useful conjunctions for essays

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.

Grammarist is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

2024 © Grammarist, a Found First Marketing company. All rights reserved.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Parts of speech
• Using Conjunctions | Definition, Rules & Examples

Using Conjunctions | Definition, Rules & Examples

Published on October 23, 2022 by Amy Luo . Revised on March 8, 2023.

A conjunction is a word that is used to connect words, phrases, and clauses. There are many conjunctions in the English language, but some common ones include and ,  or ,  but ,  because , for , if , and when .

There are three basic types of conjunctions: coordinating , subordinating , and correlative .

Because the popstar caught a terrible cold, her upcoming performances in Boston and Chicago were indefinitely postponed. The tour organizers provided neither rescheduled dates nor refunds for the tickets, causing much discontent among the fans.

Table of contents

Coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, starting a sentence with a conjunction, other interesting language articles.

This type of conjunction is used to connect items that are grammatically equal: two words, two phrases, or two independent clauses. There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English, and you can remember them using the mnemonic device FANBOYS: f or, a nd, n or, b ut, o r, y et,  s o.

A conjunction of this type is placed between the items that it links together.

Coordinating conjunctions can join two nouns, verbs , adjectives , or other types of word.

• The data was gathered through questionnaires  and  interviews .
• I don’t like to run  or  swim .
• He was clever  but  lazy .

They can also join different types of phrases.

• The dog wagged his tail  and  panted excitedly .
• The results were undeniably intriguing  yet  ultimately inconclusive .
• She usually studies  in the library  or  at a cafe .

Independent clauses

A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand on its own as a full sentence, expressing a complete thought.

• Today Jane Austen is one of the most widely read English novelists,   but  she achieved little fame during her lifetime .

In the sentence above, the coordinating conjunction but creates a relationship between two independent clauses. Therefore, you place a comma before but . Notice that the two clauses also work as sentences on their own.

• Today Jane Austen is one of the most widely read English novelists. She achieved little fame during her lifetime.

 Punctuating coordinating conjunctions

When joining two words or phrases with a coordinating conjunction, do not use a comma .

In these examples, the conjunction joins two words or phrases that are connected to a single verb ( gathered and  studies ), so you shouldn’t place a comma before and .

When joining two independent clauses, however, use a comma before the conjunction.

In these examples, the clauses before and after the conjunction could both stand as full sentences on their own, so a comma is required.

Check for common mistakes

Use the best grammar checker available to check for common mistakes in your text.

Fix mistakes for free

This type of conjunction includes words like  because , if ,  although ,  since ,  until , and  while . A subordinating conjunction is used to introduce a dependent claus e .

In contrast to an independent clause, a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand as a complete sentence on its own. A dependent clause does not express a complete idea, so it must always be attached to an independent clause.

• Because I woke up late this morning. I went to school without eating breakfast.
• Because I woke up late this morning ,  I went to school without eating breakfast.
• I went to school without eating breakfast because I woke up late this morning .

I woke up late this morning  is an independent clause, but the subordinating conjunction  because turns it into a dependent clause:  Because I woke up late this morning does not finish a complete thought. It must be joined to an independent clause to form a grammatically correct sentence.

The subordinating conjunction defines the relationship between the clauses. The table below shows some common subordinating conjunctions and the relationships they express, but note that this is not a complete list.

Punctuating subordinating conjunctions

When a subordinating conjunction follows an independent clause, a comma is often not necessary. In general, when the dependent clause contains essential information about the independent clause, don’t use a comma.

However, when the subordinating conjunction comes at the beginning of the sentence, use a comma at the end of the dependent clause.

This type of conjunction always comes in a pair and is used to join grammatically equal elements in a sentence. Common pairs include  either … or , neither … nor , not only … but also , and both … and . In most cases, no comma should be used between the two elements.

• Her book on the Vietnam War drew not only from interviews with other survivors but also from her own experiences in the conflict.

Correlative conjunctions must use parallel structure , which means the two elements should take the same grammatical form.

