to welcome you! | Enthusiastically greeting a new neighbor | We’re delighted to welcome you to the neighborhood. |
| Happy to have you! | Welcoming someone to a festive occasion | We’re so happy to have you celebrating with us! |
| It’s great to see you! | Expressing genuine happiness at someone’s arrival | It’s great to see you! Your visit is exactly what I needed. |
| So glad you’re here! | Welcoming a guest to a holiday celebration | So glad you’re here! The holidays wouldn’t be the same without you. |
| Thrilled to have you! | Welcoming a guest speaker to a school event | We are thrilled to have you share your insights with our students! |
| We’re delighted to welcome you! | Greeting someone returning after a long journey | We’re delighted to welcome you back home! |
| Happy to have you! | Welcoming a participant to a contest | Happy to have you join our competition! |
| It’s great to see you! | Expressing enthusiasm at a friend’s success | It’s great to see you succeeding! |
Professional Greeting Examples
This table provides examples of professional greetings suitable for workplace settings and business interactions.
| Greeting | Scenario | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome aboard | Welcoming a new employee to a company | Welcome aboard, John! We are excited to have you on the team. |
| We are delighted to have you join us | Welcoming a new partner to a project | We are delighted to have you join us on this project. Your expertise will be invaluable. |
| We are pleased to have you on the team | Welcoming a new team member | We are pleased to have you on the team! We look forward to working with you. |
| Welcome to the company | Introducing a new employee at a company meeting | Welcome to the company, Sarah! We are thrilled to have you. |
| We look forward to working with you | Welcoming a new client | We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your goals. |
| Welcome aboard | Welcoming a new member to a committee | Welcome aboard! Your input will be highly valuable. |
| We are delighted to have you join us | Welcoming a new intern to a department | We are delighted to have you join us as an intern this summer. |
| We are pleased to have you on the team | Announcing a new hire in an email | We are pleased to have Jane Doe on the team as our new Marketing Manager. |
| Welcome to the company | Welcoming a new employee during onboarding | Welcome to the company! We hope you find your role fulfilling. |
| We look forward to working with you | Greeting a new supplier | We look forward to working with you and establishing a long-term partnership. |
| Welcome aboard | Welcoming a new consultant to a project | Welcome aboard, we’re excited to have your expertise. |
| We are delighted to have you join us | Welcoming a new member to a research group | We are delighted to have you join our research group. |
| We are pleased to have you on the team | Welcoming a new executive to the company | We are pleased to have our new CEO join the team. |
| Welcome to the company | Greeting new employees in an orientation session | Welcome to the company! We’re glad you’re here. |
| We look forward to working with you | Welcoming a new collaborator on a joint venture | We look forward to working with you on this exciting venture. |
| Welcome aboard | Welcoming a new director to a board | Welcome aboard, your leadership will be invaluable. |
| We are delighted to have you join us | Welcoming a new advisor to a startup | We are delighted to have you join us as an advisor. |
| We are pleased to have you on the team | Announcing a new project lead | We are pleased to have John Smith on the team as project lead. |
| Welcome to the company | Greeting a new employee on their first day | Welcome to the company! We’re here to support you. |
| We look forward to working with you | Welcoming a new partner in a business deal | We look forward to working with you to achieve mutual success. |
Location-Specific Greeting Examples
This table illustrates location-specific greetings, which are tailored to the place or context where the person is being welcomed.
