Essential Linking Words

One of the most popular pages on our site is Linking words. (The words and phrases you need to connect your ideas.) Take a look at it if you haven't already – there are explanations and example sentences to help you use these words effectively.

The list is long – we have many ways in English of saying the same thing! So here's a shorter guide to the most essential linking words in English.

For example – to give an example. You can have this either at the beginning or at the end of the sentence.

And – the easiest way to add information. Put it between two clauses or before the final item in a list.

Also – to add an idea or emphasise. "We also went to Greece on our holiday."

To summarise – use at the beginning of the sentence. "To summarise, we will go ahead with the plan."

Firstly, Secondly, Finally – use these to sequence your ideas. Use at the beginning of the sentence.

Because – to give a reason. You can have this at the beginning of the sentence, or between two clauses.
"Because I'm allergic to seafood I didn't order the prawns." "I didn't order the prawns because I'm allergic to seafood."

As – another way to say "because" and used in the same way.

So – an informal equivalent to "therefore" to give a result. Use it between clauses: "It was hot outside, so we sat indoors."

If you use "so" at the beginning of a sentence (with stress), it's like saying "well"..
"So, you're a friend of Joe's aren't you?"

But – the easiest way to contrast an idea. It's usually used between two clauses.
"I don't like milk, but I like yoghurt."

It can come at the beginning of a sentence to contradict someone.
"We should go to New York."
"But you said it was too expensive!"

However is more formal, and is used at the beginning of a sentence.
"We are interested in your proposal. However, we will only be able to discuss it in September."

Extra Exercise

Fill the gaps in the sentences with a linking word

1. I love the cinema, —– I'm interested in knowing who's won the Oscars.

2. She listens to most music. She loves classical, but she's —– a fan of jazz.

3. He's great with languages. —– he speaks French and Italian, and is now learning German.

4. We went to Italy last year, —– we didn't visit Rome.

5. I like Italy —– the food is so good.

Answers English lesson

Hi all

Having a great time in sunny Cornwall.

The coastline is really interesting – rugged cliffs but sandy dunes in places. We've been exploring some of the smugglers' coves famous in this part of Cornwall. The smugglers would bring the ships in from the sea, then steal all the cargo.

At low tide we often go walking along the shore to see what the tide has brought in. Haven't found anything interesting yet.

The sea is generally quite rough, with huge breakers. We've been told it's quite dangerous to swim, and we felt a strong current yesterday even at knee-height.

Not been stung by any jellyfish yet, though just a matter of time probably!

Love to all