Linking words and phrases

Although some of these words have already been mentioned as sentence connectors,
they can also be used to develop coherence within a paragraph, that is linking one
idea / argument to another. Print off this page to keep as a reference of useful linking
words and phrases.

Sequence

First / firstly,
second / secondly,
third / thirdly etc
Next, last, finally
In addition,
moreover
Further /
furthermore
Another
Also
In conclusion
To summarise

Result

And
In addition /
additionally / an
additional
Furthermore
Also
Too
As well as

However
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Still
Although / even
though
Though
But
Yet
Despite / in spite
of
In contrast (to) /
in comparison
While

Reason

For
Because
Since
As
Because of

Comparison

Similarly
Likewise
Also
Like
Just as
Just like
Similar to
Same as
Compare
compare(d) to
/ with
Not only...but
also

Undoubtedly
Indeed
Obviously
Generally
Admittedly
In fact
Particularly /
in particular
Especially
Clearly
Importantly
Example

Contrast

Addition

So
As a result
As a
consequence (of)
Therefore
Thus
Consequently
Hence
Due to

Emphasis

For example
For instance
That is (ie)
Such as
Including
Namely

Whereas
On the other
hand
On the contrary

Sentence connectors
Sentence connectors are used to link ideas from one sentence to the next and to give
paragraphs coherence. Sentence connectors perform different functions and are placed
at the beginning of a sentence. They are used to introduce, order, contrast, sequence
ideas, theory, data etc. The following table lists useful connectors.

Useful sentence connectors

Logical / sequential order

Order of importance

Firstly, secondly, thirdly

etc

Next, last, finally

In addition
Furthermore
Also
At present / presently

Contrast
However
On the other hand
On the contrary
By (in) comparison
In contrast

Result

Comparison

Next

Similarily
Likewise
Also

Most / more importantly

Most significantly
Above all
Primarily
It is essential / essentially

As a result
As a consequence
Therefore
Thus
Consequently
Hence
Reason

The cause of
The reason for

Subordinators

Subordinators are linking words that are used to join clauses together. They are used at
the beginning or in themiddle of a sentence. A clause is a group of words that must
contain a subject and predicate. There are two types of clauses:

independent clauses - these can stand alone as a sentence by

themselves
dependent clauses - these make no sense by themselves.

Example

Common subordinators
Below are some examples of commonly used subordinators.

Cau
se / Tim
effe e
ct

Comparison & Contrast

Although
Though
Even though
While
Whereas

Since After

So

When
th
at Until

Beca When
us
ev
e
er

Befor
e

List of Commonly Used

Linking Words

Fun
ctio
n

Coordi
nators

Subordin
ators

Transitio
ns

Link
indepe
ndent

Link an
independe
nt clause

Link
independe

Plac
e&
man
ner

clauses
within
a
senten
ce.

Pun
ctua
tion

Use a
comma
before
a
coordin
ator:
I
researc
hed
the
topic,
and I
create
d the
presen
tation.

with a
dependent
clause or
phrase
within a
sentence.

When the
dependent
clause is
at the
beginning
of the
sentence,
it should
be
followed
by a
comma:
After I
research
ed the
topic, I
created
the
presentati
on.
Do not
use a
comma
when the
dependent
clause is
at the end
of the
sentence:
I created
the
presentati
on after I
research
ed the
topic.

nt clauses
within a
sentence.
Link
sentences
within a
paragraph.
When the
transition
begins the
sentence,
it should
be
followed
by a
comma:
First, I
researched
the topic.
Then, I
created
the
presentati
on.
When the
transition
connects
two
independe
nt clauses,
a semicolon
comes
before it
and a
comma
follows it:
I
researched
the
topic; afte
rwards, I
created
the
presentati

on.
Sho
win
g
time
,
begi
nnin
g,
duri
ng,
endi
ng

A
n
d

Bef
ore

As

As
lon
g
as

At
the
sa
me
tim
e
(as
)
Ev
ery
tim
e

Sin
ce

So
lon
g
as

Th
e
firs
t/s
eco
nd/
ne
xt/l
ast
tim
e

Wh

Aft
erw
ard
(s)