| Greeting | Scenario | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome to our home | Welcoming guests to your house | Welcome to our home! Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable. |
| Welcome to the neighborhood | Welcoming new neighbors | Welcome to the neighborhood! We’re so glad to have you here. |
| Welcome to the city | Welcoming tourists to a city | Welcome to the city! We hope you enjoy exploring all that it has to offer. |
| Welcome to the team | Welcoming a new member to a sports team | Welcome to the team! We’re excited to have you play with us. |
| Welcome to the family | Welcoming a new spouse or partner to a family | Welcome to the family! We’re so happy to have you as part of our lives. |
| Welcome to our home | Greeting guests at a holiday gathering | Welcome to our home for Thanksgiving! |
| Welcome to the neighborhood | Organizing a block party for new residents | Welcome to the neighborhood! We’re having a block party next weekend. |
| Welcome to the city | Greeting attendees at a convention | Welcome to the city! We hope you have a productive convention. |
| Welcome to the team | Adding a new member to a project group | Welcome to the team, your skills are exactly what we need. |
| Welcome to the family | Welcoming an adopted child | Welcome to the family, we’ve been waiting for you. |
| Welcome to our home | Greeting guests at a dinner party | Welcome to our home for the evening. |
| Welcome to the neighborhood | Greeting new neighbors with a welcome basket | Welcome to the neighborhood! We brought you a little something. |
| Welcome to the city | Tourist information center greeting visitors | Welcome to the city! Here’s a map and some recommendations. |
| Welcome to the team | Introducing a new member at a team meeting | Welcome to the team, we’re glad to have you on board. |
| Welcome to the family | Welcoming a new in-law at a wedding | Welcome to the family, we’re so happy for you both. |
| Welcome to our home | Greeting trick-or-treaters on Halloween | Welcome to our home, happy Halloween! |
| Welcome to the neighborhood | New residents joining a neighborhood watch | Welcome to the neighborhood, we’re glad to have you join the watch. |
| Welcome to the city | Greeting participants at a sporting event | Welcome to the city and good luck in the competition! |
| Welcome to the team | Welcoming a new player to a sports league | Welcome to the team, we’re looking forward to a great season. |
| Welcome to the family | Welcoming a new step-parent | Welcome to the family, we’re excited to get to know you. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
While the synonyms for “welcome to” share a common core meaning, their usage is governed by several rules and considerations. These include the level of formality, the context of the greeting, and the relationship between the speaker and the person being greeted.
Formality: Choose formal greetings for professional settings or when addressing someone you don’t know well. Use informal greetings for casual settings and personal relationships.
Context: Consider the specific situation. For example, “Welcome aboard” is most appropriate when welcoming someone to a ship, airplane, or organization.
Relationship: Tailor your greeting to your relationship with the person. Use more personal and enthusiastic greetings for close friends and family.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences in greeting customs. Some cultures may prefer more formal greetings, while others may be more informal.
Tone: Ensure your tone matches the words you use. A warm and sincere tone enhances the impact of any greeting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes when using synonyms for “welcome to.” Here are some common errors to avoid:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “Welcome in our home.” | “Welcome to our home.” | The correct preposition is “to,” not “in.” |
| “Glad to have you to here.” | “Glad to have you here.” | The word “to” is unnecessary before “here.” |
| “We are delight to welcome you.” | “We are delighted to welcome you.” | The correct adjective is “delighted,” not “delight.” |
| “Make yourself at the home.” | “Make yourself at home.” | The article “the” is unnecessary in this idiom. |
| “Welcome on board the team.” | “Welcome aboard the team.” | “Aboard” is a single word in this context. |
| “So happy you are here.” | “So happy you’re here!” | Correct word order and contraction for informal speech. |
| “We extend you a welcome warm.” | “We extend a warm welcome.” | Correct word order for formal greetings. |
| “Welcome at the company.” | “Welcome to the company.” | The correct preposition is “to,” not “at.” |
| “Nice to seeing you.” | “Nice to see you.” | Correct infinitive form of the verb. |
| “I bid you welcome in our city.” | “I bid you welcome to our city.” | The correct preposition is “to,” not “in.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of synonyms for “welcome to” with these practice exercises. Choose the most appropriate synonym for each scenario.
