Linking Words

Linking words (also called transition words) join sentences and paragraphs together and make the relationship between ideas clearer. For this reason, it is essential to understand the meaning of linking words and how to use them correctly. But, because, and, or, and so are examples of basic linking words (also called conjunctions) and we use them frequently in everyday language. There are also formal linking words, like however, furthermore, nevertheless, consequently, similarly, and thus. These linking words are used in formal contexts, and using them accurately will substantially improve your academic English. In this section, we will focus primarily on formal linking words and how to use them effectively.

Examples of formal linking words

• His wife left him. As a result, he became very depressed.
• The company is expanding. Consequently, there are jobs on offer.
• The hotel was open. However, nobody came to the reception desk.
• We do not own the building. Thus, it would be impossible for us to make any significant changes to it.
• The report is poorly presented. Moreover, it contains inaccuracies.
• In conclusion, walking is a cheap, safe, and readily available form of exercise.
• I don’t mind at all. Indeed, I would be delighted to help.

Why do we need linking words?
The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any linking words to connect them. Therefore, it is unclear how these different events are related or what point the writer wants to make.

“Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union worked with Germany. They partitioned Poland. In 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union.” 

If appropriate linking words are added, the text becomes clearer and the relationship between the events is easier to comprehend. In the following example, a few linking words have been added to make it easier to understand how the events are related:

“Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently, France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany to partition Poland. However, Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.”

Avoid overusing linking words
While linking words are essential to clear writing, they should not be overused. Consider the following example, in which the linking words slow down the text and make it repetitive.

“The first experiment yielded a positive result. However, the second experiment yielded a negative result. Nonetheless, the third experiment yielded a positive result. Still, the fourth experiment yielded a negative result.”

In the version below, the linking words have been reduced to improve the fluency of the text:

“The first and third experiments yielded positive results, while the outcomes of the second and fourth experiments were negative.”

The key to using linking words effectively is finding the right balance. It is difficult to understand the logic of a text with no linking words, but a text where every sentence begins with a linking word becomes monotonous.

Recommendation: in a text consisting of 400-600 words, use two to five formal linking words.

Formal linking words in sentences
Formal linking words are most often placed at the beginning of a sentence (followed by a comma):

• One can have a lot of difficulty in writing creatively. However, creative writing is a useful skill.
• I am not a big fan of marvel comics. On the other hand, I like their concept.
• I fumble a lot while speaking. As a result, I avoid speaking in front of other people.

Some formal linking words can be placed at the beginning, at the middle, and at the end of a sentence:

• One can have a lot of difficulty in writing creatively. However, creative writing is a useful skill.
• One can have a lot of difficulty in writing creatively. Creative writing, however, is a useful skill.
• One can have a lot of difficulty in writing creatively. Creative writing is a useful skill, however.