Linking Words English: Explanation & Examples

Would you like your sentences not only to be linguistically beautiful, but also meaningfully connected? Then there is an important group of words that will help you: the so-called linking words.

Linking Words English – Explanation

This group of words is an indispensable part of English conversations and texts. It not only embellishes the language image, but also has a whole range of other important functions. But what exactly are linking words at all?

linking words (also connecting words called) are connecting words that logically connect individual sentences link. They make a text more fluid by signaling relationships between individual sentences.

To understand exactly what that means, look at the following example sentence:

I woke up. I made breakfast. I washed the dishes. I took a quick shower. I had to go to work early.

This example sounds a bit lifeless. Every sentence starts the same, the text reads monotonously and choppy. With the use of linking words you can make it more interesting:

I woke up before making breakfast. Then I washed the dishes other took a quick shower because I had to leave for work early.

through the linking words this example is not only more linguistically appealing, but also more informative. You will find out what was done in which order and why something happened. the linking words They signal how the individual sentences or parts of sentences relate to each other.

If you would like to learn more about how individual parts of a sentence can be connected within a sentence, please also have a look at the explanation on «Conjunctions in English».

Linking Words English – Usage

As you have seen in the example, you can go through linking words recognize the connection between individual parts of a sentence clearly and at first glance. So you use them so that your readers or listeners can better follow your thoughts and ideas.

Take a look at the following example:

Because Luke didn’t do the dishes other buy groceries, his mom was furious. Consequentlyhe wasn’t allowed to play video games. Thushe went to bed angry.

through the linking words you will find out why Luke’s mother is angry (because, other), what consequences Luke’s behavior has for him (consequently), and why he went to bed angry (thus). The connecting words clearly signal the connections between the sentences.

In this specific example, you give the linking words also the reasons for something. However, connecting words also have many other functions: They are also used to examples or Conclusions to initiate contrasts to emphasize Additional Information to name or particular aspects to emphasize.

As you can see, have linking words play an important role and are therefore indispensable for making your text fluent and appealing.

linking words you use both spoken and written, but there are some words that you would use, for example, in formal texts rather than in everyday speech (for example consequently, moreover, or in spite of).

Connecting words like other or Like on the other hand, you constantly come across them while speaking – you would certainly find it difficult to form a sentence without them in the long run.

Linking Words English – Table & Examples

Below is a list of the most common linking words. They are arranged in individual tables according to their function. So that you can memorize them better, you will also find the German translation and a clear example for each connecting word.

Have you ever thought about how many different ways you use the word although could you translate? «Although», «although», «even if», «although» or «although» are just a few of many possibilities. The English language is a little more parsimonious in this regard – so you don’t need to learn too much vocabulary to say the same thing.

1. Order

The following linking words give your text structure by arranging your sentences in a meaningful chronological order. In this way, your readers can understand what happened at what time.

Linking Wordtranslationexample sentencefirst,second,thirdfirst,second,thirdFirstthe client is introduced to the CEOs.Second, they will be given a tour around the building,and thirdthey will be invited to lunch.next,thenNextshe looked for a job.Then she moved out. finally, lastly finallyFinallywe made it.Lastlyshe shut the door.

2. Add information

Connecting words allow you to add additional information to your text without overwhelming your readers.

Linking Wordtranslationexample sentenceand and I don’t cook other I don’t clean. in addition,additionallyThe experiment did not go as planned. Additionally, it used up too many resources. moreover, furtherthermoreThe author does not agree with this statement. Furthermore / Moreover, he even argues that it is rather misleading. as well as as well as Bayern Munich is a football club, as well as Real Madrid. besidesBesides, he didn’t care anyway. not only… but also not only… but also Not only did they sing with the children,but so paint.

As you may have noticed, in English there is only one word for the terms «but» and «but», namely but. Which meaning but in a sentence can be deduced from the respective context.

3. Clarify contrasts

Sometimes it makes sense to compare certain facts or statements. In this way, you can emphasize their contrast, using the following connecting words to help you.

Linking Wordtranslationexample sentencedespite, in spite ofDespite / In spite of being nervous, I managed to talk to her.while,whereasalthough I live in London while / whereas Sandy lives in Munich.in contrast to,on the contrary toIn contrast to the other children, Lisa did not like the lunch lady. on the one hand …on the other handOn the one hand…on the other handOn the one handhey was smart.On the other handhe showed off.howeverShe liked him. However, she was shy.although,even thoughAlthough/even though we studied, we failed the test.

4. Betones

If there are certain aspects that you would like to emphasize in particular, these are ideal linking words on:

linking Wordtranslationexample sentenceindeed, in factIndeed, exposing patients to horses helped them ease their fear.In fact, animals have a positive impact on people’s mental healthObviouslyeating too much sugar is not healthy.especially,specificallyI like playing football, especially / specifically with my brothes.undoubtedly without a doubtundoubtedly, I was nervous.in particular,particularlyespeciallyespecially the weather seemed to be a problem.

5. Give examples

When you make a statement about something, it’s always good to be able to back it up with examples. This allows you to better illustrate your ideas, making it easier for your listeners and readers to understand them.

Linking Wordtranslationexample sentencefor exampleHe likes watching foreign movies. last week, for examplehe watched a French movie.for instance, for exampleThe boys, for instanceliked the milkshake.like,such as for example,they have come to appreciate dogs, like / look as Golden Labradors.that isthat meansFarm animals – that is cows, horses, and sheep—are popular among children.

6. Draw conclusions

The following linking words are particularly good for pointing out a conclusion to your readers. This is a signal that your argument is coming to an end.

Linking Wordtranslationexample sentencethus,hence,thereforeThe test results did not confirm the assumptions. Thus / Hencethey will have to be revised.thereforeIt has been raining all week. Thereforethe bridge might be flooded.in conclusion, finallyIn conclusionthe author claims that immediate action is necessary to present climate change.as a consequence, consequentlyAs a consequence / consequentlythey all got in trouble.

7. Beestablish

Leaving statements unfounded does not make them appear implausible. These connecting words will help you to reproduce reasons:

Linking Wordtranslationexample sentencesince,asda,becauseSince / As he didn’t respond, she left without him.because ofI had to quit work because of the heavy work load.due to duedue to the storm, they decided to stay in.for because I was angry, for he had forgotten our anniversary again.

8. Compare

If you want to compare certain statements with each other, you can use these formulations:

Linking Word

translation

example sentencelikewieHe plays football like his father. just like,similar to exactly likeShe lives in Munich, just like/similar to Simon.compared toin comparison (to) She was much more concerned to here parents. similarly likewiseHis professors encouraged him to finish his studies. Similarlyhis parents also motivated him to graduate.

Mix up the adverb similarly not with the adjective similar. You are welcome to refresh your knowledge of adverbs at any time with the help of the explanation «Adverbs».

Linking Words English – The Most Important

  • linking words are connecting words that logically link individual sentences and statements with one another.
  • They signal the relationship between the sentences and allow the reader to better follow the statements made.
  • The usage of linking words makes sentences more fluid, clearer and more structured.
  • They can be used for various purposes. This includes adding, arranging or comparing information, introducing examples or conclusions, emphasizing or justifying statements and clarifying contrasts.