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Synonym
Select the best alternative for “welcome to” in each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| ________ our company, Mr. Smith. | A) Hey B) Greetings C) Come on in D) So glad you’re here | B) Greetings |
| ________, everyone! Let’s start the meeting. | A) Hi B) I bid you welcome C) Welcome aboard D) Make yourself at home | A) Hi |
| ________ our home! Please, take a seat. | A) Thrilled to have you B) Welcome to C) Nice to seeing you D) You are most welcome | B) Welcome to |
| ________, John! We’ve missed you. | A) Glad to have you B) We are pleased to welcome you C) Hey D) It is a pleasure to welcome you | C) Hey |
| ________, we are excited to have you on the team. | A) Welcome aboard B) You are most welcome C) So glad you’re here D) Come on in | A) Welcome aboard |
| ________ our city! We hope you enjoy your stay. | A) Greetings B) Welcome to C) Make yourself at home D) We are delighted to welcome you | B) Welcome to |
| ________! It’s been so long. | A) Nice to see you B) We extend a warm welcome C) Thrilled to have you D) You are most welcome | A) Nice to see you |
| ________ the neighborhood! We’re happy to have you. | A) I bid you welcome B) Glad to have you C) Welcome to D) We are pleased to have you | C) Welcome to |
| ________, we are delighted to have you as our guest speaker. | A) Hi B) Greetings C) Come on in D) Make yourself at home | B) Greetings |
| ________! Let’s get this party started. | A) We extend a warm welcome B) Hey C) So glad you’re here D) You are most welcome | C) So glad you’re here |
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with an appropriate synonym for “welcome to.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| ________ our website! We hope you find the information you need. | Welcome to |
| ________, Mr. President. It’s an honor to have you here. | Greetings |
| ________, everyone! Please, find a seat and get comfortable. |
Hi |
| ________ the team, Sarah! We’re excited to have you. | Welcome to |
| ________ our home. Feel free to relax and enjoy the evening. | Welcome to |
| ________ the neighborhood! We’re having a block party next week. | Welcome to |
| ________, we are pleased to announce our new CEO. | Greetings |
| ________! We’ve been waiting for you. | Hey |
| ________ our family! We’re so happy to have you. | Welcome to |
| ________, it’s great to see you again after all these years. | Hi |
Advanced Topics: Nuances and Idiomatic Expressions
Beyond the basic synonyms, English offers a range of more nuanced and idiomatic expressions that can add color and depth to your greetings. These expressions often carry cultural or historical connotations and can be particularly effective in specific contexts.
- “Welcome to the fold”: This idiom is used to welcome someone into a group or organization, suggesting a sense of belonging and inclusion.
- “Make yourself at home”: This expression encourages guests to relax and feel comfortable in your home.
- “Mi casa es su casa”: A Spanish phrase meaning “My house is your house,” used to express hospitality and welcome.
- “Come in, the water’s fine”: An informal invitation to join an activity or situation, often implying that it is enjoyable or worthwhile.
- “Glad to have you with us”: A warm and genuine expression of pleasure at someone’s presence or participation.
Understanding these nuances and idiomatic expressions can help you communicate more effectively and connect with others on a deeper level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about synonyms for “welcome to” and their usage.
- Q: Is it always necessary to use a synonym for “welcome to”?
- A: No, “welcome to” is a perfectly acceptable greeting. However, using synonyms can make your language more varied and engaging.
- Q: How do I choose the most appropriate synonym?
- A: Consider the level of formality, the context of the greeting, and your relationship with the person you are addressing.
- Q: Are there any greetings I should avoid?
- A: Avoid overly casual or slang expressions in formal settings. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid greetings that may be offensive or inappropriate.
- Q: Can I combine different greetings?
- A: Yes, you can combine different greetings to create your own unique expressions. For example, “Hi, and welcome to our team!”
- Q: How important is tone of voice when using these greetings?
- A: Tone of voice is very important. A warm and sincere tone enhances the impact of any greeting and conveys genuine hospitality.
- Q: What’s the difference between “Welcome” and “Welcome to”?
- A: “Welcome” can stand alone as a general greeting. “Welcome to” is used to greet someone to a specific place or context.
- Q: How can I improve my greeting skills in English?
- A: Practice using different greetings in various situations. Pay attention to how native speakers greet each other and try to emulate their style.
- Q: Are there regional differences in greeting customs?
- A: Yes, greeting customs can vary by region. Be aware of these differences and adapt your greetings accordingly.
- Q: Can I use these greetings in written communication?
- A: Yes, many of these greetings are appropriate for written communication, such as emails and letters. Choose the greeting that best suits the level of formality and the context of the message.
- Q: How can I make my greetings more personal?
- A: Add a personal touch by mentioning something specific about the person or the situation. For example, “It’s great to see you, John! I’ve been looking forward to discussing your project.”
Conclusion
Mastering synonyms for “welcome to” is a valuable skill for anyone looking to improve their English communication. By expanding your vocabulary and understanding the nuances of different greeting expressions, you can tailor your greetings to specific situations and relationships, making your language more engaging, effective, and culturally sensitive.
Whether you choose a formal “Greetings,” an informal “Hey,” or an enthusiastic “So glad you’re here!,” the key is to express genuine warmth and hospitality in your own unique way. Keep practicing, pay attention to the context, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different expressions to find what works best for you.
With a little effort, you can transform your greetings from routine formalities into meaningful connections.