formal connectors for essays

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Connectors in English: How to Use Them to Make Your English Flow Beautifully

Are your essays in English marked poorly despite your grammatically correct sentences?

Have you ever been told that your paragraphs don’t connect to each other even though they talk about the same topic?

This is where English connectors come in—a.k.a., the words I’ve marked in bold above!

Today, I’m going to talk about what connectors in English are, the most common ones you’ll come across and how to practice them.

Once you’re done with this article, I hope you’ll agree that these words and phrases are simply magical!

What Are English Connectors?

English connectors for cause and effect, english connectors for illustration, english connectors for emphasis, english connectors for comparison, english connectors for contrast, english connectors for sequence, english connectors for conclusion, tips for practicing english connectors, and one more thing....

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English connectors are little words and phrases that help you connect sentences, paragraphs and ideas. Used both in spoken and written English, they help make your English sound more logical and structured.

You can think of connectors as like the thread that holds a necklace’s beads (i.e. sentences, paragraphs and ideas) together.

In fact, you probably already use them without even realizing it!

Note that English connectors are different from English conjunctions . While conjunctions link two or more words or clauses within a sentence, connectors establish that two separate sentences or ideas are related to each other. 

To help you understand further, I’m going to walk you through some of the most common connectors in English and how they’re used. Some are used formally, while others are more casual. Some are even  interchangeable —that is, you can use them in place of similar words.

In everyday conversations , we often need to explain things.

Perhaps you were late for school because your car ran out of gas. Or you want to buy chocolates because you want to surprise your mother on her birthday.

Explaining things will be much easier if you throw in these important English connectors.

Let’s take a look at them!

Giving illustrations or examples helps us prove our point and convince other people to believe us. These words help people understand what you’re trying to say and can help them see why you believe what you believe.

While discussing an issue or idea, you may want to focus on a particular point or example. To make the listener understand the importance of that specific idea, you can use the following connectors.

Sometimes, we need to draw attention to certain similarities to make a point or explain something. This is especially important in writing!

To make better comparisons, use the following English connectors.

Sometimes, we need to express different or contradicting ideas side-by-side. Doing this helps the listener or reader focus on important differences and makes them aware of the many sides of a topic.

These connectors are useful when you’re giving step-by-step instructions or listing points.

Finally , how do you let your reader know that you’ve reached the end? (See what I did there?)

There are certain connectors that we usually use during conclusions or when we’ve reached the end of what we wanted to say. When writing or stating conclusions, you usually repeat the most important points.

Here are some quick tips that’ll help you learn English connectors more efficiently.

Make Your Own Sentences

To explain the meanings and uses of different connectors, I’ve provided example sentences for each. However, you’ll remember them much better if you come up with your own examples.

You can start by using connectors in your diary entries, notebooks, essays and the like. Soon, you’ll find yourself using these connectors in everyday speech as well!

Write a Short Story or Essay

To see the huge difference English connectors can make, try writing a paragraph without any connectors and then rewrite it using some of the connectors above. You’ll quickly realize that your sentences will flow better, sound more logical and become easier to understand.

Learn English with Authentic Content

You probably want to speak English like a native (or at least try to). So why not learn from natives? Try watching a speech in English to get a good idea of how these fit together. Look for the ones with transcripts that you can write notes in, maybe even circling all of the connecting terms as you see them. 

You could also try a virtual immersion program. FluentU , for example, has a wide variety of videos on all kinds of topics.

Do Online Exercises

Finally, to check whether you’ve understood how to use connectors correctly, you can try online exercises from websites that cover English grammar .

For example, the ones on English Daily  and English Grammar are pretty short and can be completed in a few minutes.

There’s also ToLearnEnglish , which provides a brief list of common connectors before you solve the exercise, making it a great resource for review.

Now that you know the most commonly-used English connectors, you can use them in sentences and paragraphs with great confidence. Try your hand at some of the exercises I’ve suggested for practice.

So what are you waiting for?

Get out there and start incorporating these useful English connectors into your everyday life!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

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For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

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• Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.

For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.

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Table of contents

When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.

Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.

Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.

Example text with and without transition words

The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.

If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Don’t overuse transition words

While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.

In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.

The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.

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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.

Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Confused use of therefore

“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.

• Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

• A second round of testing was also carried out.
• Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.

The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
• Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

• Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
• Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.

First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.

• Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
• Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing

With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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Formal Linking Words / Cohesive Devices

Linking words can also be referred to as connectors, conjunctions, and cohesive devices. This webpage includes a useful lesson on helping improve students’ knowledge of these linking words. It includes a lesson plan using a kinaesthetic matching activity and worksheet.

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Lesson: matching activity.

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Linking Words Reference Sheet

Print off and give this to students as a helpful reference guide. 

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Linking Words: List of Sentence Connectors in English with Examples!

Struggling to connect ideas? ‘Connectors in English’ have your back. Connect, express, and impress – all with Connectors in English!

Connectors Definition

Linker Words or Word Connectors are used to link large groups of words: phrases and sentences . You can also use them to connect paragraphs to give them coherence. Sentence connectors are usually placed at the beginning of a sentence and may be categorized as follows:

• This restaurant has the best kitchen in town. However, their staff are quite rude.

2. IN CONTRAST

• House prices have gone up this year. In contrast, car prices seem to be stagnating.

3. NEVERTHELESS

• I was in so much pain I didn’t want to get up in the morning. Nevertheless, I went to football practice as usual.

4. NONETHELESS

• I don’t think Sean has serious behavioural problems. Nonetheless, I’ll talk to him first thing in the morning.
• I’ve asked you a thousand times not to leave your dirty socks on the floor. Yet, you keep doing it.

6. ON THE OTHER HAND

• England has the best language schools. On the other hand, it has the worst weather.

7. BY COMPARISON

• Going out with Jim has its risks. By comparison, being with Tim is as easy as falling off a log.

8. ON THE CONTRARY

• I don’t hate Jim. On the contrary, I’m rather fond of him.
• I didn’t want to take a side in the argument. Instead, I put my headphones on and listened to some smooth jazz.

10. IN ANY CASE

• I was thinking of going round Jim’s place. In any case, I haven’t been invited.

11. ALL THE SAME

• Yes, he’s very good-looking. All the same, I don’t think you should go out with him.

Read more: Other ways to say ON THE OTHER HAND!

👉 SIMILARITY

1. LIKEWISE

• You can’t give your phone number to every man who asks for it. Likewise, you can’t go out with everyone who fancies you.

2. SIMILARLY

• You’re not allowed to use your phone here. Similarly, you have to switch it off when you’re in the library.

3. CORRESPONDINGLY

• She’s an excellent photographer. Correspondingly, her paintings are works of art.

4. IN THE SAME WAY

• Cutting down on sugar will help you lose weight. In the same way, doing more exercise will help you get rid of a few kilos.
• I want to talk to Prince Harry when I’m in England. Also, I want to meet his sister-in-law.

Read more: Difference between COMPARED TO and COMPARED WITH

1. AS A RESULT

• I’ve done a pranic healing course. As a result, I’ve been able to cure my neighbour’s sick cat.

2. AS A CONSEQUENCE

• Zack has skipped school on many occasions. As a consequence, he’s failed his French test.

3. THEREFORE

• We’re going to experience some meteor showers in the next few days. Therefore, the number of miraculous self-healings will rise.
• You didn’t tell me you wanted to come. Thus, we won’t be taking you with us.

5. ACCORDINGLY

• Plenty of tourists visit the area in summer. Accordingly, selling hand-made objects is the main source of income for locals.

Read more: 6 Ways to Improve Your English Writing Skills

👉 SEQUENCING

1. FIRST, FIRSTLY, FIRST OF ALL, IN THE FIRST PLACE

• First of all, I’d like to talk about the benefits of having a pet pig.

2. TO BEGIN WITH

• To begin with, pet pigs are cleaner than dogs.

3. FOR ONE THING

• For one thing, they’re completely loyal to their owners.

4. SECOND, SECONDLY, IN THE SECOND PLACE

• Secondly, their impressive numeracy skills must be mentioned.

5. FOR ANOTHER THING

• For another thing, you might want to consider how cute they look in pyjamas.

6. THIRD, THIRDLY, IN THE THIRD PLACE

• In the third place, you can always count on your pet pig to perform some tricks for you when you’d like to impress a pretty girl.
• Also, they don’t eat much.
• Besides not eating much, they won’t ever chew on your electric cords.

9. IN ADDITION

• In addition, they can be taught to feed themselves if you allow them access to your pantry.

10. FURTHERMORE

• Furthermore, they make wonderful walking buddies.

11. MOREOVER

• Moreover, they’ll show you the way home when you’re drunk.

12. FINALLY

• Finally, pet pigs are fantastic guards. No burglar would ever have the heart to hurt a pet pig.

13. LAST, LASTLY, LAST OF ALL

• Lastly, your reputation as an eccentric will rapidly grow in the neighbourhood if you’re seen walking a pet pig on a leash every morning.

Read more: 18 Powerful Websites to Improve Your Writing Skills in English

👉 ORDER OF IMPORTANCE

1. MOST IMPORTANTLY

• I’d like to talk to you about how to keep calm at your workplace. Most importantly, never go to the canteen while your boss is there.

2. PRIMARILY

• You’ll have to focus on your immediate surroundings. Primarily, on your computer screen.

3. ABOVE ALL

• Above all, don’t ever look up from your notes when people are around.

4. MOST SIGNIFICANTLY

• Most significantly, avoid eye-contact at all costs.

5. ESSENTIALLY, BASICALLY (usually spoken)

• How can I put this? Essentially, having an affair with one of your colleagues should be the last thing on your mind.

Read more: 7 Special Apps To Quickly Improve Your Typing Speed

👉 PARTICULARIZATION

1. IN PARTICULAR, PARTICULARLY

• Nearly a third of marriages end in divorce. In particular, it’s middle-aged couples that yearn for much more from life.

2. MORE SPECIFICALLY

• Couples tend to argue about financial issues. More specifically, they argue when one of them is out of work.

Read more: How Many Types of Expressions there are in English?

👉 EXAMPLIFICATION

1. FOR EXAMPLE

• To solve this problem, you might want to try making small gestures. For example, making your spouse’s favourite meal for dinner or giving him a massage after a tiring day.

2. FOR INSTANCE

• Appreciate the small things your spouse does for you. For instance, leave thank-you notes for them every now and then.

3. TO ILLUSTRATE

• Misunderstandings can be highly destructive. To illustrate, if your spouse sees you with a friend of the opposite sex in a café, he might not understand why he hasn’t been invited and demand an explanation.

Read more: Other ways to say for example?

👉 EXPLANATION

1. THAT IS TO SAY, THAT IS

• Keep romance alive. That is to say, don’t let your lovelife fall into routine.
• I have a very good reason for not trusting my ex. Namely, he’s a convicted felon.

3. IN OTHER WORDS

• Don’t be unsociable. In other words, go out and make some friends.

4. PUT DIFFERENTLY

• John has managed to get over Jane. Put differently, he’s started seeing other women.

Read more: 10 Common English Expressions with Explanation (Video)

👉 EMPHASISING

1. AS A MATTER OF FACT

• I love sleeping with my pet pig. As a matter of fact, I can’t fall asleep unless he’s in my bed.
• I told them not to invite Rachel to the party. In fact, I was the only person who saw what a party pooper she really was.

