Linking Words in English with Examples • Englishan

Linking words, also known as transition words or connectors, are defined as words or phrases that connect clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and ideas together, and convey the intended meaning more clearly and effectively. These words not only make the text readable but also help the readers to understand the writer’s perspective. We can use these words to express ideas, contrast, comparison, order, cause and effect, time, and many other functions. Linking words is an essential part of writing to “link” all your ideas in a way that helps create a smooth flow and connections between different parts of a text. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at what linking words are, their functions with examples, and how to use them effectively. So, let’s get started!

What are linking words?

Linking words are words or phrases that we use to link or connect different parts of a text. They help make the writing smoother and show how different ideas are related to each other. Linking words make it easier for readers to understand the flow of information and how one idea leads to another. Linking words can be used to indicate contrast, similarity, cause and effect, time, addition, conclusion, and more. Examples of linking words include “and,” “but,” “because,” “however,” “also,” “for example,” “therefore,” and so on. For instance,

She wanted to go shopping; however, it started raining.

Here connecting word “However” indicates a contrast between her desire to go shopping and the unexpected rain, helping the reader understand the change in the situation.

Why use linking words?

Linking words are essential for effective writing because they:

Improve flow and coherence
Help establish relationships between ideas
Make writing smoother to read
Create clear transitions between paragraphs
Enhance reader comprehension and understanding
Linking words can help to emphasize and clarify important points

How to use Linking Words

Here are some basic rules for the placement and usage of linking words:

Before using linking words, make sure you understand what they mean and how they are used. For example,

Some words are used to add new ideas such as, (“furthermore” or “moreover”) while others are used to show contrast or contradiction, (“however” or “nevertheless”) etc.

Choose the appropriate linking word based on the context, for example,

(“Additionally” for adding, “For example” for illustrating)

Place linking words at the beginning or middle of sentences for smooth transitions.
Use a comma after starting a sentence with a linking word, for example,

However, I decided to give it a try.

Add commas around the linking word if placed in the middle, for example,

In this case, however, the outcome was unexpected.

Coordinating Conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) connect equal parts (independent clauses), use a comma before them. for example,

I like apples, but he prefers oranges.

Subordinating Conjunctions (although, because, since, while, when) introduce dependent clauses, use commas when dependent clause precedes the main clause. for example,

Although it was raining, we went for a walk. (Comma before main clause)

No comma if subordinate clause follows main clause. for example,

We went for a walk although it was raining. (No comma)

Maintain parallel structure (similar grammar) when using multiple linking words in a list. for example,

She likes reading, to cook, and watching movies. ❎

She likes reading, cooking, and watching movies.✅

Functions of linking words

Different linking words serve different purposes/functions:

Addition

Linking words like “and,” “also,” “besides,” “furthermore,” and “moreover” are used to introduce additional information or ideas that are related to the previous point. Common linking words for addition include: and, also, as well as, additionally, furthermore, moreover, in addition, besides, not only…but also, etc.

Example: I love both chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

Contrasting Ideas

Words such as “but,” “however,” “although,” and “on the other hand” help introduce a contrasting idea or point that is different from what was previously mentioned. Examples of contrastive linking words are: but, however, on the other hand, yet, and, although, nevertheless, in contrast, whereas, although, and even though, etc.

Example: He wanted to go out. However, it started raining heavily.

Cause and Effect

Linking words indicate the relationships between cause and effect. They help explain why something happened or the consequences of an action. Common cause-and-effect linking words are; because, so, therefore, due to, resulting in, consequently, therefore, thus, hence, etc.

Example: He missed the bus; consequently, he arrived late.

Comparison

These words help you show similarities or likenesses between ideas. They allow you to compare and contrast different concepts. Examples include; like, similarly, in the same way, and compared to, likewise, just as, just like, in contrast, on the contrary, unlike, etc.

Example: The first book was good, but the second one was even better.

Time Sequence

Linking words help arrange ideas chronologically or in a specific order. They guide readers through a sequence of events or steps. Common time sequences linking words are; first, next, then, finally, meanwhile, after, before, afterward, subsequently, eventually, etc.

Example: First, we went shopping. Then, we had lunch at a cafe.

Example/Illustration

Linking words are used to provide examples that clarify or support the main point. They make your ideas more concrete and relatable. Examples of these words include “for example,” “such as,” “specifically,” and “in particular” etc.

Example: There are many outdoor activities you can try, such as hiking, biking, and camping.

Conclusion/Summary

Example: To sum up, regular exercise has numerous health benefits.

Emphasis

These words can be used to emphasize a point or to highlight its significance. They guide readers to pay attention to specific information. Examples are “especially,” “notably,” “indeed,” and “importantly.”

Example: The view from the top of the mountain was truly breathtaking.

Clarification

These words aid in clarifying or restating an idea to ensure readers understand it correctly. They help avoid confusion. Examples include “in other words,” “that is,” “to put it differently,” and “namely.”

Example: “The concept is a bit complex. In other words, it might take some time to fully understand.”

Expressing Purpose

Linking words like “in order to,” “so that,” and “for the purpose of” indicate the purpose or intention behind a certain action or statement.

Example: He worked overtime for extra money.

Sequence/Order

Words like “firstly,” “next,” “then,” “finally,” and “in conclusion” help to organize and sequence ideas in a logical order.

Example: First, we went to the park. Then, we had a picnic.

Condition:

Linking words like “if,” “unless,” “provided that,” and “in case” introduce conditions or circumstances under which something else will happen. They show that one thing depends on another.

