Linking Words and Phrases

Hello English learners. Welcome to the new lesson. We will talk about linking words and phrases in English.

Linking words, also known as transition words or connectors, are used to connect ideas, sentences and paragraphs. They help to create a smooth flow in writing and speaking by showing the relationship between different parts of a text.

Addition

Linking words and phrases for addition are used to add information or ideas to a sentence or paragraph. They help to organize information logically, making it easier for the reader to follow the writer’s train of thought.

And	Sara bought tea and coffee.
Both…and	The restaurant serves both Italian and Mexican cuisine.
Also	The company offers competitive salaries. Also, they provide excellent benefits.
Furthermore	She is a talented musician. Furthermore, she is an excellent dancer.
Moreover	The project was successful. Moreover, it was completed ahead of schedule.
In addition	He is a skilled programmer. In addition, he has experience in project management.
Additionally	The new policy will reduce costs. Additionally, it will improve efficiency.
Besides	She enjoys reading. Besides, she likes to write poetry.
As well as	He speaks English as well as Spanish.
Not only…but also	She is not only a great leader but also a compassionate mentor.
Too	He likes to play soccer. He enjoys basketball too.

Contrast

Linking words and phrases for contrast are used to show a difference or opposition between two ideas, sentences or paragraphs. They help to create a clear distinction and highlight contrasting points.

But	She wanted to go to the party, but she had to study.
However	She is very talented. However, she lacks experience.
On the other hand	The weather is cold. On the other hand, it’s perfect for skiing.
Nevertheless	He was tired. Nevertheless, he continued working.
Although	Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
Even though	Even though she was late, she managed to catch the train.
Despite	Despite the challenges, they completed the project on time.
In contrast	The north is cold and snowy. In contrast, the south is warm and sunny.
Whereas	She prefers tea, whereas he likes coffee.
Yet	He is very intelligent, yet he can be quite lazy.

Cause and effect

Linking words and phrases for cause and effect are used to show the relationship between an action (cause) and its result (effect). They help to create a logical flow in writing and speaking by clearly indicating how one event leads to another.

Because	She stayed home because she was feeling ill.
Since	Since it was raining, the picnic was cancelled.
As a result	The company improved its customer service. As a result, customer satisfaction increased.
Therefore	He didn’t study for the exam. Therefore, he didn’t pass.
Consequently	The factory closed down. Consequently, many workers lost their jobs.
Due to	The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
Because of	They were late because of heavy traffic.
Thus	She worked hard. Thus, she achieved her goals.
Hence	The project was poorly managed. Hence, it failed.
So	He forgot his keys, so he couldn’t get into the house.
Owing to	Owing to the high demand, the product sold out quickly.
For this reason	The team was unprepared. For this reason, they lost the match.
As a consequence	The company cut costs. As a consequence, profits increased.
In view of	In view of the recent events, the meeting was postponed.
On account of	The event was canceled on account of the severe weather.

Comparison

Linking words and phrases for comparison show similarities between two or more ideas, sentences, or paragraphs. They connect related points and highlight how they are alike.

Similarly	She loves reading books. Similarly, her brother enjoys writing stories.
Likewise	The company offers excellent benefits. Likewise, it provides opportunities for career growth.
In the same way	He approached the problem in the same way as his colleague did.
Equally	Both candidates are equally qualified for the position.
In a similar way/manner	The new policy was implemented in a similar manner to the previous one.
Comparable to	Her work ethic is comparable to that of the most dedicated employees.
In like manner	The two projects were completed in like manner, with attention to detail and efficiency.
As well as	She is talented in music as well as in art.
Correspondingly	The sales figures increased, and correspondingly, the profits rose.
In comparison	In comparison to last year, this year’s sales have significantly improved.
Analogous to	The structure of the atom is analogous to the solar system.
In the same vein	Her latest book is in the same vein as her previous works.
Similarly to	Similarly to his brother, he has a keen interest in science.
Parallel to	Her career path is parallel to that of her mentor.

Example

Linking words and phrases for giving examples are used to introduce specific instances that illustrate a point or idea. They help to clarify and support your arguments by providing concrete evidence.

For example	There are many ways to stay healthy. For example, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
For instance	Many animals are nocturnal. For instance, owls and bats are active at night.
Such as	She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming.
Including	The museum has a variety of exhibits, including ancient artifacts and modern art.
To illustrate	He is very talented. To illustrate, he can play multiple musical instruments.
Namely	Three countries were represented at the conference, namely, the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
In particular	She loves reading books. In particular, she enjoys mystery novels.
Specifically	The company focuses on renewable energy, specifically solar and wind power.
As an example	There are many benefits to learning a new language. As an example, it can improve cognitive skills.

Time

Linking words and phrases for time are used to show the sequence or timing of events. They help to create a clear and logical flow in writing and speaking by indicating when something happens in relation to other events.

Before	Before the meeting, she reviewed her notes.
After	After the presentation, there was a Q&A session.
During	During the lecture, he took detailed notes.
While	While she was cooking, he set the table.
When	When the bell rang, the students left the classroom.
As soon as	As soon as the rain stopped, they went outside.
Until	They waited until the bus arrived.
Since	Since the project started, they have been working hard.
Then	He finished his homework, and then he went out to play.
Next	First, we visited the museum. Next, we went to the park.
Later	She finished her work and later went for a walk.
Meanwhile	He was studying. Meanwhile, she was preparing dinner.
Eventually	They searched for hours and eventually found the missing keys.
Finally	After a long journey, they finally reached their destination.
At the same time	She was reading a book at the same time he was watching TV.

