Linking Words and Connectors

Quick Answer: Linking words connect ideas: and, also and moreover add; but, however and although contrast; because, since and as give reasons; so, therefore and as a result show results. The key grammar point is punctuation: however and therefore link two sentences, so use a period or semicolon before them and a comma after, while although and because join clauses inside one sentence.

Key takeaways

• However, therefore and moreover are adverbs: I was tired; however, I finished. Never: I was tired, however I finished.
• Although, because and since join two clauses; add a comma when that clause comes first.
• Despite and in spite of take a noun or -ing form, not a clause: despite the rain, despite being tired.
• Because takes a clause; because of and due to take a noun: because it rained, because of the rain.
• Never use although and but together in one sentence.
• At last means after a long wait; use finally for the last step in a list.

Compare: It rained. We stayed in. We watched a film. with It rained, so we stayed in and watched a film. The linking words show how the ideas connect, which matters especially in writing exams like IELTS and in business emails.

Linking words by function

Function	Informal or neutral	More formal
Adding	and, also, too, as well	moreover, furthermore, in addition
Contrast	but, though, still	however, nevertheless, on the other hand
Concession	although, even though	despite, in spite of
Reason	because, since, as	due to, owing to
Result	so	therefore, as a result, consequently
Example	like	for example, for instance, such as
Sequence	first, then, next, after that	firstly, subsequently, finally
Summary	so, basically	in conclusion, to sum up, overall

Adding information

• I like swimming and running.
• She speaks French. She also speaks Spanish.
• He plays the guitar as well.
• The hotel was cheap. In addition, it was close to the beach.
• Moreover, the plan saves money.

Position matters: also usually goes before the main verb, while too and as well go at the end.

Showing contrast

But and however

• I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
• I wanted to go. However, I was too tired.

However usually starts a new sentence and needs a comma after it. A common mistake is using however like but, with only a comma:

• Wrong: I wanted to go, however I was tired.
• Right: I wanted to go; however, I was tired.

Although, even though and though

These join two clauses in one sentence.

• Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
• We went for a walk, although it was raining.
• Even though he is rich, he lives simply. (stronger)

Do not use but together with although:

• Wrong: Although it was cold, but we swam.
• Right: Although it was cold, we swam.

This is a very common mistake for speakers of languages that use both words together.

Despite and in spite of

These are followed by a noun or an -ing form, not a full clause.

• Despite the rain, we went out.
• In spite of being tired, she finished the report.
• Wrong: Despite it was raining.
• Right: Despite the fact that it was raining.

On the other hand

Use it to compare two sides of an argument.

• City life is exciting. On the other hand, it can be stressful.

Giving reasons

• I stayed home because I was ill.
• Since you're here, let's start.
• As it was late, we took a taxi.
• The flight was delayed due to bad weather.

Because is followed by a clause. Because of and due to are followed by a noun.

• because it rained
• because of the rain

Showing results

• It was raining, so we stayed in.
• The company lost money. Therefore, it closed two offices.
• He didn't study. As a result, he failed the exam.

Giving examples

• I love outdoor sports, like hiking and cycling.
• Many countries, such as Spain and Italy, are popular with tourists.
• Some words are hard to pronounce. For example, thorough and through.

Sequencing

Use these to tell a story or explain a process.

• First, preheat the oven.
• Then mix the flour and sugar. (a comma after then is optional)
• After that, add the eggs.
• Finally, bake for 30 minutes.

At last means after a long wait. Do not use it for the final step in a list. Use finally instead.

Summarizing

• In conclusion, online learning has clear advantages.
• To sum up, both options have pros and cons.
• Overall, it was a great trip.

Punctuation with linking words

Type	Examples	Punctuation
Conjunctions	and, but, so, because	usually inside one sentence
Subordinators	although, while, since	comma if the clause comes first
Adverbs	however, therefore, moreover	new sentence or semicolon, then comma

For more on commas and semicolons, see English punctuation basics.

Common mistakes

• Overusing linking words. Not every sentence needs moreover or furthermore. Too many sounds unnatural.
• Using on the other hand without a real contrast. It needs two opposing sides; on the one hand is optional. Use in addition if you are only adding a point.
• Confusing in the end and at the end. In the end means finally. At the end refers to the end of something: at the end of the film.
• Using besides to mean except. Besides means in addition. Everyone came except Ali.
• Starting with and or but in formal writing. It is not wrong, but in exams many teachers prefer additionally or however.

Practice quiz

Choose the best linking word.

1. I was hungry, (so / however) I made a sandwich.
2. (Although / Despite) the traffic, we arrived on time.
3. She is very talented. (However / But) she is not very confident.
4. We stayed inside (because / because of) the storm.
5. (Although / However) it was expensive, I bought it.

Answers: 1 so, 2 Despite, 3 However, (a new sentence after a period needs however plus a comma), 4 because of, 5 Although.

Write with better flow

Linking words are one of the fastest ways to improve your English writing and score better in exams. See our IELTS preparation tips for more. The free B1 course practices connectors in real sentences, so you learn how they work, not just what they mean.

People Also Ask

What are linking words?

Linking words, also called connectors or transition words, join ideas, sentences and paragraphs. Examples include and, but, because, however and therefore.

What is the difference between but and however?

Both show contrast. But joins two parts of one sentence, while however usually starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma. However is a little more formal.

Can I start a sentence with because?

Yes, as long as the sentence is complete, as in Because it was raining, we stayed home. But because it was raining cannot stand alone as a full sentence.

Which linking words are good for IELTS writing?

Useful choices include however, moreover, as a result, on the other hand and in conclusion. Use them naturally and accurately rather than adding as many as possible.

Related Reading

• How to Improve Your English Writing
• English Punctuation Basics
• IELTS Preparation Tips
• English Word Order: Subject, Verb, Object
• Relative Clauses: Who, Which and That