200+ Linking Words – Full List, Examples
| Candace Osmond
Candace Osmond
Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.
Worried that your essay lacks structure and coherence? Perhaps you should use linking words, transition words, or connectors to give it a boost.
Linking words join separate sentences to improve writing flow. You can also find them mid-sentence to connect clauses.
Read on as I show you the definition and types of linking words in English. I also list examples of linking words under every category, and I whipped up a helpful worksheet to test your skills.
What Are Linking Words?
Linking words, transition words, or connecting words in the English language help connect ideas and sentences when speaking or writing.
Linking words and phrases are connectors or transitional phrases. They are also part of formal language, so you’ll find them in academic writing, opinion writing, critical essays, dialectic essays , journalism, and business documents.
Some linking verbs link clauses within a sentence, such as although, in case, and whatever. That means you can find them in the middle of sentences from time to time. Others link two complete sentences, such as besides, as a result, and however.
List of Transition Words
Now that you know the meaning of transition words, let’s look at the usage of transition words in sentences and clauses. Don’t worry, I’ll break it all down for you!
Below, I’ve got a list of linking words and phrases to serve as alternative choices for connecting ideas in writing. Note that there are several types of transition words which we will discuss later.
Agreement/Addition/Similarity
Linking words may help the reader understand additional comments or ideas in a statement. They may also express agreement or similarities. These words are also called additive transition words, commonly found in expository essays and narrative essays.
- In the first place
- As a matter of fact
- In like manner
- In addition
- Not only, but also
- Coupled with
- In the same way
- In the same manner
- First, second, third
- Not to mention
- In the light of
- By the same token
- Additionally
- Correspondingly
- Furthermore
- Comparatively
- At the same time
- Together with
- Identically
Here are some examples of additive linking words in a sentence.
- The group found that a constructivist approach leads to higher test scores. Moreover, essay examinations show higher levels of learning.
- The resort has tennis courts. Furthermore, it has an Olympic pool.
Negative Ideas
Some linking words come in pairs to join negative ideas.
- Not, neither
- Neither, nor
Here are sentence examples of linking words showing negative ideas.
- I haven’t seen Lory, neither have I talked to her friend.
- I neither drink nor smoke.
Opposition/Limitation/Contradiction
Whereas some linking words show an extra idea, these transition phrases and words express contrasting ideas in writing.
- Although this may be true
- In contrast
- (and) still
- Notwithstanding
- Different from
- Of course…, but
- On the other hand
- On the contrary
- Be that as it may
- Nonetheless
- Even so/though
- Nevertheless
- In spite of
Here are some sentences with linking words of opposition.
- The short story can be analyzed using a functionalist lens. However, its historical theme is better understood with a critical perspective.
- As much as I want to go, I must take care of my sister.
Some linking words show relationships between ideas by accepting an idea with reservation instead of showing complete opposition. Here are some examples.
- All the same
- Regardless of this
- Up to a point
Here are some sentence examples.
- Many citizens opposed this unfair policy, which the president nevertheless enacted.
- I like him even if we have different views in life.
Cause/Condition/Purpose
You may also use linking words in your writing piece to show conditions and purpose for a logical flow of ideas. Words like reason get the reader ready to understand why. These words are commonly found in hypothesis essays.
- In the event that
- Granted (that)
- Provided that
- On (the) condition (that)
- For the purpose of
- With this intention
- With this in mind
- In the hope that
- Inasmuch as
- To the end that
- For fear that
- In order to
- Seeing/being that
- The researchers used this method so that the results would be valid, reliable, and aligned with the objectives.
- I will not be attending the seminar due to a high fever.
Examples/Support/Emphasis
You can also use transition words in your piece of writing that show examples or support of an idea.
- In other words
- To put it differently
- For one thing
- In particular
- As an illustration
- In this case
- For example
- For instance
- For this reason
- To put it another way
- To demonstrate
- That is to say
- With attention to
- By all means
- To emphasize
- To enumerate
- Particularly
- Significantly
- Specifically
- Surprisingly
- Important to realize
- Another key point
- On the negative side
- First thing to remember
- Must be remembered
- To point out
- Point often overlooked
- She visited several cities, namely Portland, Jacksonville, Charleston, and Hartford.
- Transition words improve writing flow. For instance, we use further to add extra ideas related to the previous statement.
Effect/Consequence/Result
You might also spot transitional devices for essays that show consequences, results, and effects.
- As a result
- In that case
- Under those circumstances
- Accordingly
- Consequently
Consider the examples below.
- We watered the plant for seven days. In effect, it grew three inches taller.
- Because she didn’t study for the test, Anna failed and had to retake it.
Conclusion/Summary/Restatement
These words and phrases show transitions between sentences to show conclusions. You’ll find these words in essay conclusions of different essay types.
- In simple language
- In explanation
- In lay terms
- In a nutshell
- As can be seen
- In simple terms
- Generally speaking
- All things considered
- As shown above
- In the final analysis
- In the long run
- In either case
- Given these points
- As has been noted
- In any event
- On the whole
- By and large
- For the most part
- In conclusion
- To summarize
Note that in lay terms and in explanation are formal alternative choices to “ in a nutshell.”