• She planned to collect data by either using an online survey or phone interviews.
• She planned to collect data by either using an online survey or conducting phone interviews.

Beginner writers are often taught that sentences should not begin with a coordinating conjunction. However, it is not strictly incorrect to begin a sentence with a conjunction, and you may find it used effectively by skilled writers to create emphasis.

While such usage has become acceptable in popular and literary language, it is generally best avoided in academic writing where possible.

A subordinating conjunction can come at the start of a sentence, but only if the dependent clause is followed by an independent clause.

A dependent clause on its own is known as a sentence fragment.

Although fragments are often used in speech and informal writing, they should generally be avoided in academic writing.

If you want to know more about nouns , pronouns , verbs , and other parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations and examples.

Nouns & pronouns

• Common nouns
• Proper nouns
• Collective nouns
• Personal pronouns
• Uncountable and countable nouns
• Verb tenses
• Phrasal verbs
• Types of verbs
• Active vs passive voice
• Subject-verb agreement
• Interjections
• Determiners
• Prepositions

Sources in this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Luo, A. (2023, March 08). Using Conjunctions | Definition, Rules & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/

Aarts, B. (2011).  Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015).  Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage  (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Garner, B. A. (2016).  Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Is this article helpful?

Other students also liked

Parallel structure & parallelism | definition, use & examples, capitalization rules in english | quick guide & examples, definite and indefinite articles | when to use "the", "a" or "an", get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

Top 60+ List of Conjunction Words For Writers

Learn how to ramp up your penning and create complex sentences, often joined by conjunction words. Here is a list of conjunction words for your writing.

What Are Conjunction Words?

List of conjunction words, list of coordinating conjunction words , list of subordinating conjunction words , list of correlative conjunction words , list of conjunctive adverbs .

Conjunctions connect phrases, clauses, and words in a sentence. They can also link ideas or keep two full sentences related to one another. Writers must master using conjunction words in their writing to improve their levels. 

Below are all the conjunction words we’ve collected and listed. 

An excellent way to learn how to improve your sentences structures is through understanding sentence patterns. See our guide to conditional sentences exercises .

Coordinating conjunctions bring together words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence. The parts connected by coordinating conjunctions must have the same syntactic functions. 

You can’t tell me the answer, but you can give me directions. 

The young employees from the kitchen and housekeeping staff created a cheer dance team. 

You told me you wanted to win the competition, yet you’ve done nothing to reach your goals.

Always bring your umbrella when you go to town, for the weather here is unpredictable. 

I’ve never given you my number nor my email. 

Did Shania tell you if she wanted to sing for us today or next week?

I was craving donuts, so I bought a dozen of them. 

• Otherwise 

We had to pay the corrupt officers; otherwise , they’d put us in jail for a made-up reason. 

You can make hot cocoa as well as coffee at the kitchenette. 

The other contestants didn’t prepare ahead of time; therefore , they had to rush most of the work.

• In addition to

The fairies bestowed upon Grendolyn protection from malignant curses in addition to her new ability to tell when someone was lying.

This type of conjunction joins a main clause and a set of words that can’t form a complete sentence by itself. Subordinating conjunctions often show a cause-and-effect association. They can also show a shift in the time or place. 

• Since 

Sandy has always wanted to see the sea since her childhood days. 

• After 

The children played and made noise after their teacher left the classroom. 

The kittens would always climb the curtains once they saw birds perched by the window. 

Jenny had been a waitress before becoming a CEO. 

You could always get a new table online if you don’t see anything you like here. 

Everybody could hear banging and shouting whenever the couple in Room 205 got into a fight. 

We don’t allow dogs in the building because many of our employees have allergies to dogs.

• While 

The boys sang Auld Lang Syne while the girls sang Joy to the World for their class presentation.

Jerry left the meeting place when none of his friends showed up. 

We will proceed with the heist unless the boss forms a different plan. 

The queen’s illegitimate daughter succeeded where the princess failed. 

