The Glue That Holds Your Ideas Together
Linking words (also called discourse markers or transition words) are the sophisticated way to connect your thoughts without sounding like a caveman. They show relationships between ideas and make your English flow like a proper conversation.
Why Use Linking Words?
- Show logical connections between ideas
- Make your speech and writing more coherent
- Sound more fluent and natural
- Help listeners follow your argument
| Purpose | Linking Words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | furthermore, moreover, in addition, besides | I like coffee. Furthermore, I love tea. |
| Contrast | however, nevertheless, on the other hand | It's expensive. However, it's worth it. |
| Result | therefore, consequently, as a result | I studied hard. Therefore, I passed. |
| Example | for instance, for example, such as | I love fruits, for example, apples. |
| Sequence | firstly, secondly, finally, then | Firstly, heat the oil. Then, add onions. |
| Summary | in conclusion, to sum up, overall | To sum up, it was a great day. |
Categories of Linking Words
1. Adding Information:
- Furthermore: "I don't like the job. Furthermore, the pay is terrible."
- Moreover: "The food was cold. Moreover, it was expensive."
- In addition: "She's smart. In addition, she's very kind."
- Besides: "I'm tired. Besides, I have work tomorrow."
2. Showing Contrast:
- However: "I wanted to go. However, I was too busy."
- Nevertheless: "It was difficult. Nevertheless, we succeeded."
- On the other hand: "Coffee keeps me awake. Tea, on the other hand, relaxes me."
- In contrast: "Summer is hot. Winter, in contrast, is freezing."
3. Showing Cause and Effect:
- Therefore: "I was late. Therefore, I missed the bus."
- Consequently: "It rained heavily. Consequently, the match was cancelled."
- As a result: "She studied hard. As a result, she got top marks."
- Thus: "The evidence was clear. Thus, he was found guilty."
Punctuation Rules (Don't Cock This Up!)
How to Punctuate Linking Words:
- Between sentences: "I was tired. However, I kept working."
- With semicolon: "I was tired; however, I kept working."
- At sentence start: "However, I kept working despite being tired."
- Mid-sentence: "I kept working, however, despite being tired."
Formal vs Informal Linking Words
| Formal | Informal | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Furthermore | Also, Plus | Addition |
| Nevertheless | But, Still | Contrast |
| Consequently | So, That's why | Result |
| For instance | Like, Say | Example |
Don't Be a Muppet - Common Mistakes
Wrong:
- "I like coffee, however I prefer tea." (Missing punctuation)
- "However I was tired, I kept working." (Missing comma)
- "I studied hard, therefore I passed." (Wrong punctuation)
Right:
- "I like coffee. However, I prefer tea." (Separate sentences)
- "However, I was tired, so I kept working." (Comma after 'however')
- "I studied hard. Therefore, I passed." (Separate sentences)
Practice Exercises (Link Those Ideas!)
Exercise 1: Choose the Right Linking Word
1. I don't like vegetables. , I eat them for my health.
2. She studied hard. , she passed the exam.
3. I love traveling. , I went to Japan last year.
4. The weather was terrible. , we had a great time.
Exercise 2: Complete the Sequences
1. , we need to plan the project.
2. , we should gather the team.
3. , we can start working.
4. , good planning is essential.
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