Linking Words in English: 100+ Connectors for Writing
Linking words show the relationship between ideas. They tell a reader whether you are adding a point, giving a reason, showing contrast, or reaching a conclusion. Without them, a paragraph can feel like a list of separate sentences. With too many of them, it can sound artificial. The goal is clear logic, not decoration.
This guide groups 100+ English connectors by function, with punctuation and register notes. Learn a few phrases for each job, then use them where the relationship between your ideas needs to be clear.
- Level: B1–C1
- Best for: essays, reports, emails, and presentations
- Key rule: choose the connector for the meaning, not because it sounds advanced
How linking words work
Some connectors join two clauses in one sentence. Others introduce a new sentence or add information inside a sentence. Their grammar matters as much as their meaning.
| Connector type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| coordinating conjunction | clause, but clause | The plan is useful, but it is expensive. |
| subordinating conjunction | because clause, clause | Because the road was closed, we left early. |
| sentence adverb | Sentence. However, sentence. | The road was closed. However, we arrived on time. |
| prepositional phrase | because of + noun | We left early because of the traffic. |
Do not write a comma before every connector. For example, because usually does not need a comma when the reason comes second: We stayed home because it was raining.
100+ linking words by function
Adding information
Use these when your next idea supports or extends the previous one.
| Connectors | Example |
|---|---|
| and, also, too, as well, in addition, additionally, furthermore, moreover, besides, what is more, not only … but also, both … and, another point is, equally important, similarly | The course is practical. In addition, it includes weekly feedback. |
Showing contrast or an unexpected result
Use these to compare different ideas or show that a result is surprising.
| Connectors | Example |
|---|---|
| but, yet, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, still, on the other hand, in contrast, by contrast, whereas, while, although, though, even though, despite, in spite of, instead, alternatively | The task looked simple. However, it required careful planning. |
Remember the grammar difference: although + clause but despite + noun / -ing. Write Although it was late, we continued and Despite the late hour, we continued.
Giving a reason or explaining a cause
| Connectors | Example |
|---|---|
| because, since, as, because of, due to, owing to, thanks to, given that, considering that, in view of, on account of, for this reason, that is why, as a result of | Because the data were incomplete, the team delayed the decision. |
Showing a result or consequence
| Connectors | Example |
|---|---|
| so, therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, for this reason, hence, accordingly, thereby, which means that, in consequence, so that | The instructions were unclear; therefore, several people made the same mistake. |
Giving an example or making an idea clearer
| Connectors | Example |
|---|---|
| for example, for instance, such as, like, namely, in particular, especially, to illustrate, as shown by, including, in other words, that is, to put it another way | Many habits help memory, for example, short daily reviews. |
Use such as before a noun or noun phrase: activities such as reading and listening. Use for example for a whole example sentence.
Ordering steps and moving through a text
| Connectors | Example |
|---|---|
| first, firstly, first of all, to begin with, initially, next, then, after that, subsequently, meanwhile, at the same time, later, eventually, finally, lastly, in the first place, in the next stage | First, define the problem. Next, collect the evidence. |
Comparing ideas
| Connectors | Example |
|---|---|
| likewise, similarly, in the same way, compared with, compared to, by comparison, just as, as … as, rather than, instead of, in comparison with | Compared with last year, attendance increased. |
Adding a condition, concession, or limitation
| Connectors | Example |
|---|---|
| if, unless, provided that, providing that, as long as, in case, whether or not, even if, otherwise, only if, except that, apart from, regardless of, no matter how, while it is true that | You can improve quickly provided that you review regularly. |
Concluding or summarizing
| Connectors | Example |
|---|---|
| in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up, in summary, overall, all in all, in short, in brief, on the whole, ultimately, to recap, in essence, after all, for the reasons above | Overall, the evidence supports a gradual change rather than a sudden one. |
For more language for formal essays, read the existing IELTS Writing Task 2 vocabulary guide. The English collocations guide will also help you make the phrases around your connectors sound natural.
Formal and everyday connectors
The most formal connector is not always the best choice. Match the phrase to the situation.
| Everyday / neutral | More formal | Use |
|---|---|---|
| so | therefore, consequently | results in reports and essays |
| but | however, nevertheless | contrast at the start of a new sentence |
| also | furthermore, moreover | adding a strong supporting point |
| because of | due to, owing to | formal explanation with a noun phrase |
| in the end | ultimately | final result or judgment |
In a personal email, so and but are usually clearer. In an academic paragraph, therefore and however can make the logic easier to scan. Do not use moreover simply to make a sentence sound formal.
Build a paragraph with a clear logic chain
Here is a simple structure for one paragraph:
- Make one main point.
- Explain the reason with because, since, or therefore.
- Give an example with for instance or such as.
- Add a limitation with however or although if needed.
- Finish with a short result or link to the next idea.
Weak: Online lessons are flexible. Students can study at home. Some students feel alone. Teachers should communicate often.
Clearer: Online lessons are flexible because students can study at home. However, some students may feel isolated. Therefore, teachers should communicate often and provide regular feedback.
The second version is not better because it has more difficult words. It is better because the reader can see cause, contrast, and result.
Common linking-word mistakes
- Do not begin every sentence with however. Use it only for genuine contrast.
- Do not use despite of. Say despite the problem or in spite of the problem.
- Do not confuse because and because of. The first takes a clause; the second takes a noun phrase.
- Do not join two full sentences with only a comma and however. Use a full stop, semicolon, or a different structure.