• Wherever 

Wherever Seraphine goes, you’ll always hear her music playing in the background. 

• As much as 

It’s easy to see that our kittens miss our late German shepherd as much as the rest of the family. 

Walter White was content making drugs to pay for his chemotherapy until he got greedy. 

We won’t see a sky clearer for a meteor shower viewing than tonight. 

Do you think the country’s economy would’ve been better suppose World War II didn’t happen?

Diane, the therapist, said she’d see us only if we promised to get along during our next session. 

• Provided 

Hans will reclaim his place in the kingdom provided he gets a chance to take the throne. 

Morgana wanted to cut off contact with her family in case they abused her and retook her savings. 

You’ll never know success in the business lest you forget about your pride . 

• Even though

Vox Machina kept their heads up and did the work even though the odds were always stacked against them.

Hollywood’s romance movies always end with a happy ending, even if the main character’s relationship is toxic. 

• By the time

Little Anya would’ve grown into a full adult by the time we reached the front of the line. 

Westeros will never know peace as long as the tyrannous dragon queen holds the continent in her palm. 

Although Tonia began a movement to preserve her works, the government continued to destroy them.

Correlative conjunctions illustrate or emphasize how a clause, word, phrase, or idea relates to another. All correlative conjunctions come in pairs. 

You told me you wanted to either go to the zoo or stay home watching the Discovery Channel. 

• Neither, nor

The women in the town played neither ball sports nor water sports.

• Not only, but also

Henry recalled that he saw not only Venus that night but also a shooting star. 

Both the audience and his fellow comedians felt uneasy during Andy Kaufman’s first bit on HBO’s show in 1977. 

• Whether, or

Whether you come to Leanne’s wedding or Danny’s birthday party is up to you. 

Such is his fear of the deep ocean that Michael couldn’t enjoy the beach. 

• As many, as

The king ordered his generals to gather as many soldiers as possible.

• No sooner, than

No sooner had I entered the room than the group greeted me for the surprise party. 

• Rather, than

My sister would rather see a poorly done horror movie twice than read any of Anne Rice’s books.

• Whether or not 

You’ll turn 30 in a year, whether or not you spend a lot on a big, fancy party. 

• As much, as

Sarah was surprised by how the girls in the city tried to drink as much alcohol as the men could.

• As little, as

She could still work even though her schedule gives her as little sleep as possible. 

Can you work on the house with as few helpers as you hired in the past project? 

Although they are adverbs in function, these words have the same function as other conjunction words. They may also show contrast, sequence, cause and effect, and other relationships between clauses. You could write conjunctive adverbs to connect two clauses with a semicolon or two sentences. 

Finally , my friend finished reading the whole Harry Potter series, including its spinoff books. 

• However 

We couldn’t get an extra concert ticket for you; however , we could stream it privately on the chat. 

Jamie’s son consistently has high grades; contrarily , his daughter rarely shows up for school.

The Northern tribe continued their headhunting practices; meanwhile , the tribes closer to the cities preserved it through stories. 

Marshall didn’t want to tell his family the truth about his leg. Instead , he told a story about how he got into a car accident. 

Jamaica attended med school to please her parents. Likewise , her sisters felt the same pressure to pursue a medical career. 

• Eventually 

Right now, there are only a few fish in the aquarium. Eventually , we’ll see it fill up with more baby fish. 

• Undoubtedly

None of the people here has a genuine driving license; undoubtedly , someone provided fake licenses. 

Mila told her partner that she didn’t want to be a mother. Regardless , he was willing to marry her. 

• Accordingly

The various departments were given new copies of the rulebook. Accordingly , we also tasked the managers to explain the new system and answer any questions. 

• Comparatively

The 1996 plane crash victims survived because of their rural living experiences. Comparatively , the 2021 survivors were all city dwellers and didn’t last long. 

• Nonetheless

The helpful professor gave various acronyms during each lesson for easy memorization. Nevertheless , the dean considered it a violation to make the curriculum too easy for the students.

