def branch(cuds_object, *args, rel=None):
    """Like Cuds.add(), but returns the element you add to.

    This makes it easier to create large CUDS structures.

    Args:
        cuds_object (Cuds): the object to add to.
        args (Cuds): object(s) to add
        rel (OntologyRelationship): class of the relationship between the
            objects.

    Raises:
        ValueError: adding an element already there.

    Returns:
        Cuds: The first argument.
    """
    cuds_object.add(*args, rel=rel)
    return cuds_object