3. ACTUALLY

• I think it would be a good idea to send her some flowers. Actually, you should get her a hundred orchids.
• He may be the best-dressed man around. Indeed, he has a really good taste in fashion.

Read more: Essential Academic Writing Examples and Phrases!

👉 FOCUSING AND LINKING

1. AS FOR (often suggests disinterest or dislike)

• I’m going to Janet’s party at the weekend. As for Mary’s, I think I’ll pass.

2. WITH RESPECT TO

• Starting your own IT company may be the one of the best things you can do right now. With respect to opening a pet shop, it’s hard to say the same thing.

3. REGARDING

• Start your day with making the most important phone calls. Regarding emails, you might put them off until later.

4. WITH REGARD TO

• With regard to handling complaints, you might want to keep in mind that your customers are always right.

5. AS REGARDS

• Working from home has many advantages. As regards disadvantages, it might be difficult to keep your cat off your keyboard.

6. TALKING OF

• Talking of cats, you can’t trust them to keep you company when you need it. They’re quite selfish creatures.

7. AS FAR AS … CONCERNED

• As far as dogs are concerned, they might give you a chance to get up from your desk and get some exercise during the day.

Read more: English Grammar: Sentence Structure in English

👉 CONCLUSION

1. IN CONCLUSION

• In conclusion, it may be said that pigs make the best pets.

2. IN BRIEF

• Meeting my boss at the pub was an interesting experience. In brief, it was a disaster.

3. IN SUMMARY

• In summary, it may not be the best idea to frequent the same pubs as your boss.

4. TO SUM UP

• To sum up, some people are better suited to working from home than others.

5. ALL IN ALL

• All in all, you have to make sure both you and your customers are satisfied with your work.

Read more: What are the other ways to say in conclusion ?

👉 CORRECTION

• I thought it was a good idea to get a ferret. Rather, it had always been my dream to get one.

2. TO BE MORE PRECISE

• You might want to change a few things. To be more precise, I think you should start again from scratch.

Read more: Best English Grammar and Spelling Checkers Online

1. AT FIRST

• It wasn’t a piece of cake to learn English. At first, I couldn’t pronounce all the words correctly.
• Then, I couldn’t spell all the words correctly.

3. AFTERWARDS

• Afterwards, I had a hard time understanding the tenses.
• Later, I couldn’t memorize phrasal verbs and idioms.

5. IN THE MEANTIME

• In the meantime, I was getting some help from MyEnglishTeacher .

6. MEANWHILE

• Meanwhile, I was enjoying my skype lessons more and more.

Read more: A Visual List of 100 English IDIOMS FOR TIME with Examples

👉 DISMISSAL

(of what was said before)

• I couldn’t get my head around the Passive Voice. Anyway, I don’t think it’s important to use it all the time.
• Anyhow, I’ve just decided to learn Russian next.

3. AT ANY RATE

• At any rate, I don’t want to become a simultaneous interpreter in five languages.

Linking Words Quiz › TEST YOURSELF

• Furthermore
• At any rate
• As far as / thinking
• However / asked
• As far as / concerned
• As for / treated
• In other words
• Along those lines
• Despite this
• Nevertheless
• On top of that
• Subsequently
• As a result
• Likewise / equally
• Another / like
• Just as / so too
• Firstly / Secondly
• Before / After
• Now / Later
• Soon / After
• Accordingly
• All the same
• To begin with
• On the other hand
• On the other side
• In contrast
• For one thing
• In the back
• In particular

👉  Connectors Synonyms

Connectors are not only used in grammar . Connectors are things that are used to connect or tether two, or more, things together. There are many different synonyms for connectors:

• Bond, coupling, joint, link, adapter, clamp, fastener, junction, tie, terminal, plug, fitting, splicing, fastener, sleeve, etc.

👉  Sentence Definition

A sentence is a set of words that forms a coherent and complete thought and message. This means that a sentence says something concrete. It has to be structured and logical in order for the sentence to be correct.

Sentences are made up of various parts , such as: nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, articles, etc. Within a sentence, there are parts that relate the thought and message , such as: subject, predicate, object, phrase, punctuation, etc. Each of these parts is important for a sentence to be complete.

Through sentences we tell other people what we think, feel, or what we want to do . In order to relate those thoughts we string together words into groups. These finally relate our message to other people and the world.

There are four different types of sentences , and each has its own specific goal and structure. These types are: declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory.

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One of the best posts I’ve ever read here. Congrats!!

It’s awesome so useful and practical thanks a million. I’m gonna share it with my friends.

I liked it so much. Thank you Mr/Mrs tutor.

Indeed, it refreshing our vocabulary

Thank you very much!! This must be by far one of the greatest post I’ve seen to improve my writing skills and expand the vocabulary of connectors. Therefore 😉 , I will add to my list of resources and share with my friends

So glad! 😃❤️

Thanks a ton, teacher!

Sure, anytime!

Thankyou soo muchhh for this usefull info..

Thank you so much for this useful

Excellent exercise

My great thanks

It is highly appreciated

Thanks a lot

you are welcome!

Helpful post! You have nicely divided all the connectors in group like result, time, explanation, conclusion …. and present them with accurate examples. Everything is easy to grab. Thanks for sharing this rare post.

Thank you so much Mohan! I’m glad you loved it!

Thanks for this usefull lessons. They are highly educattive.

Thank you so much!

So far this is the best post I’ve ever seen. I find it hard to use those connectors in statements. I can speak basic English and sometimes not concise with my statements because I’m not good in using connectors in English. Thank you for this great post. It will help a lot of speakers to become articulate with the language.

Thank you so much Oscar for your feedback!

Thanks millions for posting the tables of connecting sentences. Have a great life

I love this array of connectors. Great selections to fit our lesson. Thank you to all who are part of this website and contributors. God bless you all!

Thank you so much Mica.

Linker words, also known as sentence connectors, play a crucial role in connecting phrases, sentences, and paragraphs for enhanced coherence in writing. In terms of contrast, words like “however,” “in contrast,” and “nevertheless” emphasize opposing ideas. For expressing similarity, “likewise,” “similarly,” and “correspondingly” are effective. Result-oriented connectors include “as a result,” “therefore,” and “accordingly,” signaling outcomes or consequences. These words help create a logical flow within text, ensuring a smooth transition between ideas. Whether highlighting differences, similarities, or results, these connectors contribute to cohesive and well-structured writing, facilitating the comprehension of complex information.

Its very useful , thank you.

Thank you so much Himali!

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• Linking Words & Connector Words: Ultimate List With Examples
• Learn English
• James Prior
• No Comments
• Updated February 23, 2024

Linking words and connector words are essential tools for effective communication and writing. They play a crucial role in connecting ideas, enhancing coherence, and guiding the flow of information. Whether you’re writing an essay, giving a presentation, or engaging in a conversation, using appropriate linking words can greatly improve the clarity and effectiveness of your message.

In this ultimate list of linking words, we have compiled a comprehensive collection of linking words along with examples to help you understand their usage and apply them in various contexts. From words that highlight contrast and similarity to those that indicate cause and effect or order of importance, this list covers a wide range of linking words to suit different purposes.

Ready to link your words? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What are linking words?

Linking words, also known as connector words or transition words, are words or phrases that connect ideas or parts of a text, providing coherence and smoothness to the overall flow of information. They serve as bridges between sentences, paragraphs, or even larger sections of a document, helping to establish relationships, indicate contrasts, add information, show cause and effect, provide examples, and more.

Here are some common categories of linking words with examples:

Linking words for addition

Addition: Words that show the addition of information or ideas.

These linking words and phrases can help you add information, reinforce ideas, or provide further examples in your writing or conversation. Use them appropriately to expand on your points and enhance the overall coherence and richness of your communication.

• She is fluent in English, and additionally, she speaks French and Spanish.
• The report highlights the benefits of renewable energy; furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of conservation.
• The new system not only improves efficiency but moreover, it reduces costs.
• In addition to his regular job, he volunteers at a local charity.
• She not only excels in academics but also actively participates in extracurricular activities.
• The team consists of experienced professionals as well as enthusiastic newcomers.
• The company values teamwork; likewise, it fosters individual growth and development.
• Besides working full-time, he manages to pursue his hobbies and spend time with famil
• The website offers free shipping; what’s more, customers can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• On top of their regular duties, employees are encouraged to take part in professional development opportunities.
• Developing strong interpersonal skills is equally important as acquiring technical knowledge.
• The event attracted a large audience, not to mention the media coverage it received.
• Along with the new software update, customers will also receive enhanced customer support.
• The company achieved its sales targets for the year; what is more, it surpassed them by 20%.
• The team completed the project ahead of schedule; besides that, they received positive feedback from the client.
• The company’s commitment to quality, coupled with its competitive pricing, sets it apart from its competitors.

Linking words for contrast

Contrast: Words that highlight differences or contrasting ideas.

These linking words and phrases can help you express contrasting ideas and show the differences between two or more concepts or situations. Remember to use them appropriately based on the context and your intended meaning.

• She studied hard; however, she didn’t pass the exam.
• John loves traveling; on the other hand, his sister prefers staying at home.
• The weather was terrible; nevertheless, they decided to go for a walk.
• He had a sprained ankle; nonetheless, he played in the soccer match.
• Despite the rain, they went to the beach.
• In spite of the traffic, they arrived on time.
• Although it was late, they continued with their work.
• Even though she was tired, she went to the gym.
• I enjoy reading, while my brother prefers watching movies.
• Sarah loves cooking, whereas her husband prefers eating out.
• Unlike his friends, Mark is not a fan of horror movies.
• She hates winter; conversely, I love it.
• She expected him to be upset; on the contrary, he was happy.
• They planned to go to the cinema, but instead, they stayed home and watched a movie.
• The cat is small and playful, in contrast to the dog, which is big and lazy.
• He enjoys sports; conversely, his sister prefers art.
• On one hand, the book is interesting; on the other hand, it’s quite lengthy.
• They could go by car, or alternatively, they could take the train.
• The movie received mixed reviews; nevertheless, it became a box office hit.
• She didn’t pass the test, but in any case, she learned a lot from studying.

Linking words for similarity

Similarity: Words that highlight similarities or shared ideas.

These linking words and phrases can help you express similarities between two or more ideas, situations, or individuals. Use them appropriately based on the context to highlight shared characteristics or experiences.

• Sarah enjoys reading; likewise, her brother is an avid reader.
• John and Emily both love hiking; similarly, they enjoy spending time in nature.
• Just as Sarah likes swimming, in the same way, her best friend enjoys diving.
• Jack has a passion for photography, similarly to his sister who is also an enthusiast.
• Just like her mother, Jane has a talent for playing the piano.
• The two artists approach their work in a similar vein, both using vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes.
• Mark loves cooking, and by the same token, he also enjoys experimenting with new recipes.
• As the workload increased, the stress levels of the employees correspondingly rose.
• Both Sarah and Emily are equally skilled in playing the guitar.
• The designer creates unique clothing pieces, and in a similar fashion, the jewelry maker crafts one-of-a-kind accessories.
• Just as the sun rises in the morning, the moon appears in the evening.
• The teacher explains complex concepts in a simple and understandable way, in the same manner as her colleague.
• He enjoys hiking and camping, and his friends, likewise, too, share his enthusiasm for outdoor activities.
• Just as a bird builds its nest with care and precision, in the same way, an architect plans and constructs a building.
• The two books explore themes of love and loss, along similar lines, inviting readers to contemplate the human experience.
• As with all great artists, Picasso’s work continues to inspire and influence generations.
• Exercise is essential for physical health, and just as importantly, it is crucial for mental well-being.
• Much like a puzzle, life consists of various pieces that fit together to form a bigger picture.