The privileged and educated students demanded we hand high-paying jobs to them. Moreover , they wanted to abuse the bonuses our company offered to underprivileged employees. 

• Furthermore

Did you know our neighbor asked the poor delivery man to enter her home with the package? Furthermore , she had him install the new patio swing for her!

• Incidentally 

We’ve been meaning to change the locks on all the lockers in the department. Incidentally , I saw a sale for combination locks earlier. 

We donated shoes for the forest tribespeople. Still , many remained barefoot for easy walking and good health.  

• On the other hand

Many girls from her high school grew into pretty women in the last decade. Elisa, on the other hand , regressed from being the school muse to an introverted nerd. 

• As a result

The typhoon caused the schools to close for repairs. As a result , the elementary students rejoiced for an extra day of no schooling. 

The judge told the two landowners to settle where their boundaries lie. Henceforth , each one has hired land surveyors to document it. Do you want to improve your writing skills? Reading makes you a better writer, so try these 20 literary websites to choose your next book .

• 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

• << Previous: PEEL Paragraphs
• Next: Paraphrasing >>
• Last Updated: Aug 29, 2024 9:40 AM
• URL: https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/academic_writing
• Library and Learning Services, University of Staffordshire, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DE
• Accessibility
• Library Regulations
• Appointments
• Library Search

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.

IELTS Grammar: Conjunctions in writing

Using conjunctions in ielts writing..

Updated April 7th 2022

For a high band score in IELTS writing, it is important to use conjunctions effectively. This shows the examiner you can use grammar precisely and helps the flow of your essay, which makes it easier for the reader. A conjunction is a word used to connect clauses or sentences. These are marked under grammar and are directly linked to coherence and cohesion in the IELTS marking criteria.

If you make mistakes with conjunctions it will affect coherence and cohesion. In fact ‘complex sentences’ can be constructed using conjunctions. Let’s take a look at some of these and how to use them correctly.

Below are some example sentences.

1. though, although, even though, nonetheless

‘Being a parent is often exhausting and stressful, but it is very rewarding.’

Now I can rewrite this sentence in 4 different ways and keep the same meaning.

1. Although being a parent is exhausting and stressful, it is very rewarding. 2. It is very rewarding being a parent. Nonetheless, it is also exhausting and stressful. 3. Being a parent is exhausting and stressful, although it is very rewarding. 4. Even though being a parent is exhausting and stressful, it is very rewarding.

Though, although and even though have the same meaning. Usually ‘though’ is at the end of the sentence.

Punctuation is important here, check the position of the commas in the sentences. ‘Nonetheless’ usually starts a sentence and there is a comma straight after it.

2. in spite of, despite, although

‘Studying overseas is expensive, but it is important for our career.’

1. Although studying overseas is expensive , it is important for our career. 2. In spite of the cost, studying overseas is important for our career. 3. Despite the cost , studying overseas is important for our career.

All the sentences above have the same meaning, after ‘in spite of ‘or ‘despite’ we need to use a noun or a pronoun . So I changed the word ‘expensive’ to ‘the cost’ ,  also notice the position of the comma. Punctuation is a key point here too.

3. unless, providing, as long as

‘The government should take steps to tackle pollution or the environment will not be able to recover’

1. Unless the government takes steps to stop pollution, the environment will not be able to recover. 2. Providing that the government takes steps to stop pollution, the environment will recover. 3. As long as the government takes steps to stop pollution, the environment will recover. 4. The environment will recover, as long as the government takes steps to stop pollution.

In the first example using ‘unless’  the second part of the sentence is negative. Unless is quite often used to give a warning. Usually unless is used to mean ‘except if’ ..for example: ‘ You can’t use this gym unless you have membership.’

Again, punctuation is important and the position of the commas.

