Linking Words

Connect ideas and sentences smoothly: and, but, however, therefore, although, because

What are Linking Words?

Linking words (also called connectors or transition words) connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs. They show relationships like addition, contrast, cause/effect, sequence, and more.

Addition (Adding Information)

And - I like tea and coffee.
Also - She's smart. She's also kind.
As well - He speaks English. He speaks French as well.
Too - I'm tired too. (at end)
In addition / Additionally - In addition, we need more time. (formal)
Moreover / Furthermore - Moreover, it's expensive. (very formal)

Contrast (Showing Difference)

But - I'm tired, but I'll continue.
However - It's expensive. However, it's good quality. (formal, new sentence)
Although / Though - Although I'm tired, I'll continue.
Even though - Even though it's raining, we'll go out.
Despite / In spite of - Despite the rain, we went out. (+ noun/gerund)
On the other hand - Coffee is energizing. On the other hand, tea is relaxing.
While / Whereas - I like coffee, while she prefers tea.

Cause and Effect (Result)

Because - I'm tired because I worked late. (+ clause)
Because of - I'm tired because of work. (+ noun)
So - I was tired, so I went to bed early.
Therefore / Thus - He didn't study. Therefore, he failed. (formal)
As a result / Consequently - It rained. As a result, the match was canceled.
Since / As - Since I was tired, I went home. (reason)

Purpose (Why)

To / In order to - I study to improve my English.
So that - I study hard so that I can pass.
For - This is for you. (+ noun)

Sequence (Order of Events)

First / Firstly - First, heat the oil.
Then / Next / After that - Then, add the onions.
Finally / Lastly - Finally, serve hot.
Before / After - Before you go, call me.
Meanwhile - I cooked dinner. Meanwhile, she set the table.

Example / Clarification

For example / For instance - Many fruits are healthy. For example, apples and oranges.
Such as - I like fruits such as apples and oranges.
In other words - It's difficult. In other words, it's not easy.
That is / I.e. - I'll arrive at 3 PM, that is, in two hours.

Conclusion / Summary

In conclusion - In conclusion, we need more time.
To sum up / In summary - To sum up, the project was successful.
Overall / In general - Overall, it was a good experience.

Condition

If - If it rains, we'll stay home.
Unless - I'll go unless it rains. (= if it doesn't rain)
In case - Bring an umbrella in case it rains.
Provided that / As long as - You can go, provided that you finish your work.

Punctuation Rules

Conjunctions (and, but, or, so):

I'm tired, but I'll continue. (comma before conjunction)

Transition words (however, therefore, moreover):

It's expensive. However, it's good quality. (period before, comma after)
It's expensive; however, it's good quality. (semicolon)

Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, while):

Although I'm tired, I'll continue. (comma after clause when it comes first)
I'll continue although I'm tired. (no comma when clause comes second)

Common Mistakes

❌ Although it's raining, but we'll go. → ✅ Although it's raining, we'll go. (don't use both)
❌ Because of I was tired... → ✅ Because I was tired... (because + clause)
❌ Despite it was raining... → ✅ Despite the rain... (despite + noun)
❌ However I'm tired. → ✅ I'm tired. However, I'll continue. (new sentence)
❌ I like coffee also tea. → ✅ I like coffee and tea. (use "and")

Practice Tips

🚫 Don't mix: Can't use "although" with "but" in same sentence. Choose one: "Although... (no but)" OR "But... (no although)."
📝 Because vs. Because of: BECAUSE + clause (with verb). BECAUSE OF + noun/gerund.
⚡ However needs punctuation: Period or semicolon before "however," comma after: "It's hard. However, I'll try."
✅ Although at start: When clause comes first, use comma: "Although I'm tired, I'll go."
🎯 Vary your linking words: Don't always use "and" or "but." Try "moreover," "however," "therefore" for more sophisticated writing.