Linking words, also called « connectors », are used to connect ideas and make a text or speech more fluid. In this course, we will review the main types of linking words, categorized by type.
1. Linking words to add or enumerate ideas
These words allow you to introduce new information, complete an idea, or structure points in a logical order (chronological or by importance).
Word
Example
and
I like watching movies and reading books.
also
She works as a teacher; she also does volunteer work on weekends.
as well
He's a talented singer as well as a skilled guitarist.
in addition
She speaks Spanish. In addition, she understands French.
moreover
He was late. Moreover, he didn't bring his notes.
furthermore
We have no time. Furthermore, we lack the necessary equipment.
besides
I don't like horror films. Besides, they scare me.
first / firstly
First, let me introduce the main topic of the meeting.
second / secondly
Second, we will examine the results of the survey.
third / thirdly
Third, we'll compare these results to last year's data.
next
Next, we need to analyze the data in more detail.
then
Then, we'll move on to the final discussion.
finally
Finally, we'll summarize our conclusions.
lastly
Lastly, we should thank everyone for their contributions.
last but not least
Last but not least, let's address the financial aspect.
Nuances / Exceptions
« And » is the most basic linking word. It simply connects two elements or ideas.
« Beside(s) » can mean « next to » as a preposition (e.g., "The phone is beside the lamp."). But as a connector, « besides » means « furthermore ».
The forms first/firstly, second/secondly, etc. are interchangeable, but the form with « -ly » is sometimes considered more formal.
2. Linking words to express cause and consequence
They indicate why something happens (cause) and what the result is (consequence).
Expressing cause
Word
Example
because
I stayed home because it was raining heavily.
since
Since you're here early, let's start the meeting now.
as
As I was busy, I couldn't attend the conference.
due to
The game was canceled due to bad weather.
owing to
Owing to the traffic, we arrived late.
Expressing consequence
Word
Example
so
It was raining, so I took an umbrella.
therefore
She didn't study; therefore, she failed the exam.
thus
He saved money; thus, he could afford a new car.
as a result
Sales increased. As a result, the company hired more staff.
consequently
The project failed. Consequently, they lost their funding.
hence
He was the best performer; hence, his rapid promotion.
Nuances / Exceptions
« So » is very common in spoken language.
« Therefore », « thus », « consequently » and « hence » are often used in a more formal or written register.
« Due to » and « owing to » are used before a noun or a gerund.
The cancellation of the event was due to bad weather.
Owing to arriving late, he missed the beginning of the movie.
3. Linking words to express condition
Word
Example
if
If it rains, we'll stay home.
unless
I won't go out unless you come with me.
provided (that)
I'll lend you the book provided (that) you give it back soon.
providing (that)
We'll succeed providing (that) we all work together.
as long as
You can stay out as long as you call me if you need anything.
on condition that
He will sign the contract on condition that we respect the deadline.
in case
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Nuances / Exceptions
« Provided (that) » and « providing (that) » are often interchangeable, but « provided that » is more common in formal contexts.
4. Linking words to express opposition or concession
Expressing opposition
Word
Example
but
He is rich, but he is not happy.
however
I like the city; however, I prefer the countryside.
yet
It seemed easy at first, yet it turned out complicated.
nevertheless
They lost the match; nevertheless, they played bravely.
nonetheless
It's raining; nonetheless, we decided to go hiking.
still
She apologized; still, he remained upset.
whereas
She loves jazz, whereas her brother prefers rock music.
while
While I like sweets, I try to eat healthy.
on the other hand
The city is noisy; on the other hand, it's very vibrant.
Expressing concession
Word
Example
although
Although it was late, we kept studying.
even though
She won even though she was injured.
though
Though it was difficult, he managed to finish on time.
despite
Despite the rain, they continued their trip.
in spite of
In spite of her fear, she gave a great speech.
even if
We will go out even if it starts raining later.
Nuances / Exceptions
« But » is the simplest and most frequent to mark direct opposition.
« Though » can be placed at the end of a sentence in a more informal register.
I'm not sure, though.
« Despite » and « in spite of » are followed by a noun or a gerund.
Despite the rain, they continued playing.
In spite of having no experience, he got the job.
5. Linking words to express purpose
Word
Example
to
He works hard to achieve his dreams.
in order to
She left early in order to catch the first train.
so as to
We must prepare everything so as to avoid any delay.
so that
Turn down the music so that the neighbors won't complain.
in order that
We set up a meeting in order that everyone can participate.
Nuances / Exceptions
« To » is the simplest form to express purpose, generally followed by an infinitive verb.
« So that » and « in order that » often introduce a clause containing a subject and a verb.
I explained it clearly so that everyone could understand.
6. Linking words to give examples or illustrate
Word
Example
for example
Some countries, for example, Italy, are famous for their cuisine.
for instance
There are many social networks; for instance, TikTok and Instagram.
such as
He likes outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.
like
She enjoys sports like football and basketball.
e.g.
You should eat more fruits (e.g., apples, bananas, oranges).
specifically
She focuses on sustainable energy, specifically solar power.
to illustrate
To illustrate, let's look at last year's revenue figures.
Nuances / Exceptions
« Such as » and « like » are generally followed by concrete examples.
« e.g. » is a Latin abbreviation, mostly used in formal or academic contexts, often in parentheses.
« For example » and « for instance » are used interchangeably to introduce an example.
7. Linking words to summarize or conclude
Word
Example
in conclusion
In conclusion, both methods can be effective.
to sum up
To sum up, we need more resources to complete this project.
in summary
In summary, we've covered all the major points.
all in all
All in all, it was a successful event.
overall
Overall, the feedback has been positive.
to conclude
To conclude, let's review the final recommendations.
briefly
Briefly, the test results are better than expected.
in short
In short, we need a better strategy.
Nuances / Exceptions
« In conclusion » and « to conclude » have a more formal register.
« All in all » and « in short » are slightly more informal and often used in spoken language.
Conclusion
Linking words are essential for structuring sentences in English. They make speech clearer, more fluid, and more logical. In the TOEIC®, a good command of linking words is crucial, especially in the Reading section, where they help understand the logical links between ideas, as well as in the Listening section, where they help follow the thread of a conversation or speech.
The TOEIC® is mainly a matter of training!To help you to validate your TOEIC®, we offer you our training platform, don't hesitate to sign up to become unbeatable!