Linking words (also called connectors or transition words) are words and phrases that connect ideas within and between sentences. Using them correctly makes your writing and speech more cohesive, logical and professional, as the Cambridge Grammar illustrates. For example, however and although show contrast (She was tired; however, she kept working), while therefore and as a result show cause and effect (It rained heavily; therefore, the match was cancelled). They are one of the most tested areas in IELTS and Cambridge writing papers.
Addition
Use addition connectors to add a further point: also, too, as well, in addition, furthermore, moreover, besides, what is more. Furthermore adds a further point; moreover signals the strongest, most significant addition. The plan is cheaper. Furthermore, it is faster. Moreover, independent studies confirm its effectiveness.
Contrast
Use contrast connectors to show an unexpected or opposing point: but, however, although, though, even though, while, whereas, nevertheless, on the other hand, in spite of, despite. Key rule: but joins clauses; however joins sentences; although introduces a subordinate clause. Although she was tired, she continued. She was tired. However, she continued.
Cause and Effect
Use cause-effect connectors to show a reason or result: because, since, as, therefore, so, consequently, as a result, for this reason, thus, hence. Because introduces a clause; therefore begins a new sentence or clause: The experiment failed. Therefore, we redesigned it.
Sequence and Time
Use sequence connectors to organise steps or events: firstly, secondly, thirdly, then, next, after that, finally, subsequently, in the meantime, meanwhile. Never use finally to begin a conclusion paragraph — it signals a last point, not a summary.
Concession
Concession connectors acknowledge a point before countering it: admittedly, granted, even so, nevertheless, despite this. Admittedly, the approach has drawbacks. Nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the costs.
Exemplification and Conclusion
For examples: for example, for instance, such as, namely, in particular, to illustrate. For conclusions: in conclusion, to sum up, overall, in summary, to conclude, on the whole, on balance.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong: However she was tired, she continued. Correct: Although she was tired, she continued. (however is not a conjunction; use although)
- Wrong: Despite she was tired, she continued. Correct: Despite being tired, she continued. / Despite the fact that she was tired, she continued. (despite needs a noun phrase, not a clause)
- Wrong: We were late, because of we missed the bus. Correct: We were late because we missed the bus. / We were late because of the delay.
Practice Exercises
Grammar Quiz
Choose the correct linking word for each context.
Cloze Dropdown
Fill in the correct connector in academic passages.
Complete the Sentence
Add the right linking word to express the correct relationship.
Flash Cards
Learn linking word categories and their functions.
Practice What You've Learned
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'however' and 'although'?
'Although' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause within a sentence: Although she was tired, she finished. 'However' is a sentence connector (conjunctive adverb) that links two separate sentences or independent clauses: She was tired. However, she finished. 'However' needs a semicolon or new sentence before it; it cannot join two clauses with just a comma.
What is the difference between 'furthermore' and 'moreover'?
Both add further information, but 'moreover' is slightly stronger — it adds an even more important or surprising point: This approach is cheaper. Furthermore, it is faster. Moreover, independent studies confirm these results (the strongest, most significant addition). Both are formal. In everyday English, 'also' or 'what is more' serve the same function more naturally.
What is the difference between 'because' and 'because of'?
'Because' is a conjunction followed by a clause (subject + verb): We were late because the train was delayed. 'Because of' is a preposition followed by a noun phrase: We were late because of the train delay. Do not mix them: do not say 'because of the train was delayed' or 'because the delay'.
What is the difference between 'despite' and 'although'?
'Although/even though' is a conjunction and must be followed by a clause (subject + verb): Although she was tired, she continued. 'Despite/in spite of' is a preposition and must be followed by a noun phrase or gerund: Despite her tiredness, she continued. / In spite of being tired, she continued. 'Despite she was tired' is a very common error — despite needs a noun phrase, not a clause.
When should I use 'therefore' vs 'so'?
'Therefore' is formal and typically begins a new sentence or follows a semicolon: The experiment failed. Therefore, we redesigned it. 'So' is informal and joins two clauses directly with a comma: The experiment failed, so we redesigned it. In academic writing, use 'therefore', 'consequently', or 'as a result'. In everyday speech and informal writing, 'so' is more natural.
What is the difference between 'while' and 'whereas' for contrast?
Both introduce clauses of contrast, but 'whereas' is more formal and emphasises a stronger, more direct contrast: While I enjoy coffee, she prefers tea (a mild contrast; 'while' can also mean 'at the same time'). Whereas men reported higher stress levels, women reported better coping strategies (academic contrast). 'Whereas' is safer in formal writing when the meaning is clearly contrast, not time.
How do I correctly use 'in addition to'?
'In addition to' is a preposition followed by a noun phrase or gerund, not a clause: In addition to good grammar, you need a wide vocabulary. / In addition to studying grammar, practise listening. Do not say: In addition to you study grammar. If you want to follow with a full clause, use 'in addition' alone as a connector: She speaks French. In addition, she is learning Arabic.
What linking words signal a conclusion in essays?
To conclude, To sum up, In conclusion, Overall, In summary, In brief, On balance, To summarise. In academic writing, 'In conclusion' is the most widely accepted. 'To sum up' is slightly more informal. 'Overall' and 'On balance' are particularly useful in IELTS Task 2 for balancing arguments before giving a final view. Never start a conclusion paragraph with 'Finally' — that signals a last point, not the conclusion.
What are the most important linking words for IELTS Writing?
For Task 2 essays: contrast (However, Although, Despite, Nevertheless), addition (Furthermore, Moreover, In addition), cause-effect (Therefore, As a result, Consequently), concession (Admittedly, Even so, Nevertheless), and conclusion (In conclusion, Overall, On balance). Examiner tip: using too many formal connectors makes writing sound mechanical. Aim for variety — use subordination (because, although) rather than always using sentence connectors.
Are linking words different from conjunctions?
Yes, there is a grammatical distinction. Conjunctions join clauses: coordinating (and, but, or, so) and subordinating (because, although, when). Sentence connectors (adverbial conjuncts) link sentences: However, Therefore, Furthermore, Nevertheless. They are punctuated differently: conjunctions use commas; sentence connectors use a full stop or semicolon before and a comma after. However, in everyday usage, the term 'linking words' is used for all of these.