Conclusion

Linking words and phrases for conclusion are used to signal the end of a discussion or argument and to summarize or restate the main points.

In conclusion	In conclusion, the project was a great success.
To sum up	To sum up, the research findings support our hypothesis.
In summary	In summary, the new policy has had a positive impact on the company.
Finally	Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication.
To conclude	To conclude, it is clear that more research is needed in this area.
In closing	In closing, I hope that we can continue to work together towards our common goals.
All in all	All in all, it was a memorable and rewarding experience.
Overall	Overall, the event was well-organized and successful.
Thus	Thus, we can see that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Therefore	Therefore, it is important to consider all factors before making a decision.
As a result	As a result, we have seen significant improvements in performance.
In brief	In brief, the study highlights the need for further investigation.
To summarize	To summarize, the key points discussed today are…
In essence	In essence, the proposal aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
In short	In short, the new strategy has proven to be effective.

Emphasis

Linking words and phrases for emphasis highlight or stress a particular point or idea. They help draw attention to important information and make your writing or speaking more impactful.

Indeed	She is indeed the best candidate for the job.
In fact	In fact, he was the only one who completed the task on time.
Certainly	She certainly deserves the award for her hard work.
Undoubtedly	He is undoubtedly the most talented player on the team.
Obviously	Obviously, we need to address this issue immediately.
Clearly	Clearly, the new policy has had a positive impact.
Absolutely	She is absolutely committed to her work.
Definitely	This is definitely the best solution to the problem.
Without a doubt	Without a doubt, he is the most qualified person for the position.
Of course	Of course, we should consider all options before making a decision.
In particular	She enjoys outdoor activities, in particular, hiking and biking.
Especially	The new software is especially useful for managing large projects.
Above all	Above all, we must ensure the safety of our employees.
Notably	The project was successful, notably due to the team’s dedication.
Importantly	Importantly, the study highlights the need for further research.

Purpose

Linking words and phrases to express purpose are used to explain the reason or intention behind an action. They help to explain why something is done.

To	She went to the shop to buy tea.
In order to	She studied hard in order to pass the exam.
So that	He saved money so that he could buy a new car.
For the purpose of	The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the new project.
With the aim of	They launched the campaign with the aim of raising awareness about climate change.
With the intention of	He moved to the city with the intention of finding a better job.
So as to	She spoke softly so as to not wake the baby.
In order that	He left early in order that he could avoid traffic.
For the sake of	They made sacrifices for the sake of their children’s education.
For the purpose that	The policy was implemented for the purpose that it would improve efficiency.
To the end that	They worked tirelessly to the end that the project would be completed on time.
With a view to	She took the course with a view to advancing her career.
For the reason that	He apologized for the reason that he had made a mistake.
So	She exercised regularly so she could stay healthy.
In an effort to	The company reduced waste in an effort to become more environmentally friendly.

Reason

Linking words and phrases to show reason are used to explain why something happens or why someone does something. They are used to indicate the cause behind an action or event.

Because	She stayed home because she was feeling ill.
Since	Since it was raining, the picnic was cancelled.
As	As he was tired, he decided to go to bed early.
Due to	The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
Owing to	Owing to the high demand, the product sold out quickly.
For	He apologized for being late.
Because of	They were late because of heavy traffic.
In view of	In view of the recent events, the meeting was postponed.
On account of	The event was cancelled on account of the severe weather.
For the reason that	He apologized for the reason that he had made a mistake.
Seeing that	Seeing that it was getting late, they decided to leave.
In light of	In light of the new evidence, the case was reopened.
Considering	Considering his experience, he was the best candidate for the job.
As a result of	As a result of the heavy rain, the match was postponed.
Thanks to	Thanks to her hard work, she was promoted.

Sequencing

Linking words and phrases for sequencing are used to show the order in which events or actions occur.

First	First, we need to gather all the materials.
Second	Second, we should prepare the workspace.
Next	Next, we need to check the measurements.
Then	Then, we can proceed with the installation.
After that	After that, we should test the system.
Subsequently	Subsequently, we will review the results.
Finally	Finally, we can complete the project.
Before	Before starting, make sure you have all the tools.
After	After finishing, clean up the area.
Meanwhile	Meanwhile, I will prepare the next steps.
At the same time	At the same time, we need to monitor the progress.
In the meantime	In the meantime, you can review the instructions.
Eventually	Eventually, we will achieve our goal.
Lastly	Lastly, don’t forget to document the process.

Condition

Linking words and phrases to show condition are used to indicate that one action or event depends on another.

If	If it rains, we will stay indoors.
Unless	You won’t succeed unless you work hard.
Provided that	You can go out provided that you finish your homework.
As long as	You can borrow my car as long as you return it by tonight.
On condition that	He agreed to help on condition that he would be paid.
In case	Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Supposing	Supposing you won the lottery, what would you do?
Assuming that	Assuming that the weather is good, we will go hiking.
Even if	Even if he apologizes, I won’t forgive him.
Only if	You can attend the party only if you are invited.
Whether or not	We will go for a walk whether or not it stops raining.
In the event that	In the event that you are late, please call me.
Unless otherwise	The meeting will be held at 10 AM unless otherwise notified.
In case of	In case of emergency, call 911.
On the condition that	She will accept the job on the condition that she gets a raise.

Download this lesson in PDF: Linking-Words-and-phrases.pdf

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Linking Words and Phrases

Published by My Lingua Academy on 9 Jan 20259 Jan 2025