English Grammar: Linking Words Connectors – 3rd Year Secondary – Algeria

Linking Words and Connectors

Linking words (also called discourse markers or connectors) are used to connect ideas and make your writing more coherent.

Addition

• And, also, too : “He likes reading and writing.”
• Moreover, furthermore, besides : “The project is useful. Moreover, it is profitable.”
• In addition (to), as well as : “In addition to studying, he works part-time.”
• Not only… but also : “She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.”

Contrast / Opposition

• But, yet : “He is rich but unhappy.”
• However, nevertheless, nonetheless : “The weather was bad. However, we went out.”
• Although / Even though / Though : “Although he was tired, he continued working.”
• While / Whereas : “I like coffee while my sister prefers tea.”
• On the other hand, in contrast : “This solution is cheap. On the other hand, it is less durable.”

Cause and Effect

• So, therefore, consequently : “I was sick, so I stayed home.”
• Because, because of, due to : “He succeeded because he worked hard.”
• As a result, as a consequence : “The company expanded. As a result, it hired more staff.”

Sequence / Order

• First(ly), second(ly), finally : “Firstly, I’ll explain the problem. Secondly, I’ll propose a solution.”
• Next, then, after that, subsequently : “We finished work. Then we went home.”

Conclusion

• In conclusion, to conclude, to sum up : “In conclusion, education is essential for development.”
• In short, in brief, overall : “Overall, the project was a success.”

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill with appropriate linking words:

1. He was tired; __________, he kept working.
2. __________ the rain, the football match continued.
3. __________, I would like to thank everyone for their support.

Learn more: Expressing Cause and Effect and How to Write an Essay.