Linking Words and Phrases

Download a list of linking words and phrases in pdf

English is a language that relies heavily on linking words and phrases. (They are also called transitional words and phrases, or simply transitions.) Linking words and phrases can express addition, cause and effect, and comparison. Some of them illustrate, or explain, a term or an idea; others provide examples or show chronological order, or sequence of events. In addition, we may use certain transitions to introduce a summary of what has been said or to give a conclusion.

Linking words and phrases are used in order to create coherence within the sentence. They are also used to make transitions between different sections of the text or between different paragraphs. They help readers to see relations between ideas.

We always advise learners to check the dictionary if they are not sure about how to use a word or a phrase.

Here’s a list of the most common linking words and phrases and some tips and examples on how to use them in English.

Table of Contents

Addition

and
also
and also
not only … but also
and … as well
as well as
in addition
additionally
moreover
furthermore
besides
besides to this
what is more
too
apart from
additionally
coupled with
not to mention
to say nothing of
together with
along with

Examples:

I bought a dress and a shawl. (joining two items; no commas used)
She was hungry and sleepy. (joining two adjectives)
The children sang and danced. (joining two verbs)
I bought a dress, a shawl and a bag. (joining more than two items; commas used to separate the items; in British English no comma before and; in American English we add a comma before and)
They cooked the dinner, and they cleaned the kitchen. (joining related ideas-complete sentences; separated with a comma)
We discussed the job benefits, such as health insurance, overtime, annual leaves, and so on. (= in addition to other things of the same kind; and so forth)
Not only is the house economical, but it is also convenient. (When not only is at the beginning of the sentence, we invert (reverse) the order of the subject and verb.)
The new book is well-written; moreover, it has effective illustrations.
The car was beautiful. Furthermore, it was easy to drive.
We can’t go now because my mother doesn’t feel well. Besides, I have an important task to finish urgently.
I don’t think we will need such a big car, not to mention the price.
Along with her university studies, she had a part-time job.
His father was unhappy with his results. His mother was frustrated, too.

Explanation / Illustration

in other words
for one thing
to put it differently
as an illustration
that is to say
namely
for example
for instance
to illustrate
to clarify
to explain
to demonstrate
to emphasize
to numerate
such as
including
like
in detail

Examples:

The teacher asked me to rewrite the essay. In other words, she didn’t like it.
You can never rely on him. For example, he doesn’t finish his work on time. (For example introduces a sentence: Subject-Verb.)
They made a number of improvements on the new machine. The wash cycle, for instance, is shorter now. (For instance introduces a sentence: Subject-Verb.)
In addition to English, her son speaks several languages, such as Arabic, Spanish, and French. (Use a comma before such as.)
In our company, there are many workers from Asian countries like China, Japan and Malaysia.

Cause

because
as
since
for
because of
due to
owing to

Examples:

The meeting was cancelled because the reports were not ready. (followed by Subject-Verb)
As he was the oldest, he opened the session.
They won’t be able to come with us since they are busy with their exams.
She didn’t say anything, for she was upset about the news.
Our flight was delayed because of the sand storm. (followed by a noun phrase)
Our flight was delayed due to the sand storm.

Effect

so
consequently
thus
as a result
for this reason
therefore
as a consequence (of)
hence
and

Examples:

She felt pain in her heart, so she stopped running.
It rained a lot during the past few days. Consequently, the reservoirs are full.
They worked all day and thus they are exhausted now.
We were well-prepared for the change. As a result, it did not have a big impact on our work system.
He had a lot of trouble with his neighbors. Therefore, he moved to another house.
The disease spread rapidly in the city. As a consequence, a lock-down was imposed.
She’s got a pay rise, hence the new phone.
Read her message and you will understand what she wants. (= so; as a result; in order to)
You may go and see what they’re doing. (= so; as a result; in order to)

Emphasis

above all
undoubtedly
indeed
obviously
generally
admittedly
in fact
particularly / in particular
especially
certainly
clearly
importantly

Examples:

She was above all a good and tireless teacher.
Undoubtedly, regular exercise has a big impact on our health.
In fact, his long experience helped him get the job.
We love cold drinks, especially in summer.
Certainly, financial factors escalated the problem.
Importantly, getting a university degree opened many doors for him.

Similarity

similarly
likewise
also
like
just as
just like
similar to
same as
compare
compared to

Examples:

They were brought to be polite. Similarly, they’re trying to teach their children good manners.
The book was very exciting. Likewise, the details added in the movie were enjoyable.
The goods offered at this store are similar to the ones we saw online.
His works compare with his father’s works. (They are similar)
Compared to young trees, children are still growing and can be shaped.

Contrast

however / nevertheless / nonetheless / notwithstanding
but / yet
although / though / even though
despite / in spite of
despite the fact that / in spite of the fact that
in contrast (to) / in comparison
while / whereas
on the other hand
on the contrary
different from
conversely
unlike
compared with

Examples:

The salary was very high. However, he refused the job.
I went to work even though I wasn’t feeling well.
He managed to complete the game despite hurting his foot.
I enjoyed the book in spite of the fact that the story was boring.
They aren’t close friends, but they can work very well together.
One of the children was sleeping, while the other was coloring.
In contrast to his brother, he is very tall.
I don’t think the portrait is ugly. On the contrary, I believe it is beautiful and expressive.
We had to prepare for the meeting. On the other hand, we were asked to receive an important guest at the airport.
My schedule on Sundays and Mondays is very busy compared with the rest of the week.

Sequence / Time

first /second / third, etc.
firstly
first of all
the first point is
in the first place
second
secondly
next
then
and
after that
at the same time / in the meantime / meanwhile
as soon as
until / till
when
while
before
once
shortly
finally
lastly
last

Examples:

To make nice cupcakes at home, follow these instructions carefully. First, preheat oven to 180°C/160°C . Before you start preparing the ingredients, line muffin or mini-muffin pans with paper cases. Using an electric mixer, beat butter, vanilla and sugar in a small bowl until light and fluffy. Then, add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition . When the mixture is ready, transfer it to a large bowl, and stir in half the flour and half the milk. Repeat with remaining flour and milk until combined. After that, fill muffin liners with batter. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Stand cakes in pans for 2 minutes. Finally, transfer cakes to a wire rack to cool.