Just like their name, linking words are used to connect the previous ideas, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words with the next ones. The linking words might show a contrast, comparison, condition, purpose, and more. Hence there is cohesion between each sentence, and they create meaning or make sense as a whole.

The linking words in English are required in formal and non-formal contexts such as casual daily conversation and even academic writing. This is one of the important aspects that all EFL learners must understand. The examples along with their function and ways to learn them are presented below.

Examples of linking words

There are many examples of linking words. They can be categorized based on these.

Non-formal and formal contexts

In non-formal contexts whether written or spoken, there is less restriction in using linkers. They basically are used to connect ideas without grammar rules. The examples include honestly, I mean, besides, in any case, besides, like, but, so, and then, because, and many more. People could add them in various positions of a sentence as long as they make sense.

On the contrary, linking words in English for formal contexts including writing require more rules. The position is more strictly regulated by grammar rules. Compared to the non-formal ones, linkers in formal contexts have more examples and uses. Some of them are hence, however, furthermore, consequently, nonetheless, and others.

Positions

There are three possible positions for linking words to occur. The most common one is at the beginning of a sentence. Then, in the middle of a sentence or between two clauses also common. The last one is at the end of a sentence, however not all linking words can be grammatically correct for this position. The examples and further explanation are presented in the following points.

• At the beginning of a sentence: usually used for sequencing or also for expressing the writer’s opinions. Examples: first, in conclusion, however, moreover, in other terms, additionally, whereas, and more.
•  In the middle of a sentence (between independent clauses): independent clauses are clauses that can stand and make sense on their own. The linkers for this position are specifically called conjunctions. There are only seven of them including for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
•  In the middle of a sentence (between dependent and independent clauses): unlike independent clauses, a dependent clause cannot stand on its own and must follow/be followed by an independent clause. To connect them, people usually use: after, then, as though, when, as long as, even though, until, because, so that, lest, and more.
• At the end of a sentence: a sentence ended with a linking word is a rare sentence pattern in English, so there is only limited linking words for this position. The examples include however, though, too.

Meanings

There are dozens of linking words in English and each has its usage or meaning. Many of them have similar meanings; categorized by the meanings, here are the examples.

• Additional information/ideas/comments: and, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition, additionally, as well as, what is more, again, besides, regarding, too, then, similarly.
• Causes: because, to cause, because of, since, as, as a result of, for
• Comparisons: similarly, similar to, compared with, likewise, equally, in the same way, not only … but also, the same as, be alike, like, just as.
• Concession: though, even though, although, in spite of, despite, instead, alternatively, whereas.
• Conclusions/summary:  in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up, to summarize, overall.
• Contrasts: but, yet, however, on the contrary, in/by contrast, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand.
• Emphasises: indeed, obviously, particularly, undoubtedly, especially, clearly,
• Examples: such as, for example, e.g., for instance, namely, as follow, mainly, including.
• Facts: as a matter of fact, factually, actually, in fact.
• Generalisation: generally, in general, on the whole.
• Re-statements: in other terms, or, rather, in view of this.
• Results: therefore, as a result, thus, hence.
• Sequences: first, next, finally, subsequently, eventually, lastly, another …, secondly, thirdly(and more).

Linking words printable table

	> Linking words in PDF Format
	> Linking words FLASHCARDS in PDF Format
	> Linking Transition words with our SBN APP

See also

Free word search animals for k12 students

How to learn linking words in English

Explicitly

Congratulations! You have just learned the linking words explicitly. Learning them explicitly means that you read the explanations along with the words’ examples without any contexts in a sentence or text which you have done after reading the previous explanation. You may notice and remember some of the words including the usage or context. However, learners tend to forget the words that should lead to further learning: implicitly.

Implicitly

Learning linking words in English implicitly requires lots of correct examples. You can find them in sentences, conversations, or texts. Therefore, you can see how each linking word is used in a sentence. You will learn ‘unconsciously’ the pattern or how to use the linking words based on the context or meaning. It will be better to learn the words explicitly first and then be followed by learning them implicitly through examples. So you can better and faster at noticing the linking words.

Another important aspect to consider carefully when you learn the words implicitly is the source of the examples. The sentences, dialogues, or texts that you use should be correct grammatically, natural, and acceptable in English. Otherwise, you will get misled and produce the wrong sentences.