Linking words for cause and effect

Cause and Effect: Words that demonstrate cause and effect relationships.

These linking words and phrases can help you express the cause-and-effect relationship between events or actions. Use them appropriately based on the context to convey the reason and result of a particular situation or occurrence.

• He failed the exam because he didn’t study.
• They arrived early since they left home on time.
• As a result of heavy rainfall, the streets were flooded.
• The event was canceled due to bad weather conditions.
• The store was closed, therefore, they had to find another place to shop.
• He missed the train, consequently, he arrived late to the meeting.
• Owing to a power outage, the concert was postponed.
• She didn’t have enough sleep, thus, she felt tired throughout the day.
• He couldn’t attend the party, for this reason, he sent his apologies.
• The storm caused damage to the houses, resulting in the need for repairs.
• The baby was hungry, so she started crying.
• Lack of exercise and poor diet often leads to weight gain.
• They missed the train because of heavy traffic.
• The roads were icy, this is why there were many accidents.
• They spent all their money, as a consequence, they couldn’t afford the trip.
• He quit smoking, and since then, he feels healthier.
• The company introduced a new product, and in turn, its sales increased.
• She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.

Linking words for time and sequence

Time and sequence: Words that indicate time or sequence of events or actions.

These linking words and phrases can help you express the chronological order and sequence of events or actions. Use them appropriately to guide your audience through the progression of ideas or to outline the steps in a process or narrative.

• Firstly, let’s discuss the main causes of climate change.
• Secondly, we need to consider the potential solutions to the problem.
• Next, we will move on to the implementation phase of the project.
• We need to complete the research phase first. Then, we can start analyzing the data.
• After that, we can proceed with the construction of the building.
• The company experienced financial difficulties. Subsequently, they had to lay off several employees.
• The team was working on the project. Meanwhile, the marketing department was preparing the promotional materials.
• The two processes are happening simultaneously, ensuring efficient production.
• The report will be ready in a week. In the meantime, please proceed with the other tasks.
• During the meeting, we will discuss the budget and timeline.
• While he was studying, his friends were playing video games.
• Please wait here until your name is called.
• We need to complete the paperwork before the deadline.
• She attended the conference, and afterward, she shared her insights with the team.
• Finally, we reached an agreement after a long negotiation process.
• In the end, they decided to cancel the project due to budget constraints.
• The presentation was engaging, and at the same time, informative.
• Initially, he struggled with the new software, but with practice, he became proficient.
• At first, the project seemed overwhelming, but with proper planning, it became manageable.

Linking words for order of importance

Order of Importance: Words that highlight the hierarchy or ranking of ideas based on their significance.

These linking words and phrases can help you establish the order of importance when presenting ideas or arguments. Use them to emphasize the significance of certain points, highlight key considerations, or guide the reader’s attention to the most critical aspects.

• Most importantly, we need to prioritize the safety of our employees.
• Above all, we must prioritize the needs of our customers.
• The company’s success primarily depends on effective leadership and strategic planning.
• First and foremost, we need to address the urgent issue of inflation.
• The new policy chiefly focuses on reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
• Notably, the project resulted in significant cost savings for the organization.
• Above anything else, maintaining a high standard of quality is our top priority.
• It is essential to note that effective communication is the foundation of strong relationships.
• It is worth mentioning that the company’s ethical practices have earned it a positive reputation.

Linking words for exemplification

Example: Words that provide examples or illustrate a point.

These linking words and phrases can help you introduce examples and provide further clarification or evidence to support your statements. Use them to enhance your explanations and illustrate your points effectively.

Here’s a list of linking words and phrases that are commonly used to illustrate an example, along with examples:

• There are many fruits you can choose from, for example, apples, oranges, and bananas.
• Many countries have implemented environmental policies; for instance, Sweden has significantly reduced its carbon emissions.
• I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming.
• The party was attended by several guests, including friends, family, and colleagues.
• He has many hobbies, like painting, playing the guitar, and photography.
• The company provides various employee benefits, as an illustration, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Let me give you an example to illustrate my point.
• There are several endangered species in the area, namely the African elephant, the Bengal tiger, and the giant panda.
• The city offers various attractions, in particular, museums, parks, and historical landmarks.
• The project requires specific skills, specifically programming and data analysis.
• By way of example, let’s consider the case of a successful startup that disrupted the market.
• To give an example, let’s say you want to improve your fitness; you can try activities like jogging, swimming, or joining a gym.
• The experiment was conducted to demonstrate the effects of temperature on plant growth.
• As a case in point, many countries have implemented renewable energy initiatives to combat pollution.
• I will use a specific scenario to exemplify how the new policy can be implemented effectively.
• The job requires strong communication skills , in essence, the ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively.
• The city has invested in renewable energy projects to reduce its carbon footprint. One example of this is the installation of solar panels on public buildings.
• To be specific, the company offers three main product lines: electronics, appliances, and furniture.
• The data collected serves as proof that the new marketing strategy is effective.
• In a similar manner, many companies have embraced remote work as a response to the pandemic.

Linking words for focusing

These linking words and phrases can help you direct attention or emphasize a specific aspect of your discussion or argument. Use them appropriately to highlight the main points or focus areas, ensuring clarity and precision in your communication.

Here’s a list of linking words and phrases that are commonly used to express focusing or directing attention, along with examples:

• Specifically, we need to address the issue of employee turnover in our department.
• The marketing team has made significant progress, particularly in digital advertising.
• In particular, we need to improve our customer service to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Notably, the company achieved a record-breaking sales figure in the last quarter.
• This task requires attention to detail, especially when dealing with sensitive data.
• Specifically speaking, the new software update addresses the security vulnerabilities.
• Above all, we must prioritize the safety of our employees.
• The company’s success mainly relies on customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
• The primary goal of our project is to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
• Essentially, our focus should be on optimizing operational efficiency.
• Individually, each team member plays a crucial role in achieving our objectives.
• Precisely, we need to adhere to the project timeline to meet the deadline.
• Specifically, with regards to customer feedback, we have received positive reviews.
• The new product line has a sleek design, not to mention its advanced features.
• It is worth noting that the market trends are shifting towards online shopping.
• Above everything else, we need to prioritize the quality of our products.
• In essence, our primary objective is to provide exceptional customer service.
• To be more precise, we should focus on improving our supply chain management.
• In specific terms, the sales team needs to focus on building client relationships.
• More importantly, we need to address the concerns raised by our customers.

Linking words for conclusion

Conclusion: Words that summarize or conclude a text.

These linking words and phrases can help you signal the conclusion of your argument, presentation, or essay. Use them to summarize key points, restate your main argument, or provide a final thought or recommendation.

• In conclusion, it is evident that deforestation poses a significant threat to our planet.
• To sum up, the project was a great success, exceeding all expectations.
• Ultimately, the decision lies in your hands.
• All in all, it was a memorable vacation filled with adventure and relaxation.
• Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication.
• In summary, the findings of the study suggest a strong correlation between exercise and mental well-being.
• To conclude, the evidence supports the hypothesis that regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.
• The data collected consistently points to the same conclusion; therefore, we can confidently assert our findings.
• In essence, the research demonstrates that social media has a profound impact on interpersonal relationships.
• The campaign received widespread support, and as a result, donations increased significantly.
• In a nutshell, the project aims to promote sustainability through renewable energy initiatives.
• The experiments consistently yielded similar results; thus, we can draw a definitive conclusion.
• The evidence strongly suggests a link between smoking and lung cancer; hence, it is crucial to raise awareness about the risks.
• In light of these findings, it is necessary to reconsider the current educational policies.
• The company faced financial challenges, and consequently, had to downsize its workforce.
• In conclusion, it can be stated that effective communication is the key to successful teamwork.
• Taking all factors into account, it is clear that globalization has both positive and negative consequences.
• The lack of investment resulted in decreased productivity, as a consequence, the company experienced a decline in profits.
• The study findings reveal a correlation between stress levels and sleep quality; thus, it can be inferred that managing stress positively affects sleep.
• Given these points, it is evident that the project should be prioritized for its long-term benefits.

If you’d like more examples, check out this list of other ways to say in conclusion .

Conclusion: Ready to link your words?

These are just some examples of linking words, and there are numerous other linking words and phrases available for different purposes and contexts. Using them appropriately can greatly enhance the clarity and coherence of your writing or speech. So, if you want to become more fluent in English, it’s time to start thinking about linking words!

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All About Linking Words

Linking words, also known as transition words, are words and phrases like however or on the other hand that connect clauses, sentences, paragraphs, or other words. The purpose of linking words (which are different from linking verbs ) is to make communication smoother and more logical when moving from one idea to another.

Linking words are an essential part of writing to “link” all your ideas in a way that flows without interruption. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know, including some linking word examples. But first, let’s take a closer look at the question “What are linking words?”

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What are linking words?

Linking words and phrases like however , additionally , or for example are used to connect different ideas in a way that makes writing smoother and more fluid. To understand why linking words are important, it’s best to see what writing looks like without them.

She was running late. She stopped for coffee.

These two sentences are correct in their grammar , but they are a little difficult to read. Logically, they seem contradictory—if she was late, why did she stop for coffee? The change from one idea to another is too abrupt.

Let’s see how those sentences read with a linking word.

She was running late. However, she stopped for coffee.

The ideas are the same as in the first example, but the linking word however helps transition between them. It signals to the reader that the topic is changing so it doesn’t surprise them.

In this way, writing can transition from one idea to a drastically different one without confusing the reader. This greatly improves the flow of writing, making it easier to read.

How to use linking words

Linking words generally come before a new idea as a way to introduce it. This includes new clauses, new sentences, and new paragraphs, as well as standalone words and phrases.

When a linking word or phrase begins a sentence, clarity is usually helped if you place a comma after it.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches contain a lot of healthy nutrients. Moreover, they’re delicious!

This works in most situations as long as the linking word does not take an object. But certain linking words or phrases, like despite , besides , and in spite of, use an object, in which case you should put the comma after the object.

The principal wanted to cancel the pizza party. Besides the principal, everyone else wanted it to happen.

On the other hand, using a linking word to connect clauses in the same sentence has its own rules. There are two different methods: using a semicolon or placing the linking word after a conjunction.

If the clauses are connected by a semicolon, place the linking word after the semicolon. Then, place a comma after the linking word, before the rest of the clause.

First, plant one foot next to the ball ; next, strike the ball with the bone above your big toe ; last, follow through with your leg to send the ball forward.

