Linking Words and Phrases in English for Writing and Speaking: B2–C1 Guide

Linking words and phrases in English help you connect ideas clearly and naturally. They show how one sentence relates to another, whether you are adding information, giving a reason, contrasting ideas, explaining a result, giving examples or reaching a conclusion.

For B2 First and C1 Advanced learners, linking words are especially useful because they make your writing and speaking more organised, more fluent and more mature.

Compare these two examples:

Basic:

I like living in the city. It is noisy. It has many opportunities.

Better:

I like living in the city. Although it is noisy, it offers many opportunities. In addition, public transport is usually convenient.

The second version sounds clearer, smoother and more natural.

In this lesson, you will learn useful linking words and phrases for:

addition
contrast
reason and cause
result
purpose
examples
comparison
time and sequencing
condition
emphasis
conclusion

What Are Linking Words?

Linking words are words and phrases that connect ideas in a sentence, paragraph or conversation.

They are also called:

connectors
transition words
linking phrases
discourse markers

They help answer questions such as:

Are you adding another point?
Are you showing contrast?
Are you explaining why something happened?
Are you giving an example?
Are you summarising your opinion?

For example:

However shows contrast.
Therefore shows result.
For example introduces an example.
In addition adds information.
On the whole gives a general conclusion.

1. Linking Words for Addition

We use linking words for addition when we want to add more information or give another point.

Common linking words for addition

and	adds a simple idea
also	adds another point
too	adds an idea, usually at the end
as well as	adds another item or idea
in addition	adds extra information
additionally	adds extra information, more formal
moreover	adds a stronger extra point
furthermore	adds a more formal extra point
besides	adds another point, often in conversation
not only … but also	emphasises two connected ideas

Sara bought tea and coffee.
The course is useful. It is also very practical.
He enjoys reading. He likes writing too.
She speaks English as well as Spanish.
In addition, the school offers free speaking practice.
The town is beautiful. Moreover, it is much cheaper than the capital.
The job is demanding. Furthermore, it requires excellent communication skills.
She is not only intelligent but also extremely hardworking.

Notes for learners

Use also before the main verb:

She also speaks French.

Use too at the end of the sentence:

She speaks French too.

Use moreover and furthermore mostly in formal writing, essays and reports.

2. Linking Words for Contrast

We use linking words and phrases for contrast when we want to show that two ideas are different or surprising.

Common linking words for contrast

but	simple contrast
however	contrast between two sentences
although	introduces a contrasting idea
even though	stronger than although
despite	followed by a noun or -ing form
in spite of	similar to despite
nevertheless	formal contrast
on the other hand	introduces the opposite side
whereas	compares two different facts
yet	but; however

She wanted to go out, but she had to study.
The film was quite long. However, it was very enjoyable.
Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
Even though she was nervous, she gave an excellent presentation.
Despite the bad weather, the match continued.
In spite of feeling tired, he finished the report.
The plan was risky. Nevertheless, they decided to continue.
Some people prefer working from home. On the other hand, others miss the office.
She prefers tea, whereas he usually drinks coffee.
He is very talented, yet he lacks confidence.

Important grammar note

After although and even though, use a subject + verb:

Although it was expensive, we bought it.

After despite and in spite of, use a noun or -ing form:

Despite the cost, we bought it.
Despite being expensive, it was worth it.

Avoid this mistake:

Incorrect: Despite it was expensive, we bought it.
Correct: Although it was expensive, we bought it.
Correct: Despite the fact that it was expensive, we bought it.

3. Linking Words for Reason and Cause

We use these linking words and phrases to explain why something happens.