4. while, whereas, on the other hand

(very useful in an overview in IELTS writing task 1)

The number of people who ate fast food once a month accounted for the highest percentage. The everyday category showed the lowest figure s

1. The number of people who ate fast food once a month accounted for the highest percentage, whereas the everyday category showed the lowest figure s 2. The number of people who ate fast food once a month accounted for the highest percentage. On the other hand, the everyday category showed the lowest figure s 3. The number of people who ate fast food once a month accounted for the highest percentage, while the everyday category showed the lowest figure s

This sentence was taken from a task 1 academic bar chart to show contrast. These conjunctions are important to use in the overview in task 1 to compare high and low figures. Notice that I use a comma with ‘whereas’ and ‘while’

Using conjunctions for opinions and conclusions

When writing your essay, it is a very good idea to contrast your own opinion with a conjunction. These examples below are taken from various essays such as crime, health, and technology.

• Even though long prison terms are considered the best way to tackle crime, I think that there are other alternatives to bringing the crime rate down.
• Many people would say that obesity is caused by fast food. However, I believe that it is caused mainly by lack of exercise.
• Recently there is a concern that robots will take people’s jobs. In my opinion, as long as people update their skills, such as learning something that can only be done by humans, then this should not be a major cause for concern

Conjunctions in the conclusion

Here are 2 examples of conclusions that have the same meaning taken from a technology essay.

• To conclude, even though there are concerns that people will lose jobs in the future to robots, I hold the view that as long as people can update their skills and offer a service that robots cannot do, then there should not be a cause for concern.
• To sum up, despite concerns that people will lose their jobs in the future to robots, I believe that as long as people can update their skills and offer a service that robots cannot do, then there should not be a cause for concern.

Now it’s your turn to practice.

Can you add some conjunctions to these sentences? the words you need are in the brackets. You may need to add words and make changes to the sentence structure too.

a) Studying IELTS can be stressful but it opens up career opportunities worldwide. (Even though)

b) I occasionally go to the movies but I prefer to download movies from the internet.  (although)

c) My city is really overcrowded and expensive to live in but it has some great restaurants and bars. (Nonetheless)

d) Pollution in developing countries is a serious issue. If action is taken to sort the problem out then this can be solved. (Providing)

e) Pollution in big cities is a serious issue these days. If the problem is not tackled soon it will get out of control. (unless)

f) Obesity is a growing issue in developed countries but there is also a growing awareness of healthy eating. (despite)

g) Overall, Bobs Bakery saw upward trends in yearly income earned. Johns Bakery, which had started with the highest revenue, ended with the lowest earnings by the end of the period. (whereas)

a) Even though studying IELTS can be stressful, it opens up career opportunities worldwide.

b) I occasionally go to the movies; although I prefer to download movies from the internet.

c) My city is really overcrowded and expensive to live in. Nonetheless, it has some great restaurants and bars.

d) Pollution in developing countries is a serious issue. Providing action is taken to tackle the problem, then this can be solved.

e) Pollution in big cities is a serious issue these days. Unless the problem is tackled soon, it will get out of control.

f) Obesity is a growing issue in developed countries. Despite this , there is also a growing awareness of healthy eating.

g) Overall, Bobs Bakery saw upward trends in yearly income earned, whereas Johns Bakery, which had started with the highest revenue, ended with the lowest earnings by the end of the period.

In example c the word Nonetheless starts a new sentence. In example f   I added this to despite. In example g I used whereas in a writing task 1 overview to show contrast

Conclusions practice:  fill in the gaps with conjunctions you have learned in this lesson and then finish the conclusion with your own opinion.

a) In conclusion, ____________ many people say that living in the countryside is boring, my view is that…….

b) To sum up, it is clear that longer prison sentences are appropriate for serious criminals. ___________ I believe that…

c) To conclude, ________ the downsides to using the internet to communicate and develop relationships, I think that….

