A link is also known as a connection. In every language, we use words that fall under this category, which allows us to connect two ideas or two words fluidly. That category is known as “linking words”.

With this post, we will teach the different words that make your sentences sound more structured and give you that fluidity to sound just like a native speaker. The first thing that we need to know is what are linking words?

LET'S START WITH THE MEANING OF "LINKING WORDS"

From a grammatical point of view, “linking words” or even phrases are used to connect two ideas or phrases in the same text.

This relationship between ideas does not always mean the same, it could be about contrast, similarities, comparison, give additional information or explain something deep, among others.

Even though they are used for different situations, the grammatical classification of these words is “linking words”.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF "LINKING WORDS"

It all depends if you use them correctly, that is why your text or communication will be more fluid and natural. However, if you use them incorrectly they can significantly change the meaning of what we are trying to communicate. 

We will show you some examples, so you can see how they work: 

What happens when we don’t use “linking words”:

I went to your house. I couldn’t find you. I left. 

What happens when we use them:

I went to your house, but I couldn’t find you, that’s why I left. 

The communication improved significantly. That’s why “linking words” are so important. 

TYPES OF "LINKING WORDS"

As we mentioned before, there are different types of “linking words“, and they will change depending on their semantic focus (meaning). Here we have a list of the most common linking words, what is their use, so you can memorize and practice them to improve your English vocabulary. 

TO ADD INFORMATION

  • And 
  • Besides 
  • Also
  • Too 
  • In addition 
  • As well as 
  • Moreover 
  • Furthermore 
  • Besides which 
  • Aditionally
  • Along with 
  • Apart from this

TO CONTRAST

  • But 
  • However
  • Though 
  • Although 
  • Even though
  • Where as 
  • Yet 
  • In spite of 
  • Despite 
  • While
  • Nevertheless 
  • Nonetheless 
  • Unlike
  • On the other hand 
  • In contrast to 
  • Alternatively 
  • Even so 
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TO GIVE ORDER OR TO STRUCTURE YOUR IDEAS

  • First 
  • Firstly 
  • Lastly
  • Second 
  • Third (after third, you can use the ordinal numbers to give a structural approach)
  • Finally 
  • The following 
  • Previously 
  • Before 
  • Above all 
  • Last but not least
  • In the first place 

WHEN YOU WANT TO USE CONDITIONALS

  • If 
  • Even if
  • Only if 
  • Wheter or not
  • Unless
  • Providing 
  • As long as 

TO COMPARE

  • Similarly 
  • Likewise 
  • Just like 
  • Similar to 
  • Same as 
  • In the same way 
  • Equally

TO GIVE REASONS

  • Because

  • Due tu 
  • Owing to 
  • As 
  • For 
  • Considering
  • In case 

TO DO A SUMMARY

  • In conclusion 
  • In summary 
  • In short or in brief 
  • To conclude

TO GIVE EXAMPLES

  • For example 
  • For instance 
  • Such as
  • Namely

TO GIVE EFFECT

  • In consequence 
  • Consequently 
  • As a result 
  • Therefore 
  • So 
  • Then 
  • Accordingly 

With this small list of “linking words” we conclude this post. We hope that you can add them to your vocabulary, so you can improve your communication skills. 

PRACTICE HERE

Practice these words and if you want to broaden your vocabulary, contact us, and we will gladly guide you and support you with anything you need. Take your English to the next level with B1b2. Good luck! 

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