Example: If it rains, we will stay indoors.

List of Linking Words & Connecting Words

Addition

Additionally
Along with
Also
Another
And then
Apart from this
As well as
As well as that
Besides
Coupled with
Finally
First
Further
Furthermore
In addition
Then
In addition to this
Moreover
In the same fashion
Not only…but also
Not to mention
Similarly
Together with
What’s more
Plus

Contrast

Alternatively
By contrast
In spite of
Although
As opposed to
Contrarily
Contrary to
Conversely
Despite
Differing from
Even so
However
In contrast to
In opposition
Instead
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Whereas
While
Yet
Nor
Notwithstanding
On the other hand
Rather
Though
Unlike
Up against

Showing Cause and Effect

Because
Since
Therefore
As a result
Consequently
Thus
Hence
Due to
Owing to
For this reason
On account of
Resulting from
Under the circumstances
In consequence of
As a consequence
The outcome is that
The effect of this
This has led to
Such that
Such is the case
Accordingly
Eventually

Linking Words of Cause and Effect in English

Comparison

In comparison
In the same way
Correspondingly
Just as
Likewise
Similarly
Compared to/with
As well as
Equally
Along with
In a similar fashion
By contrast
Conversely
On the contrary
Same as
Unlike
Instead of
While
Nevertheless
In spite of
Yet
Nonetheless
At the same time
In contrast to
On the other hand

Time sequence

First
First of all
Initially
At first
In the beginning
To start with
Next
Then
Subsequently
Later
Following that
Meanwhile
Simultaneously
Concurrently
At the same time
In the meantime
While
During
Throughout
After
Before
Prior to
Afterwards
Eventually
Finally

Example/Illustration

For example
For instance
Such as
Like
Including
To illustrate
In particular
Specifically
Namely
As an illustration
To demonstrate
As shown by
In the case of
One example is
As evidence
In other words
As a case in point
To put it differently
As revealed by
A good example of this is
In a similar manner
This can be seen when
As a specific instance
To exemplify
As a sample
In one instance
As proof
Let’s consider
As an example of
To clarify

Conclusion/Summary

All things considered
As demonstrated above
In brief
As shown above
So
As you can see
By and large
Given these points
In a word
Briefly
In any event
As noted
In conclusion
Generally speaking
In short
To end
In the end
In the final analysis
On the whole
Overall
Therefore
To conclude
In summary
To sum up
In essence
To summarize

Emphasis

Ultimately
Clearly
Clearly, then
Importantly
Most importantly
Notably
Significantly
Indeed
In fact
Undoubtedly
Without a doubt
Absolutely
Positively
Unquestionably
In particular
Especially
Primarily
Chiefly
Above all
It’s worth noting
It should be emphasized that
It’s important to highlight
A key point to remember
Of course
Naturally
To stress
Also
To highlight
It’s important to note
Even
To draw attention to
It cannot be overstated
To repeat
Truly

Clarification

I mean
In explanation
To be clear
In other words
Let me explain
To put it clearly
Simply stated
That is to say
To break it down
More precisely
To clearly define
Allow me to clarify
To put it in another way
Simply put
To simplify

Expressing Purpose, Reason

Because of
Therefore
For the purpose of
Given that
Granted that
In view of
Owing to
With this purpose
Provided that
Seeing that
With this in mind
In fact
In order to
As a result
With this intention
So that
With the aim of

Sequence/Order

First/ firstly
Second/ secondly
Third/ thirdly
Afterward
Finally
Initially
Following
Previously
Before
Subsequently
To start with

Condition

If
Unless
Although this may be true
As
Because of
Even if
In that case
On the condition that
Only if
Since
Then
When
Whenever
While
Except if

Choice

Option 1 or Option 2
Either… or…
Whether… or…
Preferably… or…
In either case…
Or
Alternatively
While… In comparison…
Rather
Select between… or…
Choose either… or…

Restatement

I mean
Expressed simply
In a nutshell
Otherwise stated
Put in another way
In other words
That is to say
To put it differently
In simple terms
What I mean by this is
To rephrase
In short

Generalize information

In general
Generally speaking
On the whole
Overall
Broadly
By and large
In most cases
In the majority of instances
As a rule
For the most part
In a general sense
Without exception
Universally
Across the board
Without distinction
In a broader context
Typically
Commonly
Without specific regard to
In a global perspective
Without pinpointing

FAQs

Q1. What are linking words?

Linking words, also known as transition words or connectors, are words or phrases that create a connection between ideas, sentences, or paragraphs in a text.

Q2. What is the importance of using linking words?

Connecting words help to create cohesion and coherence in writing, making it easier for readers to understand the relationships between different ideas.

Q3. Why are linking words important in writing?

Linking words help writers to make their writing coherent and logical. They allow the writer to smoothly transition from one idea to the next, which helps keep the reader engaged and ensures that the writing flows logically.

Q4. Can I use the same linking word more than once in a paragraph?

While it’s generally better to use a variety of linking words to create a sense of flow and variety, there may be instances where using the same linking word multiple times in a paragraph is appropriate.

Q5. What are some commonly used linking words?

Some commonly used linking words include and, but, or, because, since, therefore, however, furthermore, in addition, and despite.

Q6. What is the difference between conjunctions and linking words?

Conjunctions are a type of linking word that connects two clauses within a sentence. Linking words, on the other hand, connect different sentences or paragraphs within a text.