Common linking words for reason

because	gives a reason
as	gives a reason, often at the beginning
since	gives a reason; also means because
because of	followed by a noun
due to	followed by a noun; slightly formal
owing to	formal; followed by a noun
on account of	formal; followed by a noun
in view of	formal; considering something
in light of	formal; considering new information
seeing that	informal; because
considering	taking something into account
thanks to	because of something positive

She stayed at home because she was feeling ill.
As it was getting late, we decided to leave.
Since the weather was terrible, the picnic was cancelled.
The flight was delayed because of bad weather.
The match was postponed due to heavy rain.
Owing to high demand, tickets sold out quickly.
The event was cancelled on account of severe weather.
In view of recent events, the meeting has been postponed.
In light of the new evidence, the case was reopened.
Seeing that everyone is tired, let’s take a short break.
Considering his lack of experience, he did very well.
Thanks to her hard work, the project was completed on time.

Important grammar note

Use because before a full clause:

We were late because there was heavy traffic.

Use because of, due to and owing to before a noun phrase:

We were late because of heavy traffic.
The delay was due to heavy traffic.
The delay occurred owing to heavy traffic.

4. Linking Words and Phrases for Result

We use result linking words and phrases to show what happened because of a previous action or situation.

Common linking words for result

so	shows result, common in speech
therefore	for that reason
as a result	because of this
consequently	as a result; formal
as a consequence	as a result; formal
for this reason	because of this
thus	therefore; formal
hence	therefore; very formal

He forgot his keys, so he couldn’t get into the house.
She didn’t revise enough. Therefore, she failed the exam.
The company improved its service. As a result, customer satisfaction increased.
The factory closed down. Consequently, many workers lost their jobs.
The team was unprepared. For this reason, they lost the match.
The project was poorly managed. Thus, it failed.
The road was blocked; hence, the delay.

Style note

For everyday speaking, use:

so
that’s why
as a result

For formal writing, use:

therefore
consequently
as a consequence

Use hence carefully. It is quite formal and can sound unnatural if overused.

5. Linking Words for Purpose

We use purpose linking words to explain why someone does something.

Common linking words for purpose

to	gives purpose
in order to	more formal than to
so as to	formal
so that	followed by subject + verb
in order that	very formal
with the aim of	formal
with the intention of	formal
with a view to	formal; often followed by -ing
for the purpose of	formal
in an effort to	to try to do something
for the sake of	for the benefit of

She went to the shop to buy some milk.
He studied hard in order to pass the exam.
She spoke quietly so as not to wake the baby.
He saved money so that he could buy a car.
The campaign was launched with the aim of raising awareness.
He moved to London with the intention of finding a better job.
She took the course with a view to improving her career prospects.
The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the new project.
The company reduced waste in an effort to become more environmentally friendly.
They made sacrifices for the sake of their children.

Important grammar note

Use to, in order to and so as to with the infinitive:

I’m studying to improve my English.
She left early in order to avoid traffic.

Use so that with a subject and verb:

I’m saving money so that I can travel next year.

Use with a view to with a noun or -ing form:

She took the course with a view to getting a better job.

6. Linking Words for Examples

We use these linking words when we want to support an idea with examples.

Common linking words for examples

for example	introduces an example
for instance	introduces an example
such as	gives examples within a sentence
including	introduces examples as part of a group
in particular	highlights one example
especially	highlights something important
specifically	gives a precise example
namely	introduces exact details
to illustrate	introduces an example clearly

There are many ways to stay healthy. For example, you can eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Many animals are nocturnal. For instance, owls and bats are active at night.
She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and swimming.
The museum has many exhibits, including ancient coins and modern paintings.
She loves reading, in particular detective novels.
This app is useful, especially for beginners.
The course focuses on exam skills, specifically writing and speaking.
Three countries were represented, namely France, Spain and Italy.
Many students struggle with prepositions. To illustrate, they often confuse in, on and at.

Punctuation note

After for example and for instance at the beginning of a sentence, use a comma:

For example, many students find phrasal verbs difficult.

7. Linking Words for Comparison

We use comparison linking words to show similarity between ideas.