Here are some examples.
- Matter is a material that occupies space and has mass. In simple language, it is any physical substance.
- I don’t want to climb the corporate ladder. After all, money isn’t everything.
Time/Chronology/Sequence
Linking words’ other role in writing is to show sequence or chronology. Under the time category, these phrases add a meaning of time. You can find these words in an essay introduction when the writer explains how the paper is structured.
- In due time
- From time to time
- At the present time
- Sooner or later
- Up to the present time
- To begin with
- Straightaway
- In the meantime
- In a moment
- Without delay
- All of a sudden
- At this instant
- First, second
- By the time
- Immediately
- Occasionally
- I watched the movie on television. Eventually, I fell asleep.
- First, fill the pan with water. Then, bring it to a boil.
Space/Location/Place
The following transition words are famous adverbial expressions that limit or modify space. Some of these words and phrases are also transition words of time.
- In the middle of
- To the left/right
- In front of
- On this side
- In the distance
- In the foreground
- In the background
- In the center of
- Adjacent to
- Opposite to
Below are sentence examples using transition words of space.
- My house is located behind the building.
- To the left of the supermarket is a flower shop.
Common Mistakes With Transition Words
Transition words help you create a flow of arguments for readers to understand what you’re saying. But misused transition words and phrases will make your writing unclear. Avoid these mistakes to give your readers a better experience.
Starting a Sentence With So, And, and Also
Both so and and are coordinating conjunctions, which means they can start independent clauses that stand on their own. But it’s not recommended to use these words and also as sentence starters in formal writing. For example:
- Incorrect: Also, there are unauthorized charges on my credit card account.
- Correct: Furthermore, there are unauthorized charges on my credit card account.
Combination of Transition Words And/Or
When writing an essay, avoid English transition words and/or because it makes your paper look messy. Instead, consider whether you need both connectors or only one of them. If you need them both, try this alternative.
- Incorrect: boat and/or plane.
- Correct: boat, plane, or both.
Using As Well As as Alternative to And
As well as has a different meaning from the transition word and. And means you’re listing something of equal importance. Meanwhile, as well as is for additional, less essential information. Here’s an example.
- Incorrect: In this paper, I discuss my movie analysis as well as provide recommendations for improvement.
- Correct: In this paper, I discuss my movie analysis and provide recommendations for improvement.
Archaic Words
Your writing may not make any sense to readers if you overuse archaic transition words like therewith .
For example, hereby means as a result. We can replace it with more modern and explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement is connected to the previous statement.
Linking Words Summary
A linking word is a term that connects different ideas in your text, whether they are contrasting, supporting, or adding. They can improve your writing and help it flow better, I promise!
Regardless of the style of writing, every piece of writing contains linking words to show perfect transitions. I hope my guide on the definition and list of transitions helps you use these words and phrases correctly. Memorize each category, and don’t overuse them in essays.
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Transitional Words and Phrases
One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.
While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.
In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.
Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.
Categories of Transition Words and Phrases
Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example
Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession
Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary
Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships
Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).
accordingly as a result and so because
consequently for that reason hence on account of
since therefore thus
Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.
after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime
later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes
soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while
Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.
additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more
finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place
last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too
Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.
after all although and yet at the same time but
despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding
on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet
Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.
as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)
for example for instance specifically that is
to demonstrate to illustrate
Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.
chiefly critically
foundationally most importantly
of less importance primarily
Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.
above adjacent to below beyond
centrally here nearby neighboring on
opposite to peripherally there wherever
Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.
by the same token in like manner
in similar fashion here in the same way
likewise wherever
Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification
i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words
that is that is to say to clarify to explain
to put it another way to rephrase it
granted it is true
naturally of course
finally lastly
in conclusion in the end
to conclude
Intensification
in fact indeed no
of course surely to repeat
undoubtedly without doubt yes
for this purpose in order that
so that to that end
to this end
in brief in sum
in summary in short
to sum up to summarize
Improving Your Writing Style
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Clear, Concise Sentences
Use the active voice
Put the action in the verb
Tidy up wordy phrases
Reduce wordy verbs
Reduce prepositional phrases
Reduce expletive constructions
Avoid using vague nouns
Avoid unneccessarily inflated words
Avoid noun strings
Connecting Ideas Through Transitions
Using Transitional Words and Phrases
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Moreover, you can use essay transition words to start a paragraph, sentence, or clause more naturally. Additionally, essay transition words can connect new information to the previous statement so you don’t have to say everything at once. This guide looks at how to use transition words in essays.
Linking words may help the reader understand additional comments or ideas in a statement. They may also express agreement or similarities. These words are also called additive transition words, commonly found in expository essays and narrative essays.
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.
Transition words are useful for all types of writers. Whether you’re attempting academic writing, blogging, speech writing, or writing fiction, transition words can help refine your text and create a narrative flow.
Transitional expressions can help tie ideas together. They also help your narrative flow from one paragraph or idea to the other. Try out a few in your paper. Be sure that any transition you use makes sense. The goal is to make your writing flow smoothly from sentence to sentence.
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic. In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other.