- Do not add connectors where the order is already obvious. Too many bridges slow the reader down.
Vocabulary snippet: connectors for active practice
Save a small set, write a five-sentence paragraph, and use each connector only where it expresses a real relationship.
consequently
adverb
As a result; therefore.
Examples
- He missed several classes and consequently fell behind in his studies.
- The weather was terrible, and consequently the outdoor concert was cancelled.
demonstrate
verb
To show or prove something clearly, often by giving examples or evidence.
Examples
- Protesters demonstrate outside the government building every Friday afternoon.
- The teacher will demonstrate the proper technique for the science experiment.
emphasize
verb
To give special importance to something when speaking or writing.
Examples
- Parents should emphasize the value of honesty and integrity to children.
- The speaker will emphasize the main points using visual slides and examples.
enhance
verb
To improve or make something better.
Examples
- New software will enhance the computer's performance and processing speed.
- Regular exercise can enhance both physical health and mental wellbeing.
evaluate
verb
To judge or measure the value, quality, or importance of something.
Examples
- Companies evaluate job candidates based on experience, skills, and personality.
- Teachers evaluate student progress through tests, projects, and classroom participation.
facilitate
verb
To make something easier or possible by providing help or support.
Examples
- Technology can facilitate learning by making information more accessible to students.
- The new software will facilitate communication between different departments.
fundamental
adjective
Essential or basic; forming the foundation of something.
Examples
- Reading and writing are fundamental skills for academic success.
- There are fundamental differences between the two political parties' policies.
furthermore
adverb
Moreover; in addition to what has been said.
Examples
- She speaks three languages fluently; furthermore, she's learning a fourth.
- The plan is expensive; furthermore, it may not work as expected.
illustrate
verb
To make something clearer or easier to understand by giving examples or pictures.
Examples
- The children's book uses colorful pictures to illustrate the story.
- This example will illustrate how the new system works in practice.
implication
noun
A suggestion or hint about something that is not directly stated.
Examples
- Scientists are studying the implications of climate change for future generations.
- The implication of his statement was that he disagreed with the policy.
inevitable
adjective
Certain to happen and cannot be avoided.
Examples
- Change is inevitable in life, and we must learn to adapt.
- The inevitable result of poor planning is confusion and failure.
perspective
noun
A noun for a particular way of looking at or thinking about something.
Examples
- Different perspective helps solve complex problems creatively.
- Historical perspective reveals patterns in human behavior.
priority
noun
The importance or urgency given to something in planning or decision-making.
Examples
- Family safety is top priority during emergency.
- Student education should be national funding priority.
significant
adjective
Having a lot of importance or meaning; not minor.
Examples
- Significant improvement shows in student test scores.
- Significant investment required for business expansion plan.
substantial
adjective
Important or large enough to have a noticeable effect.
Examples
- Substantial improvement shows in student test scores.
- Substantial investment creates new business opportunities today.
transform
verb
To change the form or appearance of something into a different one.
Examples
- Education can transform person's life opportunities completely.
- Technology will transform how people work communicate.
ultimately
adverb
In the end; after everything else has been considered or done.
Examples
- Ultimately, family happiness matters most in life.
- Ultimately, hard work leads to success achievement.
undertake
verb
To take on a task or responsibility, often involving effort or risk.
Examples
- Company will undertake major expansion project next.
- Students undertake research projects during final semester.
CD player
noun
A device that plays audio CDs, A device that plays audio from CDs.
Examples
- He found an old CD player in the attic.
- He played his favorite songs on the CD player.
- The CD player stopped working.
downside
noun
Moving or falling toward the bottom or lower position.
Examples
- One downside of the plan is the cost.
- The downside is that it takes more time.
knickers
noun
Underwear worn by women or girls, covering the lower body.
Examples
- He was wearing colorful knickers.
- She bought a new pair of knickers.
sustainable
adjective
This adjective describes something that can be maintained or continued without depleting resources.
Examples
- Company implements sustainable business model for long-term success.
- Sustainable farming practices protect soil and water resources.
rectify
verb
To correct or make something right, especially an error or problem.
Examples
- The company is working to rectify the situation.
- We need to rectify the errors in the report.
beneficial
adjective
Helpful or good for health or success.
Examples
- Regular exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental health.
- The new policy proved beneficial for small business owners.
comprehensive
adjective
Including all necessary details and information, covering a wide range.
Examples
- Students need comprehensive insurance coverage while studying abroad.
- The comprehensive report covers all aspects of the company's financial performance.
What to do next
- Practise useful academic words in the B2 vocabulary library.
- Use the IELTS Writing Task 2 vocabulary guide for structured essay language.
- Review natural word combinations in the English collocations guide.
- Add five connectors to your Linglify dictionary and write one short paragraph today.
FAQ
What are the most useful linking words for English writing?
Start with because, so, however, for example, first, then, and in conclusion. They cover the most common logical relationships and are easy to use accurately.
Is it okay to start a sentence with however?
Yes. Put however at the beginning of a new sentence when it contrasts with the previous point, and follow it with a comma: However, the cost remains high.
Which linking words are best for IELTS or academic writing?
Use accurate, varied connectors such as therefore, in contrast, for instance, although, and overall. Clear development and correct grammar matter more than rare transition words.
How many linking words should I use in a paragraph?
Use only enough to make the logic visible. A short paragraph may need two or three; adding one to every sentence often sounds repetitive.