If the clauses are connected by a coordinating conjunction ( for, and, nor, but, or, yet , and so ), no additional punctuation is necessary. However, you can add commas if you feel the linking word should be set apart from the rest of the sentence.

We were tired after the match, but without a doubt we still wanted to celebrate.

We were tired after the match, but , without a doubt, we still wanted to celebrate.

Both of the examples above are acceptable; whether or not to add commas depends on the author’s style.

Likewise, if the linking word is used to connect phrases or words instead of entire clauses, commas are optional.

Engineering requires an understanding of technology, communication, and above all mathematics.

Engineering requires an understanding of technology, communication, and, above all, mathematics.

7 times to use linking words, with linking word examples

1 adding more information.

Studies show deforestation has negatively affected air quality. Additionally, thousands of animals have been displaced.

Babysitting is an easy way to make money, and furthermore it’s fun!

2 Contradicting a previous idea

Smash Bros. is a game of strategy, intelligence, and agility, although you can still win by mashing buttons randomly.

The rain ruined our plans for a pool party. Nevertheless, we still had fun together indoors.

3 Emphasizing a particular idea

Chancellor Otto von Bismarck loved dogs; in fact, he often took his pets on diplomatic missions.

We decided to cut our losses and call it a night. Undoubtedly, it was the right choice.

4 Organizing points sequentially

First, we tilled the soil. Second, we planted the seeds. Third, we watered the garden.

We never noticed the mole above his lip before. Previously, his mustache had covered it.

5 Showing cause and effect

The rabbit was so sure they’d win, they decided to take a nap. Consequently, the turtle had time to overtake the rabbit and ultimately win the race.

Both competitors have been individually disqualified; therefore, no winner will be announced.

6 Introducing examples or specific details

English is a weird language. For example, why are there so many letters in the word through ?

All my favorite foods are desserts, namely cakes.

7 Summarizing

The achievements of the ancient Greeks lasted much longer than the Macedonian Empire. In short, Europe would not be what it is today without them.

The results of our study show clearly the threat is imminent. In conclusion, we must act immediately.

Linking word FAQs

What is a linking word.

Linking words and phrases like however or on the other hand connect clauses, sentences, and paragraphs. The purpose of linking words is to make communication smoother when moving from one idea to another.

How do linking words work?

Most linking words introduce a new idea by relating it to the previous idea. Specific linking words signal that the topic is shifting so the reader is not surprised or confused.

When should you use linking words?

You can use linking words for a variety of reasons: adding new information, contradicting a previous idea, emphasizing, organizing points sequentially, showing cause and effect, introducing examples, or summarizing.

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70+ Connective Words To Power Up Your Essays [COMPREHENSIVE LIST]

by Kerri-Anne Edinburgh | Aug 5, 2021

When you’re writing an essay or assignment, you need to use every trick in the book to maximise your marks. And one of the best tools for radically improving your writing is the power of connective words .

Used correctly, connective words can give your writing new depth and meaning, improve readability (important for your examiner!) and demonstrate the logic of your arguments.

Luckily for you, we’ve got plenty of categories, definitions and connectives examples to help you get started…

Psst – this article uses loads of connectives. See if you can spot them in use: we’ve italicised the best examples!

What are connective words?

Simply put, connectives are words – or phrases – that link parts of your writing together.

You’re probably familiar with the most common connective words: and, as, because, but, if, or, so . In fact, I’ve used a few of them already – did you spot them?

Don’t limit your essay writing to the basics though, because there are hundreds of connectives that can help you to demonstrate different ideas, such as cause and effect , or the chronology of events .

We’re going to explore ten types of connectives below, but first , here’s a quick refresher on the grammar behind connective words:  

Definitions: The grammatical bit

Understanding the grammar behind your writing might not be your thing – but bear with me, because remembering these six definitions will help you know which connective to use when, and where to place them!

(If you’re just looking for examples of connectives, feel free to skip straight past this bit!)

Connectives fall into three grammatical categories: conjunctions, prepositions, and adverbs.

• For example: and, but, for, or, yet .
• Today , I finished my history assignment but forgot to workout .
• Such as: at, in, of, on, under .
• I need to finish the conclusion of my essay before I go to dinner.
• For instance: upwards, quickly, fortunately .
• My deadline is tomorrow. Fortunately , I proofread my thesis chapter already .

Using adverb and preposition connective words adds specific meaning – and thus clarity – to your writing. They are particularly useful for successful essay signposting .

Definitions part 2: Connectives in sentences

When using connectives, it’s also important to remember that not all sentences are created equal in importance . And so , when connecting them into longer sentences, different types of connectives create different results:

• For example: I find French tricky but I love learning Spanish.

On the other hand,

• A subordinate clause relies on the main clause to make sense. Therefore, these connectives give information about the relationship between the clauses by specifying an order or place to events, or a cause and effect link.
• Here’s an example: I need to do my homework if I want to get a good grade .

A useful type of subordinating connective for essay writing is the:

• For instance: Firstly , I carried out the experiment, and secondly , I analysed the results.

And that’s your grammar refresh done!

If you’re struggling with essay-writing grammar, a great tool for checking your writing is Grammarly * – we use it at Exam Study Expert because it catches a broad range of mistakes. Their blog is also a great place to learn how to use conjunctions , prepositions , adverbs and more.

How to use connective words

So how do you go about using connectives?

In this section, we’re going to discuss the where, what and how …

Where to add connectives:

As we’ve seen , connective words are often found in the middle of a sentence, joining two clauses. But don’t forget you can also use them at the beginning of a sentence to link two consecutive sentences – OR two ideas within your paragraphs (did you see what I did there?).

Some of your connectives will even be linking entire paragraphs and sections – these are often examples of signposting to guide the reader through your section or argument.

What’s more , many connectives are not just single words but phrases. These connectives are particularly useful for essay writing and academic vocabulary. For example: as well as, for an example of this, for instance, in addition to, on the other hand, such as .

What to use connectives for:

When you’re writing an essay or assignment there are plenty of tasks you need to achieve: presenting evidence, making arguments and more.

Happily, connectives can help you achieve all these tasks by clarifying your meaning. You can use connectives for:

• Reinforcing or emphasising a point
• Exemplifying and showing results
• Comparing and discussing points of view
• Constructing a timeline or sequence of events
• Listing points (and signposting them)
• Explaining your argument
• Drawing together conclusions

It’s a long list! So master using connectives and you’ll drastically improve the readability of your writing across all sections of your essay.

How to add in useful connective words:

You’re probably already using basic connectives in your writing.

But if you want to get serious about the benefits to your grades, make sure you’re systematic about how you add them during your essay construction – and (later) proofreading to check they make sense on a large(r) scale!

From experience, I would suggest that the best method for choosing and adding effective connectives is to:

• Sketch out a rough draft of your paragraph or essay section
• Are they separate arguments for the same thing? Or opposite points of view? Do they follow on logically (cause and effect) or chronologically?
• Mark where you want to add signposting connectives to indicate structure
• Check your examples of connective word types and choose options that convey the meaning you need…

And for that purpose, we’ve compiled four lists of connective words for you – including the TOP 70 connectives for effective essay writing! So read on…

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Types of connective words

So let’s get down to the really useful stuff: examples of connectives you can use in different situations in your essays!

There are three main types of connectives that we’re going to explore in turn:

• Comparative , Causal, and Temporal

Comparative connective words

These helpful words and phrases are perfect both for comparing similarities in data and arguments, and for pointing out their differences and oppositions. Use them to compare, discuss and argue.

When comparing points, you’ll often be adding to your argument, so these connectives are used for “ addition ”. The most common connectives for addition are: and, also, furthermore, moreover .

Here are some examples in practice:

• Leonardo Da Vinci was an artist and inventor, and also an influential Renaissance humanist.
• Exam Study Expert’s psychologist William offers expert one-on-one exam coaching . Furthermore , you can sign up for a free introductory session!
• My empirical data demonstrates that … ; similarly , theoretical models projected …

On the other hand , you might need to demonstrate and contrast your argument with the opposing point of view with a connective for “ opposition ”. The most commonly used are: alternatively, except, however, unless .

These examples all demonstrate opposition:

• Winston Churchill is best known for his wartime leadership of the United Kingdom, yet he was already in his 60’s when he took office.
• Some students find great study motivation from starting the day with their hardest task. In contrast , others find getting the ball rolling with smaller tasks more effective.
• Our first questionnaire was comprised of six questions. However , for our second questionnaire we …

Causal connective words

Causal connectives are effective for discussing cause and effect – relationships that have logical links that you want to point out and prove.

As such , academic writing is often full of causal connectives, and many of them demonstrate a very academic vocabulary (great for bonus points in your assignment!).

Most essays and assignments have a section (or several sections!) where you need to draw together your facts, ideas and arguments and point out the connections. These are the connectives to turn to at those moments!

The most commonly used are: as such, as a result (of), because, consequently, therefore, thus .

Here are some examples:

• The brains of London taxi drivers have a larger than usual area that deals with memory because they are required to memorise and navigate thousands of streets.
• Flashcards are a highly effective learning and memory tool, provided that you use them correctly.
• This study surveyed over 3,000 students. As a result , we were able to …

Temporal connective words

Whether you’re explaining the sequence of events that led to a historical battle, or demonstrating the steps in your experiment, temporal connectives are a highly valuable tool.

They’re all about discussing time and the chronology of events – what happened before, during and after . Therefore , they make for great signposting words too!

These examples explore each of the four sections in our temporal connectives lists:

• The law of gravity was not widely understood until it was mathematically formulated by Sir Isaac Newton in 1687.
• If you’re stressed about your exams, mindful meditation can be a great help. At the same time ,an inspirational quote might give you the boost you need!
• Initially , the experiment was expected to demonstrate … Eventually , we came to the conclusion that …

The TOP 70 connective words for effective essay writing!

To make sure that you’ve got the tools you need to improve your grades, we’ve compiled this epic list of all the best connectives to use in academic writing.

This is just a selection from the hundreds of connective words and phrases available. So there’s no need to make your essay stale by over-using the same one or two!

If there’s nothing else you grab when you’re ticking off Step #4 from the connectives methodology above – make sure you grab this list!

It covers all the stages of essay structuring and writing, from introduction to conclusion . And includes lists of connectives for:

• Signposting and listing
• Comparing and contrasting
• Illustrating your findings
• Demonstrating cause and effect
• Emphasising points
• Qualifying your arguments

We’ve highlighted the best and most commonly used connectives for each section to ensure you’ve got THE best resource to improve the quality of your essay immediately.

To finish off , here are some examples to get your essay-writing inspiration flowing:

• Firstly , it is well-known that retrieval practice is an effective learning method as compared with re-reading study texts and notes.
• I’m feeling tired tonight. Nevertheless , I must finish my homework and I want to take the dog for a walk.
• When it comes to …, however , there are several effective methods to …, in particular , …

Good luck with your essay!

Now you’ve mastered adding effective connective words to your essay you’re ready for the next step. Be sure to check out our guide on proofreading your assignment before you hand it in. Good luck!

And for more expert, science-backed study resources, sign up to the Exam Study Expert newsletter right here:

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Using connectors in English to improve your writing skills

The most common connectors, and the ones used most frequently in speech, are and , but , or , because , so and then , and with them you can express most ideas quite well. However, in order to demonstrate a more sophisticated knowledge of the language and to express more nuanced ideas, especially in formal writing, there are many other connectors that you need in your repertoire. Let’s have a look at some of them.