These are just possible answers, your answer may vary.

a) In conclusion, even though many people say that living in the countryside is boring, my view is that it is far less stressful than living in a big city.

b) To sum up, it is obvious that longer prison sentences are appropriate for serious criminals. Nonetheless, I believe that there are other alternatives to bringing the crime rate down.

c) To conclude, despite the downsides of using the internet to communicate and develop relationships, I think that the chance to interact with others worldwide can lead to positive outcomes for most people.

In each case, I have used a conjunction and then given my opinion.

Any comments?, leave them below.

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Linking Words, Connecting Words: Full List and Useful Examples

Linking words (connecting words) are something we need to know in any style of writing, because it helps the reader to follow the flow of what you are saying. Whether it’s an argument in an essay , or an epic scene in a fantasy novel, your reader needs to be able to follow what you are saying. So, what are linking words, why should you bother learning them, and what does it look like in practice? Well, this guide will answer all of those questions!

Linking Words

What are linking words.

Linking words are words that connect ideas together in a piece of writing . It shows that two things are related in some way, or that the point you are making has supporting information. The difference between linking words and simple paragraph starters that we looked at previously, is that linking words can be found at the start of paragraphs, but also in the middle of sentences to connect two ideas together too.

Why Should I Learn Linking Words/Connecting Words?

The answer to this one is fairly straightforward. If you don’t know a variety of linking words to connect ideas together in a piece of writing, then you’re writing won’t make sense. In the very best case here, your reader will become confused and fail to follow the message you are trying to get across in your writing, because the bits of text that should ordinarily fit together, just won’t without the linking words there to connect them.

So, you know what they are and why you need to know them – but what are some examples of linking words? We couldn’t possibly include them all because there are literally hundreds, but hopefully by highlighting some examples and showing their importance in a sentence, you’ll be able to understand the job they do more clearly and focus on learning some other ones for yourself.

Examples of Linking Words

Linking words to add more information.

These words simply add additional information to your sentence or paragraph to show that two ideas are similar. Here are some examples:

• It started to rain  and  I got soaked – ‘and’ is the linking word that connects the two ideas of the individual being in the rain and getting soaked.
• It can’t be the dog’s fault  nor  the cat’s – ‘nor’ connects the idea that neither the cat or dog was at fault.
• We could go shopping first  then  get a bite to eat – ‘then’ shows that both ideas are connected, it also adds some sequence to the sentence by showing the order of things.

Linking Words to Contrast a Point

Sometimes you need to link two ideas together that are actually opposites in terms of what you are trying to say. Here are some words that will help you do that:

• Annie could have gone for a run  but  she decided she was too tired – ‘but’ connects two ideas that are related, but they oppose one another. She could have gone for a run, but she didn’t.
• It’s my turn to make dinner tonight  although  a takeout might be easier – ‘although’ provides an opposite argument again, so it links the ideas in a contrasting way.
• Carrots seemed to be the bunnies preferred food.  On the other hand ,  lettuce was chosen second most frequently and the difference was marginal – ‘on the other hand’ shows clearly to the reader that a different point of view is coming.

Linking Words to Support a Point

If you’re trying to prove something or say something happened as a result of something else, then you will need words like the following:

• I failed my test  because  I didn’t study – ‘because’ gets the reader ready to learn  why  somebody failed their test.
• I could have done something differently,  in fact  we all could have – ‘in fact’ shows that the two ideas are linked together and support one another.
• Jack had been sad  since  his girlfriend broke up with him – ‘since’ is being used here to explain why Jack was sad, so it links the ideas again.

There are many more examples and reasons for using linking words, but if you do some more research into the different linking words that there are, you’ll be able to see how you might use them to connect two ideas together in some way. Remember, they don’t always need to support one another. Sometimes ideas are connected because they oppose one another too.

Learn more with an ultimate guide to transition words and phrases in the English language. 

Complete List of Linking Words & Connecting Words

Linking words – result.