At
first

Init
iall
y

Me
an
whi
le

Me
anti
me

Sim
ulta
neo
usl
y

Eve
ntu
ally

Fin
ally

en

Sho
win
ga
seq
uen
ce

A
n
d

Wh
en
ev
er

Wh
ile

By
the
tim
e

Till

Unt
il

Aft
er

Nex
t

As
soo
n
as

Sub
seq
uen
tly

Ev
er
sin
ce

The
n

Foll
owi
ng

The
rea
fter

Firs
t

Lat
er

Firs
tly

On
ce

Init
iall
y

To
beg

in

Sho
win
g
con
clusi
on

S
o

Nex
t

Sec
ond

Sec
ond
ly

The
n

Thir
d

Thir
dly

Fin
ally

Las
t

Las
tly

In
all

In
su
mm
atio
n

In
con
clus
ion

To
con
clu

de
Sho
win
g
cont
rast

B
u
t

E
i
t
h
e
r

Alt
ho
ug
h

o
r

Y
e
t

By
co
mp
aris
on

De
spi
te

Ev
en
tho
ug
h

By
con
tras
t

Con
ver
sel
y

Ho
we
ver

In
spi
te
of

Ins
tea
d
of

In
con
tras
t

Th
ou
gh

Inst
ead

Wh
ere
as

Nev
ert
hel
ess

Wh
ile

No
net
hel
ess

On
the
con
trar
y

On

the
oth
er
han
d

Sho
win
g
simi
larit
y

N
e
i
t
h
e
r

Oth
erw
ise

In
oth
er
wor
ds

Lik
ewi
se

Sim
ilarl
y

Add
itio
nall
y

Als
o

Bes
ide

n
o
r

E
i
t
h
e
r

o
r

Addi
ng
info
rma
tion

A
n
d

Addi
ng
exa
mpl
e

Sho
win
g
cau
se

F
o
r

As
a
res
ult
of

Be
cau
se

Fur
the
r

Fur
the
rm
ore

In
add
itio
n

Mor
eov
er

For
exa
mpl
e

For
inst
anc
e

In
par
ticu
lar

Sho
win
g
effe
ct

S
o

Du
e
to
(th
e
fac
t
tha
t)

In
ord
er
to

Re
sul
tin
g
fro
m

Sin
ce

(If)

the
n

Acc
ordi
ngl
y,

res
ulti
ng
in

As
a
res
ult,

So

tha
t

Con
seq
uen
tly,

He
nce

Sho
win
g
con
ditio
n

the
n

Ev
en
if

If

the
n

In
cas
e

Pro
vid
ed
tha
t

Pro
vidi
ng

Unl
ess

Wh
eth
er
or
not

The
ref
ore
,

Thu
s,

Possibility

If
as if
whether

Wher
ev

unless

er

Wher
e

How
Next

List of Commonly Used Linking Words

Function

Coordinators

Subordinators

Transitions

Link
independent
clauses within a
sentence.

Link an independent
clause with a
dependent clause or
phrase within a
sentence.

Link independent
clauses within a
sentence.
Link sentences within a
paragraph.

Punctuatio
n

Use a comma
before a
coordinator:
I researched
the topic, and I
created the
presentation.

When the dependent

clause is at the
beginning of the
sentence, it should be
followed by a comma:
After I researched
the topic, I created
the presentation.

When the transition

begins the sentence, it
should be followed by
a comma:
First, I researched the
topic.
Then, I created the
presentation.

Do not use a comma

when the dependent

When the transition

connects two

clause is at the end of

the sentence:
I created the
presentation after I
researched the
topic.

Showing
time,
beginning,
during,
ending

Showing a
sequence

And

And

independent clauses, a
semi-colon comes
before it and a comma
follows it:
I researched the
topic; afterwards, I
created the
presentation.

Before

Afterward(s)

As

At first

As long as

Initially

At the same
time (as)

Meanwhile

Meantime

Every time

Simultaneously

Since

Eventually

So long as

Finally

The
first/second/ne
xt/last time

When

Whenever

While

By the time

Till

Until

After

Next

As soon as

Subsequently

Ever since

Then

Showing
conclusin

Showing
contrast

Following

Thereafter

Later

First

Once

Firstly

Initially

To begin

Next

Second

Secondly

Then

Third

Thirdly

Finally

Last

Lastly

In all

In summation

In conclusion

To conclude

So

But

Although

By comparison

Either
or

Despite

By contrast

Even though

Conversely

Yet

In spite of

However

Instead of

In contrast

Showing
similarity

Adding
informatio
n

Though

Instead

Whereas

Nevertheless

While

Nonetheless

On the contrary

On the other
hand

Otherwise

In other words

Neither
nor

Likewise

Either
or

Similarly

And

Additionally

Also

Besides

Further

Furthermore

In addition

Moreover

For example

For instance

In particular

Adding
example

Showing
cause

For

As a result of

Showing
effect

Showing
condition

So

Because

Due to (the
fact that)

In order to

Resulting from

Since

(If) then

Accordingly,

resulting in

As a result,

So that

Consequently,

then

Hence,

Therefore,

Thus,

Even if

If then

In case

Provided that

Providing

Unless

Whether or not

1.33 Cohesion: linking words and phrases

You can use words or short phrases which help to guide your reader through your writing, and
to link sentences, paragraphs and sections both forwards and backwards. Good use will make
what you have written easy to follow; bad use might mean your style is disjointed, probably
with too many short sentences, and consequently difficult to follow. Your mark could be
affected either way.
The best way to "get a feel" for these words is through your reading. Most textbooks and
articles are well-written and will probably include a lot of these cohesive devices. Note how
they are used and try to emulate what you have read. Do make sure though that you fully
understand their meaning: incorrect use could change completely what you're trying to say.
Try to use a variety of expressions, particularly in longer pieces of writing.
Don't forget "AND"! Two short sentences are often best connected together with this little
word.
There follows a list of words and phrases that can be used. The list is not exhaustive, and BE
CAREFUL: although grouped together, none is totally synonymous. Their position in the
sentence can also vary; this is where your reading and dictionary come in.
Listing