CONNECTORS IN ENGLISH:

***Connectors that add information or strengthen an assertion***

in addition to : In addition to numerous seminars and workshops, conference participants will also be able to attend the screenings of several documentaries.

moreover : The new software is cheap and easy to use; moreover , it’s compatible with most operating systems.

furthermore : Candidates caught cheating will be asked to leave the exam hall immediately. Furthermore , they will be banned from taking the exam in the future.

***Connectors that weaken an assertion**

mind you (informal): John’s one of the friendliest people I know. Mind you , he can be a bit shy when you first meet him.

having said that : The city centre is generally very safe for tourists. Having said that, visitors should keep an eye on their belongings while travelling on public transport.

***Connectors that show a contrast between ideas***

however : Mike didn’t think he had studied enough to pass the exam. I n the end, however , he passed it with flying colours.

although : Simon has a credit card, although he very rarely uses it.

even though : Even though  you’ve studied this grammar before, it’s still a good idea to review it from time to time.

nevertheless/nonetheless : A lot of improvements have been made to internet security over recent years. Nevertheless , stories of hacked accounts and stolen identities are still worryingly common.

even so : Jack was concerned he might not be fit enough to climb the mountain. Even so , he went ahead and climbed it anyway.

despite : Despite being turned down at first by dozens of publishers, J. K. Rowling finally went on to become one of the most successful writers of our era.

in spite of : The match went ahead in spite of the rain .

whereas : It used to be expensive to travel by plane between different European cities, whereas these days it is often much cheaper than taking the train.

(On the one hand) … on the other hand… (This shows a balanced contrast of ideas): ( On the one hand, ) I would like to earn more money. On the other hand , I don’t really want to work longer hours.

***Connectors that show the cause of something***

because of : Joe was finally expelled from school because of his ongoing bad behaviour.

owing to : Owing to low ticket sales, several shows have been cancelled.

due to : The school has reported improved student engagement due to the increased use of interactive technology in the classroom.

***Connectors that show the result of something***

consequently : The cost of living has risen tremendously in recent years. Consequently , more families than ever are struggling to survive.

therefore : Student numbers have been steadily increasing over the last few years. Therefore , the college has decided to move to larger premises.

as a result : The company was making considerable losses. As a result, nearly a third of staff had to be made redundant.

***Connectors that show the reason for something***

in order to : The police have installed security cameras in the town centre in order to help reduce crime.

so that : I started using the cloud so that I could access my files from anywhere.

so as to : The government is relaxing visa regulations so as to make it easier for overseas students to study here .

You might also be interested in…

– 35 common English proverbs

– 21 unusual English expressions from around the world

–  30 useful English idioms and expressions

–  10 unusual expressions in English and where they come from

–  50 of the most useful English abbreviations and acronyms

– 20 words and phrases English owes to Shakespeare

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IELTS Writing Linking Words (Connectors) - Master List

The key to a high-scoring essay is not just rich content and strong grammar, but also the seamless flow and clarity with which you present your thoughts. That’s where linking words, or connectors, come into play, weaving your ideas into a well-integrated narrative.

Whether you're arguing a point in your Writing Task 2 essay, or crafting a letter for Task 1, using a wide range of linking words can significantly boost the coherence and cohesion of your text. Our extensive list of connectors is designed for IELTS candidates seeking to enhance their writing skills and achieve a band score that truly reflects their language proficiency.

Unlock the full potential of your writing with our master list of IELTS linking words, thoughtfully categorized and rich with examples

Additionally : Additionally, applicants must submit a cover letter.

Furthermore : I love to travel; furthermore, I enjoy learning about new cultures.

Moreover : She has experience, and moreover, she has the right qualifications.

Also : He can also play the guitar.

As well as : Her favorite sports are tennis as well as swimming.

Not to mention : The hotel was beautiful, not to mention close to the beach.

Along with : She brought a pie along with some fresh fruit.

Besides : I don’t want to go to the party, and besides, I wasn’t even invited.

In addition : The price is fair, and in addition, the service is exceptional.

Plus : The car is very reliable, plus it’s great on gas.

However : He is very funny; however, he can be quite serious at times.

Although : Although it was raining, he walked without an umbrella.

On the other hand : I am excited about the trip; on the other hand, I’m worried about the expense.

Conversely : I'd like to eat out, but conversely, I should be saving money.

Instead : He did not rebuke his child; instead, he gave him a hug.

Nevertheless : It was cold and wet; nevertheless, the game continued.

Despite : Despite the bad weather, we had a good time.

Yet : She is a great team player, yet she works well independently.

On the contrary : I thought she would win; on the contrary, she came in last.

In contrast : She loves math; in contrast, her brother has always found it difficult.

Cause and Effect

Therefore : The study was flawed; therefore, the results were unreliable.

As a result : He scored well on the test, as a result, he got into his desired university.

Consequently : It rained heavily; consequently, the picnic was canceled.

Hence : He was absent on the day of the exam; hence, he failed the course.

Thus : The roads were icy; thus, the school decided to close for the day.

Because of : Because of the train delay, I missed my appointment.

Due to : The match was postponed due to heavy snow.

So : She's allergic to peanuts, so she has to read food labels carefully.

This means that : The road is closed. This means that we’ll have to take a detour.

Leading to : The malfunction led to a delay in production.

Similarly : Just as Rome was not built in a day, similarly, we need time to complete this project.

Likewise : He respects his colleagues and expects to be treated likewise.

Like : Like her mother, she has a keen interest in art.

Just as : Just as the sun rises every morning, we too must rise to our tasks.

Comparable to : His speed is comparable to that of a professional athlete.

Analogous to : Watching the stars, he felt analogous to an explorer.

Similarly to : Similarly to her sister, she has a flair for fashion.

As with : As with all his advice, it was wise and timely.

For instance : For instance, many endangered species are at risk because of habitat loss.

For example : Using renewable energy sources, for example, can significantly reduce pollution.

Such as : There are many activities to enjoy in the winter, such as skiing and skating.

Including : There are several risks including potential loss of investment.

Specifically : Specifically, you must follow these instructions to install the software.

To illustrate : To illustrate my point, let's consider the case of the honeybee.

Namely : This year has two leap months, namely the fourth and the ninth.

Importantly : Importantly, all participants must sign a consent form.

Indeed : The results were, indeed, remarkable.

Especially : She enjoys hiking, especially in the mountains.

Particularly : The instructions were particularly complex.

Notably : Notably, none of the students were late to the seminar.

Significantly : The new policy will significantly affect productivity.

Above all : Above all, keep yourself hydrated while hiking.

Most importantly : Most importantly, never lose sight of your goals.

Of course : Of course, we'll need to consider the costs.

Especially : Bring warm clothes, especially if you feel the cold easily.

Firstly : Firstly, let's go over the previous meeting's minutes.

Secondly : Secondly, we need to address the budget for next year.

Thirdly : Thirdly, staffing requirements must be assessed.

Next : Gather your materials; next, begin the experiment.

Then : Finish your homework; then, you can watch TV.

Afterward : We'll have lunch, and afterward, we can visit the museum.

Subsequently : He was promoted, subsequently taking over the department.

Finally : Finally, after months of preparation, the day of the launch arrived.

Last but not least : Last but not least, we must thank our sponsors.

Ultimately : Ultimately, the decision lies with the committee.

In conclusion : In conclusion, there are several benefits to implementing these changes.

To summarize : To summarize, we reviewed three key points in today's meeting.

In summary : In summary, the strategy proved to be highly effective.

Overall : Overall, the project was a resounding success.

To conclude : To conclude, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone.

Lastly : Lastly, we would like to remind participants to submit their feedback.

In closing : In closing, remember to check your email for updates.

To finalize : To finalize the process, please sign below.

To wrap up : To wrap up, I'll answer any remaining questions.

All things considered : All things considered, it's a favorable proposal.

Currently : Currently, the company is in the process of expanding.

Previously : Previously, we discussed the importance of marketing.

Formerly : The building was formerly used as a warehouse.

Eventually : He studied hard and eventually passed the exam with flying colors.

Subsequently : The snowstorm subsided and, subsequently, flights resumed.

Meanwhile : You start on the report; meanwhile, I'll work on the presentation.

Simultaneously : They worked simultaneously on different parts of the project.

Until : Continue stirring the mixture until it thickens.

Thereafter : Thereafter, the participants formed smaller discussion groups.

Presently : Presently, the research is being reviewed by the committee.

Comparison/Contrast or Clarification

In the same way : In the same way a teacher educates students, a mentor guides a protégé.

Similarly : Similarly, the new model offers increased efficiency.

In the same manner , In the same manner as his predecessor, he adheres to strict schedules.

By the same token : By the same token, reducing expenses will enhance our profitability.

Equally : This decision will affect all departments equally.

Just as : Just as we expected, the turnout was high.

As much as : As much as I enjoy hiking, I haven't had time to go recently.

Clarification

That is to say : We have a stopover, that is to say, you'll have to switch planes.

In other words : It's a symbiotic relationship, in other words, both parties benefit.

To clarify : To clarify, only third-year students can apply for this program.

That is : You will be compensated, that is, we'll pay for your travel expenses.

Put another way : Put another way, the success of the project depends on teamwork.

To put it differently : To put it differently, the painting represents both hope and despair.

To rephrase : To rephrase, are you suggesting we postpone the launch?

If : If it rains, the game will be canceled.

Unless : Unless we act now, the opportunity will be lost.

Provided that : Provided that you complete the work on time, you'll receive full credit.

In the event that : In the event that you're late, please inform us.

As long as : You can borrow my car as long as you fill the tank.

Even if : Even if you disagree, you must abide by the decision.

In case : Always bring a map, in case your phone loses signal.

Supposing : Supposing the client agrees, when can we deliver?

Example or Emphasis

For instance : There are many historical cities to visit in Europe, for instance, Rome and Paris.

To illustrate : To illustrate the issue, consider the impact of deforestation on wildlife.

Namely : The club offers many amenities, namely a pool, a gym, and a sauna.

In particular : He loves fruits, in particular, apples and bananas.

Specifically : The warranty covers everything, specifically parts and labor.

To emphasize : To emphasize, please ensure the data is accurate.

Indeed : This is a very important point to consider, indeed.

In fact : The artist is, in fact, a close friend of mine.

Accordingly : Complete the form accordingly.

Consequently : He missed the deadline, and consequently, his submission was rejected.

Similarly : Similarly, her writing style is brief and to the point.

For example : Religions differ in practice; for example, some pray several times a day, others only on certain occasions.

To demonstrate : To demonstrate his commitment, he worked overtime without extra pay.

Exception/Contrast

Yet : He is young, yet he has achieved a lot.

In spite of : In spite of the rain, the event was well-attended.

Though : Though he wasn't feeling well, he decided to participate in the race.

While : While I understand your concern, I believe this is the best course of action.

Although : Although the road was busy, we made good time.

Because : He’s tired because he worked late.

Since : Since we have enough resources, we should begin the project.

As : As the data was incomplete, the conclusions were questionable.