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

• Accordingly
• As a consequence (of)
• As a result
• Consequently
• For this reason

Connecting Words – Emphasis

Function: To put forward a point or idea more forcefully

• Importantly
• It should be noted
• Particularly / in particular
• Surprisingly
• To emphasize
• Undoubtedly
• Unquestionably
• With attention
• Without a doubt

Linking Words – Addition

Function:  To add to what has been previously stated

• Additionally/an additional
• Apart from this
• As well as that
• Coupled with
• Furthermore
• In addition
• In addition to this
• In the same fashion
• Not only…but also
• Not to mention
• Together with

Linking Words – Reason

Function: To provide reasons for what has been stated or has occurred

• For the purpose of
• Granted that
• In order to
• Provided that
• Seeing that
• With this in mind
• With this intention
• With this purpose

Connecting Words – Illustration

Function: To provide examples

• As an example of
• For example/ For instance
• For one thing
• Illustrated by
• In another case
• In the case of
• In this case
• In this situation
• On this occasion
• Proof of this
• Specifically
• To demonstrate
• To demonstrate/ To clarify
• To simplify

Linking Words – Contrast

Function: To show how things are different

• Alternatively
• As opposed to
• Contrary to
• Despite/in spite of
• Differing from
• In contrast (to)
• In opposition
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• Notwithstanding
• On the other hand

Linking Words – Comparison

Function:  To show how things are similar

• By the same token
• Compare / compare(d) to (with)
• Correspondingly
• In a similar manner
• In like manner
• In the same way
• In the spitting image of
• Just as…so too
• Most important
• Still another

Connecting Words – Order

1. Function:  To indicate the order of what is being said

• First/ firstly
• Second/ secondly
• Third/ thirdly
• At this time
• Subsequently

2. Function:  To mark the end of an ascending order

• Lastly and most importantly
• Last but not least

3. Definition: To mark the beginning of a descending order

• First and foremost…

Connecting Words – Summary

Function: To sum up what has been previously stated

• All things considered
• As demonstrated above
• As shown above
• As you can see
• By and large
• Generally speaking
• Given these points
• In any event
• In conclusion
• In the final analysis
• On the whole
• To conclude
• To summarise

Linking Words – Condition

Function: To provide a condition to what has been stated

• Although this may be true
• In that case
• In the event that
• On the condition that

Connecting Words – Concession

Function: Connecting words and phrases to accept a point or idea with reservation

• All the same
• Although/Even though
• Be that as it may
• Even though
• In spite of
• Regardless of this
• Up to a point

Connecting Words – Generalisation

Function: To make a general statement

• Broadly speaking
• For the most part
• In general/ Generally
• In most cases
• More often than not
• Predominately

Connecting Words – Restatement

Function: To express an alternative to what has been previously stated

• Alternatively stated
• Expressed simply
• In a nutshell
• In other words
• In simple language
• In simple terms
• In summation
• Otherwise stated
• Put differently
• Put in another way
• Said differently
• That is to say
• To put it differently

Connecting Words – Reference

Function: To a relationship between continuing ideas presented in your essay.

• As applied to
• Considering
• In connection to
• Pertaining to
• Some examples of these might be:
• Speaking about/of
• The fact that
• With regards to
• With respect to

Connecting Words – Clarification

Function: To indicate that you will be exploring your ideas in more detail.

• In explanation
• In lay terms
• Simply stated
• To break it down
• To clearly define
• To make plain
• To put it clearly
• To put it in another way

Connecting Words – Space/ Location

Function: To clarify spatial relationships/ provide spatial order and reference.

• At the rear
• Surrounding
• To the left

Linking Words & Connecting Words Chart

Linking Words and Phrases | Video

Learn transition words video with American English pronunciation.

• Latest Posts

• 10 Rare Words for Expanding Your English Vocabulary - June 5, 2024
• What Does the Term “Hypocritical” Mean? - January 27, 2024
• SWAG Meaning: What Does it Mean? - January 25, 2024

Improve your writing with the help of AI writing assistants!

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

Connectors in English: How to Use Them

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....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

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. 

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Try FluentU for FREE!

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.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

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

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Related posts:

Enter your e-mail address to get your free pdf.

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe