Linking words, also called transition words or cohesive devices, are essential for clear and logical writing. They connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, helping your readers follow your thoughts smoothly. Whether you’re preparing for IELTS, academic writing, or professional communication, mastering these connectors will elevate your English.
In this guide, we’ll explore linking words by category, explain their meanings, show examples, and give you a chance to practice using them.
1. Agreement / Addition / Similarity
These words show agreement with an idea, add new information, or highlight similarity.
Key Linking Words & Phrases:
- Moreover – adds extra emphasis.
- In addition – introduces extra information.
- Similarly – shows likeness between ideas.
- Not only … but also – adds emphasis with parallel points.
- Likewise – expresses similarity.
Examples:
- She is hardworking; moreover, she is creative.
- I enjoy football. In addition, I love swimming.
- Online classes are flexible. Similarly, they are affordable.
- He is not only intelligent but also kind.
💡 Tip: Use these when you want to expand or strengthen your argument.
📝 Practice It Yourself:
Write two sentences about your hobbies or studies using:
- Moreover
- Similarly
2. Examples / Support / Emphasis
These words illustrate or emphasize an idea.
Key Linking Words:
- For example / For instance – give an example.
- Namely – specify details.
- In fact – stress truth.
- To demonstrate – provide an illustration.
Examples:
- Many countries face pollution. For example, China struggles with air quality.
- Three students, namely, Ali, Sara, and John, scored full marks.
- The task is difficult; in fact, it’s nearly impossible.
📝 Practice It Yourself:
Describe your favorite food using:
- For instance
- In fact
3. Effect / Result / Consequence
These words show cause-and-effect relationships.
Key Linking Words:
- Therefore – logical conclusion.
- Thus – result of an action.
- Consequently – outcome.
- As a result – effect.
Examples:
- It rained heavily; therefore, the match was cancelled.
- He studied hard; thus, he passed the exam.
- She didn’t set an alarm. Consequently, she was late.
📝 Practice It Yourself:
Write a sentence about your last exam using:
- Therefore
- As a result
4. Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction
These words contrast two ideas.
Key Linking Words:
- However – contrast.
- Although – concession.
- On the other hand – opposite view.
- Nevertheless – despite that.
Examples:
- I love tea; however, I prefer coffee in the morning.
- Although it was raining, we played football.
- He is rich. On the other hand, he is not happy.
📝 Practice It Yourself:
Make two contrasting sentences using:
- Although
- Nevertheless
5. Cause / Condition / Purpose
These words explain reasons or conditions.
Key Linking Words:
- Because – gives reason.
- Since – indicates cause.
- If / Unless – condition.
- So that / In order to – purpose.
Examples:
- She stayed home because she was sick.
- We’ll go out if it stops raining.
- He works hard so that he can succeed.
📝 Practice It Yourself:
Write a conditional sentence with:
- If
- In order to
6. Space / Location / Place
These words show position or direction.
Key Linking Words:
- Above / Below – vertical position.
- Nearby – close to.
- Opposite to – facing.
- Behind / In front of – relative position.
Examples:
- The clock is above the door.
- There’s a park nearby my house.
- The library is opposite to the bank.
📝 Practice It Yourself:
Describe your room using:
- Behind
- Next to
7. Time / Chronology / Sequence
These words indicate time order.
Key Linking Words:
- First, second, third – sequence.
- Meanwhile – at the same time.
- Eventually – after some time.
- Prior to – before something.
Examples:
- I woke up. First, I brushed my teeth. Then, I had breakfast.
- He was reading. Meanwhile, she was cooking.
- We waited for hours. Eventually, the bus arrived.
📝 Practice It Yourself:
Write 3 steps of your daily routine using:
- First
- Then
- Finally
8. Conclusion / Summary / Restatement
These words end or summarize an idea.
Key Linking Words:
- In conclusion – final thought.
- To sum up – brief summary.
- All in all – general conclusion.
- On the whole – overall view.
Examples:
- In conclusion, technology has both pros and cons.
- To sum up, education is the key to success.
- All in all, it was a great trip.
📝 Practice It Yourself:
End a paragraph about your best friend using:
- In conclusion
- On the whole
9. Conjunctions
Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses.
Subordinating Conjunctions:
- Although, because, if, since, while
- I stayed home because it was raining.
Correlative Conjunctions:
- Either … or, Neither … nor, Not only … but also
- You can have either tea or coffee.
Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS):
- For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
- She is kind and helpful.
📝 Practice It Yourself:
Write 3 sentences using:
- A subordinating conjunction
- A correlative conjunction
- A coordinating conjunction
Final Thoughts
Mastering linking words will make your writing cohesive, fluent, and professional. Practice them daily in your speaking and writing, and soon they’ll become natural.