Common linking words for comparison

similarly	in a similar way
likewise	similarly; more formal
in the same way	similarly
in a similar way	similarly
equally	to the same degree
comparable to	similar to
in comparison with	compared with
in the same vein	in a similar style or manner
parallel to	similar and developing in the same direction

She loves reading. Similarly, her brother enjoys writing stories.
The school offers excellent teaching. Likewise, it provides strong student support.
He solved the problem in the same way as his colleague.
The new system was introduced in a similar way to the old one.
Both candidates are equally qualified.
Her work ethic is comparable to that of much more experienced employees.
In comparison with last year, sales have improved significantly.
Her latest book is in the same vein as her earlier novels.
His career path is parallel to that of his father.

Style note

For everyday writing, similarly, in the same way and likewise are the most useful. Some phrases, such as parallel to and comparable to, are more formal and should be used carefully.

8. Linking Words for Time and Sequencing

We use time and sequencing words to show when things happen and in what order.

Common linking words for time

before	earlier than something
after	later than something
when	at the time that
while	during the same time
as soon as	immediately after
until	up to a point in time
since	from a point in the past until now
meanwhile	at the same time
eventually	after some time
finally	at the end

Before the meeting, she reviewed her notes.
After the presentation, there was a question-and-answer session.
When the bell rang, the students left the classroom.
While she was cooking, he laid the table.
As soon as the rain stopped, they went outside.
They waited until the bus arrived.
Since the project started, they have worked extremely hard.
He was studying. Meanwhile, his sister was preparing dinner.
They searched for hours and eventually found the missing keys.
Finally, they reached their destination.

Common linking words for sequencing

first / firstly	introduces the first point
second / secondly	introduces the second point
next	introduces the next step
then	after that
after that	next in order
subsequently	afterwards; formal
in the meantime	during the time between two events
at the same time	simultaneously
lastly	introduces the final point
finally	introduces the final step or point

First, we need to gather all the materials.
Next, we should prepare the workspace.
Then, we can check the measurements.
After that, we can test the system.
Subsequently, the results will be reviewed.
In the meantime, you can read the instructions.
At the same time, we need to monitor progress.
Lastly, don’t forget to save your work.
Finally, we can complete the project.

Cambridge writing tip

In essays, avoid writing a mechanical list like:

Firstly
Secondly
Thirdly
Finally

It is better to vary your language:

One important point is that…
Another issue to consider is…
It is also worth mentioning that…
Overall,…

This sounds more natural and less like a school exercise.

9. Linking Words for Condition

We use condition linking words when one thing depends on another.

Common linking words for condition

if	introduces a condition
unless	if not
as long as	only if
provided that	only if
providing that	only if
on condition that	only if
in case	because something might happen
in case of	if something happens
supposing	imagine that
assuming that	if we accept that something is true
even if	whether or not
only if	used for a strict condition
whether or not	it does not matter whether
in the event that	formal; if something happens

If it rains, we’ll stay indoors.
You won’t improve unless you practise regularly.
You can borrow my car as long as you return it tonight.
You may leave early provided that you finish your work.
He agreed to help on condition that he would be paid.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
In case of emergency, call this number.
Supposing you won the lottery, what would you do?
Assuming that the weather is good, we’ll go hiking.
Even if he apologises, she may not forgive him.
You can attend the meeting only if you register first.
We’ll go for a walk whether or not it stops raining.
In the event that you are late, please call us.

Important difference: if vs in case

Use if when something may happen:

Call me if you need help.
= Call me only if you need help.

Use in case when you do something now because something may happen later:

Take my number in case you need help.
= Take it now because you may need it later.

10. Linking Words for Emphasis

We use emphasis words when we want to make a point stronger or draw attention to something important.

Common linking words for emphasis

indeed	emphasises a statement
in fact	gives stronger or surprising information
certainly	definitely
undoubtedly	without doubt
clearly	obviously, based on evidence
obviously	easy to see
above all	most importantly
especially	particularly
in particular	especially
notably	importantly; worth mentioning
importantly	this point is important
without a doubt	certainly

She is indeed the best candidate for the job.
In fact, he was the only person who completed the task.
She certainly deserves the award.
He is undoubtedly one of the strongest players on the team.
Clearly, the new policy has had a positive effect.
Obviously, we need to deal with this issue quickly.
Above all, we must protect the safety of our students.
The course is useful, especially for learners preparing for exams.
She enjoys outdoor activities, in particular hiking and cycling.
The project succeeded, notably because of the team’s dedication.
Importantly, the study shows that more research is needed.
Without a doubt, this was their best performance of the year.

Style note

Be careful with obviously. It can sometimes sound rude if the information is not obvious to everyone.

Compare:

Obviously, you didn’t understand the instructions.
This may sound impolite.

Better:

Clearly, there was some confusion about the instructions.

11. Linking Words for Conclusion

We use conclusion linking words to finish an argument, summarise a point or give a final opinion.

Common linking words for conclusion

in conclusion	formal ending
to conclude	formal ending
to sum up	summarises main points
in summary	summarises main points
overall	gives a general final opinion
all in all	gives a general final opinion
in short	briefly
in brief	briefly
in essence	the main idea is
therefore	final logical result
thus	formal conclusion

In conclusion, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
To conclude, more investment is needed in public transport.
To sum up, the course was practical, well-organised and enjoyable.
In summary, the new policy has had a positive effect.
Overall, the event was well organised.
All in all, it was a memorable experience.
In short, the plan needs more time and money.
In brief, the results were disappointing.
In essence, the proposal aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Therefore, we should consider all the options carefully.
Thus, it is clear that action must be taken.

Cambridge writing tip

For essays, in conclusion is acceptable, but it can sound predictable. You can also use:

Overall, it seems clear that…
Taking everything into account, I believe that…
On balance, I would argue that…
All things considered, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Common Mistakes with Linking Words

1. Using too many linking words

Avoid this:

However, I think the idea is good. Moreover, it is useful. Furthermore, it is interesting. Therefore, people should use it.

This sounds heavy and unnatural.

Better:

I think the idea is useful and interesting. For this reason, more people should consider it.

2. Using formal linking words in casual speech

Some linking words sound formal, especially:

furthermore
moreover
consequently
thus
hence
in view of
in the event that

They are useful in essays, reports and formal writing, but they may sound unnatural in everyday conversation.

In speaking, you can often use simpler alternatives:

furthermore	also
consequently	so
therefore	so / that’s why
in the event that	if
in view of	because of / considering
to conclude	finally

3. Confusing reason and result

Reason explains why:

We stayed home because it was raining.

Result explains what happened because of this:

It was raining. Therefore, we stayed home.

4. Using despite incorrectly

Incorrect:

Despite it was raining, we went out.

Correct:

Although it was raining, we went out.
Despite the rain, we went out.
Despite the fact that it was raining, we went out.

Now that you have studied the most useful linking words and phrases, try this short practice exercise to check how well you can use them.

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Final Thoughts

Linking words and phrases in English are essential for clear communication. They help you organise your ideas, connect sentences and sound more fluent in both writing and speaking.

For B2 First and C1 Advanced, you do not need to use extremely complicated linking words all the time. In fact, the best writing often uses a balance of simple and advanced connectors.

Use because, but, so and and when they are enough. Use however, therefore, although, in addition, on the other hand and as a result when you need more precision.

The goal is not to sound artificially formal. The goal is to sound clear, natural and confident — which, in English, is half the battle and most of the tea.

Prepositional Phrases for Formal Writing

Making Generalisations in English: Useful Phrases and Examples

Linking Words to Express Opinion

Linking Words for Concession

Expressing Cause and Effect in English

How to Write an Essay for B2 First (FCE)

How to Write an Essay for C1Advanced (CAE)

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