Given that : Given that we missed the deadline, we need a new strategy.

Considering : Considering her extensive experience, she’s the ideal candidate for the job.

Due to the fact that : Due to the fact that we received a generous grant, our research can continue.

Owing to : Owing to the budget cuts, we need to revise our plans.

Summary/Conclusion

In conclusion : In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports our theory.

To summarize : To summarize, three key points were discussed.

In sum : In sum, the proposal offers several noteworthy benefits.

To wrap up : To wrap up, I'd like to thank everyone for their participation.

In brief : In brief, we need to change our approach.

Overall : Overall, it's been a productive year for the company.

All in all : All in all, it was a fantastic concert.

To recap : To recap, make sure you understand the assignment before you begin.

In a nutshell : In a nutshell, the new policy will affect everyone in the department.

Then : Finish this task, then start on the next.

Afterwards : We'll have the meeting, and afterwards, we can discuss the matter privately.

Subsequently : He graduated in June, and subsequently found a job in July.

Soon after : The new model was released, and soon after, it became a best-seller.

Immediately : Immediately after the incident, the building was evacuated.

Wherever : Wherever you go, you’ll find people willing to help.

Whenever : Whenever I visit Paris, I feel like I'm in a dream.

While : While he was reading, the phone rang.

Meanwhile : He'll be here in an hour; meanwhile, let's get everything ready.

You deserve a better score!

Unlock the power of IELTSWritingPro and gain a competitive edge in your IELTS exam preparations. Our software employs advanced algorithms tailored to assess your essays based on the four core evaluation criteria, making it easier than ever to identify weak points and perfect your writing.

Useful Linking Words and Phrases to Use in Your Essays

By: Author Sophia

Posted on Last updated: October 26, 2023

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Linking words and phrases are used to show relationships between ideas. They can be used to join two or more sentences or clauses.

We can use linking words to give a result , add information , summarize , give illustrations , emphasize a point , sequence information , compare or to contrast idea .

Useful Linking Words and Phrases

In this article, you will learn about the most common linking words and phrases:

Giving a Result

Usage : To provide the result of what has been stated or has occurred

Linking W ords :

• As a result
• As a consequence
• Consequently
• For this reason
• His wife left him.  As a result , he became very depressed.
• She has lived in France, and  as a consequence  she speaks French fluently.
• We do not have enough money.  T herefore  we cannot afford to buy the new car.
• We do not own the building.  Thus , it would be impossible for us to make any major changes to it.
• There has been a great deal of rain and  consequently  the reservoirs are full.
• The customer was displeased with her meal,  hence  the chef prepared a replacement.
• For this reason , they are not a good choice for exterior use.
• Due to  a broken wing, this bird can’t fly.

Adding Information

Usage : To add to what has been previously stated

Linking Words:

• Additionally / an additional
• Furthermore
• As well as that
• In addition
• In addition to this
• Apart from this
• Additionally , the bus service will run on Sundays, every two hours.
• He said he had not discussed the matter with her.  Furthermore , he had not even contacted her.
• We are unable to repair this watch.  Also , this is the fourth time this has happened.
• I love wearing earrings. I design and make them  too .
• We went to the park today.  As well as that , we did some shopping.
• Along with  parties and parliaments, elections have lost their charm.
• I can’t afford to go to the concert.  Besides , I don’t really like classical music.
• You haven’t paid the rent yet.   In addition , you owe me money.
• The report is badly presented.  Moreover , it contains inaccuracies.
• John’s grades are terrible because he has been so lazy these days.  In addition to this , his relationship to his parents got worse.
• Apart from this  paragraph, the report contains a number of sensible initiatives.

Summarizing

Usage : To sump up what has been previously stated

Linking words :

• In conclusion
• To summarize
• To conclude
• In conclusion , walking is a cheap, safe, enjoyable and readily available form of exercise.
• To summarize , this is a clever approach to a common problem.
• The food was good and we loved the music.  Altogether  it was a great evening.
• His novels belong to a great but vanished age. They are,  in short , old-fashioned.
• To sum up , there are three main ways of tackling the problem…
• In summary , this was a disappointing performance.
• Briefly , our team is now one of the best in the world.
• To conclude , I want to wish you all a very happy holiday season.

Giving Examples

Usage : To provide examples

Linking words:

• For example/ For instance
• In this case
• Proof of this
• There are many interesting places to visit in the city,  for example / for instance , the botanical garden or the art museum.
• I prefer to wear casual clothes,  such as  jeans and a sweatshirt.
• Including  Christmas Day and Boxing Day, I’ve got a week off work.
• We need to concentrate on our target audience,  namely  women aged between 20 and 30.
• I think I would have made a difference  in this case .
• This building are a living  proof of this  existence, so we must preserve it.
• I also make other jewellery  like  rings and bracelets.

Emphasizing a Point

Usage : To put forward a point or idea more forcefully

• Undoubtedly
• Particularly / in particular
• Importantly
• Without a doubt
• It should be noted
• Unquestionably
• Undoubtedly , the story itself is one of the main attractions.
• I don’t mind at all.  Indeed , I would be delighted to help.
• Obviously , we don’t want to spend too much money.
• I love silver earrings,  in particular  ones from Mexico
• The car is quite small,  especially  if you have children.
• Clearly , this will cost a lot more than we realized.
• More importantly , can he be trusted?
• He’s an  absolutely  brilliant cook.
• I  definitely  remember sending the letter.
• We still believe we can win this series  without a doubt .
• I’m  neve r  surprised at what I do.
• It should be noted  that   if you have something to note, then note it
• Unquestionably , teaching has been a paramount part of his career.
• Above all , this forest is designed for wear and tear.
• This is  positively  the worst thing that I can even imagine.

Sequencing Ideas

Usage : To indicate the order of what is being said

• First/ firstly (Second/ secondly, Third/ thirdly, Finally)
• At this time
• Subsequently
• Lastly and most importantly
• Last but not least
• First and foremost
• Firstly , I prefer the train because I can see the landscape.
• At this time , the young man leapt into the air and flew off towards sunset.
• They arrived on Monday evening and we got there the  following  day.
• I had visited them three days  previously .
• Your name is  before  mine on the list.
• Subsequently , new guidelines were issued to all employees.
• Above all , keep in touch.
• Lastly, and most importantly , you should be optimistic.
• Last but not least , I find I seriously cannot relate to women.
• We will continue to focus on our players  first and foremost .

Comparing Ideas

Usage:  To show how things are similar

• Compare / compare(d) to(with)
• By the same token
• In the same way
• Correspondingly
• Similarly , the basketball and hockey games draw nearly full attendance.
• Equally , not all customers are honest.
• Her second marriage was  likewise  unhappy.
• She’s  just as  smart as her sister.
• Working with housecats is  just like  working with lions or tigers.
• Some people say I have a running style  similar to  him.
• Having a power is not  the same as  using the power.
• He gets the ball off quickly  compared to  two years ago.
• Teenagers should be more respectful;  by the same token , parents should be more understanding.
• Alex enjoys telling jokes;  in the same way/similarly/likewise ,his son adores funny stories.
• Correspondingly , the roles each of them played were soon different.

Contrasting Ideas

Usage : To show how things are different

• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• Nonetheless
• Despite / in spite of
• In contrast (to)
• Alternatively
• Differing from
• Contrary to
• Unlike  most systems, this one is very easy to install.
• There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law.  Nevertheless , it is important that we try.
• Laptops are convenient;  O n the other hand , they can be expensive.
• The problems are not serious.  Nonetheless , we shall need to tackle them soon.
• Despite/ In spite of  the rain, I went for a walk.
• In contrast to  the diligent bee, the butterfly flies hither and yon with no apparent purpose.
• The agency will make travel arrangements for you.  Alternatively , you can organize your own transport.
• Northern European countries had a great summer.  On the contrary/conversely , Southern Europe had poor weather.
• Even so , many old friends were shocked at the announcement.
• Differing from  his white colleagues, he preferred instructing his scholars to the ambition of acquiring personal renown.
• The situation in Ireland is quite  contrary to  this principle.

Linking Words for Essays | Images

Below is a handy list of words that are both useful and appropriate to academic language:

Other linking words to give an example or an illustration:

• In  this  case,
• In  another  case
• Take  the  case  of
• To  illustrate
• As  an
• Illustration
• To  take  another  example
• That  is
• As  shown  by
• As  illustrated  by
• As expressed by

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Related posts:

• Linking Words and Phrases: Reasons and Results
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• Academic writing
• Commonly confused words
• Critical thinking
• PEEL Paragraphs
• Linking/transition words
• Paraphrasing
• Proofreading
• Terms and definitions
• Action Words: What is description, application, analysis and evaluation

Linking/transition words: Things you need to know...

All assignments are written in formal language.   You need to ensure that you demonstrate your knowledge and understanding alongside your ability to answer the question/solve the problem. 

Below are some ideas to help you to develop your structure and flow.

• Linking / transition words and phrases join ideas, sentences and paragraphs together. They should be used within sentences and to move from one idea to another (between sentences).   

These words and phrases indicate the direction, order and flow of ideas. Significantly, they strengthen the quality and structure of your work.

• Redundant Words - less is more.  P articularly when trying to reduce the word count, it is important to look for phrases which can be replaced with a single word.

Linking/Transition Words

Transitions link one main idea to another separated by a semi-colon or full-stop.  When the transition word is at the beginning of the sentence, it should be followed by a comma:

Among other functions, they can signal cause and effect or sequencing (see examples in the table below).

Linking words: conjunctions

Linking words within a sentence  are referred to as coordinating conjunctions.  Do not worry about the term: think about the function.

Conciseness / redundant words

Microsoft Word now has an additional feature within the Edito r - it is called conciseness or wordiness.  

• If you cannot see the Editor menu a quick tip is to hold down the function (fn key at the bottom left of the keyboard) + F7 (top line of keys).
• From the Refinements section - select Conciseness - if there are any suggestions a number will appear in the box alongside this option
• A dotted line will appear under any groups of groups
• Either select the identified text by clicking with your right mouse button OR click on the down down next to the Conciseness menu.
• MS Word will display any alternative words which you can either select and they will be replaced in your text or reject if you want to keep the original phrases.

Examples:  try to replace phrases with a single words which mean the same.

Need to know more...

• Related pages
• External links
• Academic writing Illustrates the main features of academic writing so that you are aware of what it is and what it involves
• Critical Thinking Academic work involves thinking, not just accepting what you read or are told.
• Terms and Definitions Important words appear in your assignments and examinations. The aim of this factsheet is to help you to fully understand what they mean.

Additional resources to help you to improve your confidence and grades:-

• Writing Effectively  demonstrates the importance of: clarity, structure, relevance, argument and precision.
• Writing Mechanics  gives further examples and resources on areas including: sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Linking/Transition words - Scribbr  https://www.scribbr.co.uk/syntax/transition-words-examples/ [Accessed 10 February 2023]

There are many books concerning academic writing, look around Dewey number  808

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Connectors / Linking Words for Writing – Functions and Tips

Updated On Sep 15, 2023

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Effective IELTS Essay Connectors for Writing Task 2 & Task 1

Linking words or connectors are the adverbs that turn out to be the easiest way to connect ideas or sentences with one unique word. Such linking words or connectors make the entire sentence look appealing. In IELTS, if you use the connesctors appropriately, it will showcase your advanced English communication skills.

So, in any way, if you find yourself stuck with handling these linking words or connectors, here are a few tips that will help you out.

How do Linking Words or Connectors Function? 

Jotted down below are a few reasons why you should be using linking words or connectors in your IELTS writing tasks:

• They make your writing clear and appealing.
• You get to provide meaning to otherwise complex sentences.
• They help readers understand how one sentence is related to the other.
• They help to know the purpose of the question and also give an appropriate answer to the question.

Tips to Use Linking words or Connectors

Here are a few tips that you can keep in mind when using linking words or connectors:

Are you being accurate with your choice of words?

There are a lot of linking words that can be used in a sentence, so you need to be careful while using the linking words and use them accurately.

Are you overusing linking words or connectors?

The linking words can be used once or twice in the sentence. Making overuse of the linking words in the sentence makes the sentence meaningless.

Are you mixing up?

Try to use a lot of linking words in the paragraph, but make sure the sentence is meaningful while using these words. Using a single word many times in a paragraph doesn’t make any sense. So while using the linking words, use them wisely.

Common Linking words and Connectors used in IELTS Writing

When writing an essay or a report in an IELTS exam, there are plenty of linking words or connectors used throughout. You can take ideas from the ones mentioned below:

Also check :

• IELTS Writing tips
• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet
• IELTS Writing Practice tests

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are connectors important in writing?

Name some of the common connectors used in IELTS Writing?

What are some linking words expressing differences or contrasts?

Mention some linking words that can be used to express a finale or summarization

Where do you use connectors or linking words in IELTS writing?

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Proven tips to score Band 9 in IELTS Writing

Janet had been an IELTS Trainer before she dived into the field of Content Writing. During her days of being a Trainer, Janet had written essays and sample answers which got her students an 8+ band in the IELTS Test. Her contributions to our articles have been engaging and simple to help the students understand and grasp the information with ease. Janet, born and brought up in California, had no idea about the IELTS until she moved to study in Canada. Her peers leaned to her for help as her first language was English.

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Breakout English

Linking words – How to improve your writing

Linking words, also known as linkers, cohesive devices, connectors and transition words, are a vital part of writing. Often when we teach English, we feed vocabulary and phrases to students which, if we’re not careful, can start sounding forced. For me, linking words are the exception to that. I find that a solid lesson with these special words can almost certainly help improve a students writing regardless of the level. It’s not just because it appears in writing marking scales for every official exam there is, it’s because they actually work. Without linking words, texts can feel dull and disconnected. That’s definitely not the image we want to give when trying to prove our level of English.

What are linking words?

There are linking words and phrases for different purposes. You can find exhaustive lists of linking words examples all over the web, but the important thing is using them to good effect.

If your writing was like the human body, the content words would be the flesh and the paragraph structure would be the skeleton. Linkers are like the joints of your writing. They help to connect the different parts together and interact with each other. An essay with good cohesive devices will flow and be easy to read. In fact, it’s practically impossible to write without them. You can do a fun writing activity with a consequences game in another post .

Linking words at different levels

Let’s use Cambridge writing scales as a guide for what we should be using at different levels. At B1 Preliminary (PET) candidates are expected to use basic linking words. Basic linking words are essentially and , so , but and because . At B2 First (FCE) level, a variety of linking words should be used. While by C1 Advanced (CAE), candidates are using cohesive devices to generally good effect.

Although the terminology shifts between levels, the concept is the same. An exam candidate’s writing should be connected together in a way that makes it flow from one section to another using words that help to achieve said outcome. Notice that it’s not until C2 Proficiency (CPE) level that candidates should be able to use cohesive devices with flexibility.

For more information about how Cambridge writing is marked, check out the different scales here .

If you’re looking to improve your writing for the Cambridge Advanced exam, consider our book Cambridge Advanced Writing Plus .

Linking words examples

There are so many transition words you can use in your writing, but having a ridiculously long list isn’t the best option in this case (and I’m normally a big fan of lists). When I teach writing, I tend to focus on a selection of common and useful linking words. These can be associated with their purpose. Words similar to and are used to add additional information. Words similar to but are used to contrast ideas. Words similar to so provide result and those similar to because develop reason.

This list is not exhaustive, but it’s enough for 90% of learners who are using linking words in English. These are good cohesive devices for an essay, a formal letter or a report. They can be used in a wide range of styles and contexts. Keep in mind that linking words and phrases are also a strong indication of formality in a text, but they aren’t the only factor.

The other essential factor to consider with linkers is how to use them in a sentence. Different ones need different grammatical structures surrounding them. This is what the activity below focusses on in detail.

The materials

There is little doubt that any exam preparation course will include a lesson on producing cohesive writing. These materials associate complex linkers with simple comparison words before putting them to use. We’ll consider both the meaning and the use of linking words and phrases. The topic focuses on money and wealth, which can pop up anywhere from B1 level onwards. Use them to improve writing skills, especially in formal writings like essays, reports and proposals.

EXAM PART : Writing

EXAM SKILLS : Using cohesive devices to improve organisation

TOPIC: Money

TIME: 60 minutes

PREPARATION: One copy of the worksheet per student

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StoryLearning

Learn A Language Through Stories

85 Connectors In English To Speak And Write Fluently

When you speak and write, you express ideas.

Many ideas.

And if you want people to understand your ideas, you need to express them clearly.

Not only that. 

You also need to connect them together and show how they are related to each other.

This is why you need connectors in English.

These are words and phrases that are used to link different parts of a sentence or different sentences together to show the relationship between them.

And in this post, you're going to learn over 80 of them!

What Are Connectors In English?

Here’s a simple example.

I ate a sandwich because I was feeling hungry.

2 ideas: 

• eating a sandwich
• feeling hungry

How are they related?

The word “because” (a connector) links them together by showing their relationship.

One idea is the cause (feeling hungry), the other idea is the consequence (eating a sandwich). 

Connectors in English are an essential part of the English language and in this blog post you will explore different types of connectors and look at a lot of examples of how they’re used.

Types Of Connectors In English

There are many different types of connectors in English. 

These include:

• Cause, effect, and result
• Sequence 

Let’s learn more about each type.

Connectors Of Cause, Effect, And Result

Connectors of cause, effect, and result show the relationship between events or actions.

Some examples:

• I couldn't come to the party because I had to work late.
• Since our return flight to Milan was cancelled, we had to spend one more day in Paris.

3. As A Result

• She studied hard and, as a result, she got an A on the test.

4. Consequently

• Many people today do not have time to cook healthy meals for themselves. Consequently, they often end up eating too much junk food.

5. Therefore

• Learning a language requires practice. Therefore, it’s important to find as many practice opportunities as you can.

6. Hence (Formal)

• Language learning can be more effective when you know what you want to achieve. Hence it is important to be clear about your language learning goals.
• She woke up late, so she missed her flight.

8. On Account Of

• All public transport services were cancelled on account of the strike.

9. Owing To (Formal)

• He remained sick owing to poorly prepared food.

10. Thanks To

• I was able to learn English thanks to the help of a great teacher. 

11. As A Consequence

• Many businesses had to shut down during the pandemic. As a consequence, economic growth slowed down.
• Many businesses had to shut down due to the pandemic. 

13. For This Reason

• He hates politicians. For this reason, he has never voted.

14. Thus (Formal)

• We do not own the company. Thus, it would be impossible for us to sell it to investors.

Connectors Of Sequence

Connectors of sequence are words or phrases that help to show the order or sequence of events or actions.

They indicate the temporal relationship between ideas, actions, or events in a sentence or paragraph.

Here are some common ones. They’re all used to indicate something that happened after something else.

15. After That

• First, I'll explain the basic rules of the game. After that, we'll start playing.
• Boil the water. Next, put the pasta in it.
• I went to the supermarket. Then, I came home and had lunch.

18. Afterwards

• We can first relax and have some coffee. Afterwards, we’ll go back to work.

19. Subsequently (Formal)

• The company experienced financial difficulties. Subsequently, they had to make several employees redundant and shut down some of their international headquarters. 

20. Finally/Lastly

I’d like to thank my mother and all my family members. And finally, I would like to thank you all for coming here today.

21. Last But Not Least

You can use this when you’re mentioning the last person or thing of a group in order to say that they’re not less important than the others.

• Last but not least, I’d like to thank my partner for supporting and encouraging me. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without her. 

22. First / Second / Third

• This study has the following aims: first, to investigate how international students in the UK learn English; second, to examine how well they can communicate; and third, to explore how language classes can play a role in helping overseas students adjust to life in England.

Connectors Of Time

Connectors of time are similar to connectors of sequence. They are used to show the order or sequence of events. 

Some examples of connectors of time include:

• After finishing work, he usually goes to the gym and spends two hours there.
• Before going to bed, I always brush my teeth.

25. Meanwhile

You use this to indicate that something is happening while something else is happening.

• John was working on his project. Meanwhile, I was cooking dinner.

This indicates that something is happening while something else is happening.

• As I was walking to the store, I saw my friend driving by.

27. As Soon As

A nice little phrase that you can use to indicate that one action happens immediately after another.

• I'll call you as soon as I arrive at the airport.

28. Once (=As Soon As; When)

• Once I finish my homework, I can go out and play with my friends.

You use “while” to indicate that two actions are happening at the same time.

• I was eating while my dad was watching TV.

“Since” is often used with the present perfect to indicate when the action started.

• I haven't seen her since 2018.
• Please stay here and don’t leave the train station until the train arrives.

You can use “when” to describe a situation that happens at or during a particular time or while something else is happening.

• I saw a deer when I was walking in the park,
• The teacher was not ready when the lesson began. 

33. In The Meantime

• The restaurant is fully booked at the moment so you’ll have to wait. In the meantime, you can take a seat outside and have some drinks if you like.

Connectors Of Addition

These connectors are used to add information or ideas.

Here they are:

• She's studying psychology in the morning and learning English in the evening.

35. As Well As

• She speaks Spanish as well as English.
• I don’t like washing the dishes. I also hate doing the laundry!

37. Moreover (Formal)

• The cost of living is high in this city. Moreover, the traffic is terrible.

38. Furthermore (Formal)

• Research has shown that exposure to language input is essential in second-language acquisition. Furthermore, there is evidence to support the claim that exposure to comprehensible input should be consistent.

39. In Addition (Formal)

• We need to hire more employees. In addition, we need to improve our training program.

40. Besides

• There's nothing to do today. Besides, it's raining so we can’t even go outside. 

41. Additionally

• She's a great teacher. Additionally, she's also a published author.
• I like Italian food and I can make great pizza too.

43. Not Only…But Also…

• Not only can this course help you improve your speaking skills, but it’s also a great way to meet like-minded students.

44. What Is More 

• Children who are bilingual outperform monolingual children on IQ tests. What is more, they appear to have an advantage in acquiring a third language.

45. Likewise (Formal)

• Her second child was likewise very smart.

Connectors Of Contrast 

These are connectors that can be used to show contrast between ideas.

• I want to go to the party, but I have to finish my homework first.

47. However

• She loves ice cream. However, she's lactose intolerant.

48. Although

• Although it was raining, they still went to the beach.
• I like going to the cinema. I prefer watching movies at home though. 

50. Despite The Fact That

• John continued to smoke cigarettes despite the fact that he knew they were bad for his health.

51. In Spite Of (The Fact That)

• In spite of the fact that the restaurant had poor reviews, they decided to give it a try and ended up enjoying the food.

52. Whereas

• She likes sweet foods, whereas he prefers salty ones.

53. On The One Hand / On The Other Hand

• On the one hand, I would love to take that job offer because it pays well. On the other hand, it's in a city far away from where I live, so I’m not sure what to do.
• I love to read, while he loves to watch movies.

55. Even Though

Even though he had studied hard, he still failed the exam.

56. Even If (= Whether Or Not)

• Even if it rains, I'll still go for a run this evening.

57. On The Contrary

• ‘“It must have been great!” 
• “On the contrary, I hated every minute.”

58. In Contrast

• The results of the survey show that, on average, women spend more time cooking for their families. In contrast, men spend more than five minutes a day preparing meals for their kids.
• He's incredibly busy, yet he still finds time to go to the gym. 

60. Nevertheless

• There is little chance that they will win the cup. Nevertheless, it is important that they do their best to succeed.

61. Nonetheless (Formal)

• These are serious issues. Nonetheless, we have a solid plan to solve them.
• The restaurant was dirty. Still, the food they serve is incredibly delicious.

Connectors Of Condition

These are words that are used to connect two clauses (a group of words that includes a subject and a verb, and forms a sentence or part of a sentence) to express a condition that must be fulfilled in order for something else to happen. 

Here are some examples for you:

• If it rains, we'll stay at home.

For more on “if” check out this post on the English conditional tense .

64. Unless (=If Not)

• I won't forgive you unless you apologise

65. Provided That

• I'll lend you my car, provided that you promise to return it by tomorrow.

66. As/So Long As (=Only If)

• You can use my laptop as long as you don't break it.

67. ​Supposing (That)

Used to ask somebody to pretend that something is true or to imagine that something will happen.

• Supposing that you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things with you, what would they be?

68. On Condition That (=Only If)

• I can drive you to the station on condition that you pay for the petrol.

Connectors Of Example

These are words and phrases used to introduce examples 

69. For Example

• There are many different fruits you can use for smoothies. For example, you can use berries, bananas, and mangoes.

70. Such As

• We sell many different types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
• Some people enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping, while others prefer indoor activities like reading and watching movies.

72. Including

There are many different types of pasta dishes, including spaghetti, fettuccine, and lasagna.

• There are many different types of computer programs, namely word processors, spreadsheets, and graphic design software.

74. For Instance

There are many ways to learn a language. For instance, you can try our StoryLearning method.

Connectors Of Comparison

Connectors of comparison are used to show the similarities and differences between two or more things. 

75. Likewise (Formal) = In A Similar Way

• John is a great cook. Likewise, Mary is skilled in the kitchen.

You use “unlike” to show difference / contrast.

• Unlike his brother, who is always punctual, Tom is always late for appointments.

77. By Comparison

You can use this to show a comparison between two or more things.

• The value of oil went up by 3 percent. By comparison, gold has fallen by 4 percent.

This structure is used to show similarity or equality between two things, actions, or qualities.

• The pizza I had last night was as delicious as the one I had in Italy.

79. Compared To 

• Compared to New York, Milan might seem a small city.

80. Similarly 

• She is an excellent swimmer. Similarly, her sister is a great swimmer too.

Connectors Of Summary

These are used to summarise or conclude a point or idea. Here are some examples:

81. In Conclusion

• In conclusion, the research shows that there is a clear correlation between exercise and mental health.

82. To Sum Up

• To sum up, it's clear that the new policy has had a positive impact on the company's profits.

83. All In All

• The event was well-organized and the speakers were engaging. All in all, it was a great success.

84. To Conclude

• To conclude, the evidence clearly supports the hypothesis that the climate is changing due to human activity.

85. On The Whole

• On the whole, I think the movie was pretty good, but the ending was disappointing.

Connectors In English Everywhere

As you can see, connectors in English are useful words and phrases that will help you show the relationship between ideas.

We have only seen connectors to link ideas within sentences, but they can also be used to connect ideas across paragraphs.

This is why it’s important to read books in English if you’d like to learn and notice connectors in English in context as you’ll be exposing yourself to a lot of written texts–which are rich in connectors!

Following the rules of StoryLearning can help you do this as you’ll be reading short stories in English and you’ll be exposing your brain to thousands of sentences, ideas, and connectors too!

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B2+ Formal Linkers

A new worksheet for B2+ students to help them add more cohesion to their writing through the use of formal linkers and connectors. Download the handout and key below:

Lead students through the worksheet. Encourage creativity in the final activity. Set students an FCE or CAE part 1 essay for homework.

Label the groups of linkers (A, B, C, D) with the titles in the box based on their function.

• ____________________
• One of the main benefits of research into green energy is the impact it can have on the environment. Furthermore, by switching to renewable energy sources, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels such as oil.
• The project failed to live up to the expectations of the management team. What is more, it was €100,000 over budget.
• Construction of the solar farm was finished on time. Moreover, workers were able to increase power output by 15% in the first month.
• Many parts of the world are being ravaged by extreme weather conditions due to/owing to the impact of climate change.
• Emissions of harmful greenhouse gases have increased owing to/due to the fact that the world’s population keeps growing.
• Further research is needed in order to push the boundaries of our scientific knowledge.
• Governments should provide more funding for green energy projects so as to increase their efficiency.
• More charging stations for electric cars should be installed so that there are enough to meet demand.
• Space exploration is undoubtedly an exciting area of research. Even so, is it really the most pressing issue humankind is facing right now?
• In spite of/Despite recent technological advancements we have seen, we still know very little about the universe.
• In spite of/Despite the fact that time is running out, we must not give up and accept our fate.
• Much progress has been made in this field. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to be done.
• Unless we take steps to combat climate change now, we may be too late.
• Even if we manage to reduce emissions considerably, there is no guarantee that it will be enough.
• We are still not sure whether or not we are alone in the universe.

Sentence Structure Rules

• What do you notice about the way all 4 linkers are used?

Look at the sentences and choose the correct alternative:

• Due to/owing to + a noun // a clause (subject + verb + object)
• Due to/owing to the fact that + a noun // a clause (subject + verb + object)
• In order to + a verb // a clause
• So as to + a verb // a clause
• So that + a verb // a clause
• What do “even so” and “nevertheless” have in common?
• In spite of/Despite + a noun // a clause (subject + verb + object)
• In spite of/Despite the fact that + a noun // a clause (subject + verb + object)

Look at the linkers in group D and match them to their meaning

• “it doesn’t matter if”
• “If we don’t”
• “If or not”

Complete the sentences with a linker from the previous exercise, more than one answer might be possible.

• They brought in extra seats …………. everyone could sit down.
• ………… you were the only man in the world, I still wouldn’t go out with you.
• They planted trees in the garden …………… attract more wildlife.
• His CV is impressive. ………….., I’m still not sure if he’s the right candidate.
• …………. all their hard work, they weren’t able to complete the project on time.
• I was unable to attend the meeting ……………. the heavy snowfall.
• Many people have chosen to move out of the city ……………….. house prices have fallen in the countryside.
• One benefit of city life is the superior health facilities. ……………….., there are many more job opportunities.
• It seems like a very tempting offer. ……………….., I feel I must reject it.
• ……………….. we run, we’re going to miss the last train.
• I’m still not sure ……………….. we made the right decision.
• He cancelled all his morning appointments ……………….. spend time with his family.

Creative Practice

Use linkers to upgrade these sentences for use in a C1 essay. You can also upgrade the language in the sentences.

• Shopping in shops is good, but shopping online is better.
• We should build more parks because they’re good for people.
• People got sad because the pandemic was bad.
• It doesn’t matter if you recycle, big companies are bad for the planet.
• There are too many cars, that’s why there’s lots of pollution.
• We should make drivers pay more to make them take the bus.
• Veganism is good but I don’t think I could do it.
• Books are good because they help you learn words and you imagine things.

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Author: Tim Warre

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English Grammar Here

Essay Connectors in English, Connection Words for Essay

Table of Contents

Essay Connectors

Did you know that there are many linkers and connectors that will allow you to use the English language more powerfully? Today, we will examine linkers with different meanings and give example sentences established with each linker. In this way, we believe that you can use these linkers much more easily in your essay works.

8 Tips On Writing An Effective Essay , Writing Essay Tips

When you use these connectors, which will give the meaning of contrast to the sentence, one half of the sentence and the other half should contain contradictory and unexpected statements. Let’s examine it on the example.

• In spite of : In spite of studied all night, got a very low score on the exam, and did not pass the class.
• Despite : I waited for you all day and I definitely didn’t start eating before you arrived, despite that it was clear that you didn’t care about me.
• However : The tourism industry in this country is developing more each year; However, the current policies of the new government have raised concerns about these tourism revenues.
• Although : Although these days I feel weak when you called me I got up and got ready and came here.

Reason and Cause

When you use essay connectors indicating the reason and cause in a sentence, two different clauses must be related to each other.

• As : I didn’t come with you today, as I had been working hard for my exams for two days and I was tired.
• Because of : Because of the paper he saw, he felt unhappy, weak, and depressed all day. I wish I could help him on this topic.
• Due to Due to his fight with his wife was not performing enough at work and could not show all his skills.
• Since : Since at the end of this year, my overall average is high, I think I will highlight it in internship applications and get what I want.

You can see that purpose connectors are usually used in sentences with an aim theme that contains information about the reason for any action. These have extremely powerful meanings and make your essay richer.

• For : Who do you think I did all this for? Of course, I did it all for you!
• In order to : When I went to the market today, I stopped by the sandwich shop in order to take something to you.
• In order not to : In order not to late this much, I woke up early in the morning and took care of my work while everyone was sleeping.
• So that : I worked all day today so that I don’t have to work tomorrow at all.
• So as to : When I came to class yesterday, I gave my students the essay exam so as to that I could take two exams next week and complete the grading process in a short time.
• So as not to : So as not to fight with my husband, I finished what he said before I got home.

When we are lining up information in a sentence or paragraph or trying to pass an event stream to the reader, we often need to use succession specifiers among the essay connectors. For this, we have the chance to benefit from the following alternatives:

• First of all : First of all, all of these things meant something to me, but it wasn’t enough.
• The next stage : So, the next stage is ready: From now on, he can finish our project without anyone’s help.
• In short : Now you know all of this, in short, you got through your journeyman period and entered the master period.
• In conclusion : When you consider all the above information, in conclusion, the basis of scientific knowledge is always experiments.

Paragraphs that indicate result in any subject can usually indicate cause and effect.

• As a result of As a result of her beauty, everyone at the prom suddenly fell in love with her.
• Therefore : I worked all day today to get your chores done; Therefore, you have no right to be angry with me for coming to this party late.

Related Posts

Conjunctions, Definitions and Example Sentences

Conjunctions: Comparison – Connecting Words: Comparison

Detailed connectors of sequence list in english, about the author.

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