Giving examples

Generalising

first, second, third

for example

in general

first, furthermore, finally

for instance

generally

to begin, to conclude

as follows:

on the whole

Next

that is

as a rule

Reinforcement

in this case

for the most part

Also

namely

in most cases

Furthermore

in other words

usually

Moreover

Result/consequence

Highlighting

what is more

so

in particular

in addition

therefore

particularly

Besides

as a result/consequence

especially

above all

accordingly

mainly

as well (as)

consequently

Reformulation

in the same way

because of this/that

in other words

not only ... but also

thus

rather

Similarity

hence

to put it more simply

Equally

for this/that reason

Expressing an alternative

Likewise

so that

alternatively

Similarly

in that case

rather

correspondingly

under these circumstances

on the other hand

in the same way

Deduction

the alternative is

Transition to new point

then

another possibility would be

now,

in other words

Contrast

as far as x is concerned

in that case

instead

with regard/reference to

otherwise

conversely

as for ...

this implies that ...

on the contrary

it follows that

if so/not

in contrast

turning to

Stating the obvious

in comparison

Summary

obviously

Concession (sth unexpected)

in conclusin

clearly

however

to conclude

naturally

even though

in brief

of course

however much

to summarise

as can be expected

nevertheless

Overall

surely

still

Therefore

after all

yet

Here are just a few examples of some of the words in action:

REINFORCEMENT
Desktop computers are cheaper and more reliable than laptops; furthermore, they are more
flexible.
RESULT/CONSEQUENCE
Prices fell by more than 20% last year. As a result, sales increased by 15%.
GENERALISING
On the whole, his speech was well received, despite some complaints from new members.
CONTRAST
The South East of the UK often has the coldest weather in the winter. Conversely, the North
West of Scotland frequently has the mildest temperatures.
CONCESSION
It was a very expensive holiday, the weather was bad and the people werent very
friendly. Nevertheless, we would probably go back to the same place.
Top of page
Transition word exercise
Always ask yourself what the exact relationship is between the sentences or parts of
sentences. Are you leading to the result of something? Are you making a deduction? Are you
introducing some contradictory evidence or ideas? Your choice of word or phrase obviously
depends on this. And always check in a good dictionary if you're not quite sure about a word's
use or its position in a sentence. Remember that punctuation will affect what you use.
Insert the best alternative
1 Polls show that Tony Blair is the most popular Prime Minister this century. ______________ ,
there are even members of his own party who are uneasy with his approach.
In particular

However

For instance

2 There are some slight variations in temperature, but ________________ 26 to 27C should
be expected.

consequently

otherwise

as a rule

3 The two main Channel Islands, ________________ Jersey and Guernsey, are much closer to
France than to England.
for example

namely

in particular

4 It was announced that nurses' working hours would be increased by 25%. ______________ ,
even fewer trainee nurses
are expected to join the profession.
As a result

So that

Likewise

5 Sales of CDs have experienced a small but steady fall over the past 12 months.
_____________ , vinyl records have seen an increase in their share of the market, up to
1.7%.
Above all

Correspondingly

In contrast

6 The Vice Chancellor explained that in light of the current financial climate and because of
unexpected bad debts, it would be necessary to peg salary levels at their current level for all
grades of staff. ______________ , no-one was getting a pay rise.
Nevertheless

In other words

Similarly

7 It is clear, therefore, that the situation in Brazil will improve only slowly. ______________
the economic problems being experienced in Japan, the outlook is slightly more optimistic.
Furthermore

In comparison

With reference to

8 In order to try to reduce car use in the inner cities, the government has announced new
restrictions on company parking spaces and ______________ , a new tax on individual car use.
as well as

in addition

in the same way

9 Essays must be handed in by the deadline, ______________ they will not be marked.
obviously

otherwise

as a result

10 ______________ it has been shown that fractures can occur at even relatively low
pressures, the use of the material should not be completely discounted.
Nevertheless
Answers

Because

Even though

Transitions & Linking Words

Transitions and linking words perform an important function in writing. They

signal to the
reader the direction the writer is taking. They do this by connecting or
linking ideas within a
paragraph and providing a bridge between paragraphs. Remember to
proofread the writing
assignment to make sure transitions are used effectively.

Fill the gaps with like or as

She sings ______ an angel.
I'm much better ______ you can see.
My sister is not at all ______ me.
My daughter is just ______ my sister.
I'm attending the meeting ______ an observer
I use one of the bedrooms ______ an office.
You are very ______ your mother.
I hope to qualify ______ an engineer.
My friend Rob looks ______ John Travolta.
There is too much traffic in London ______ in New York.
We're late for the train. We'll have to run ______ the wind.
I'm your friend and, ______ a friend, I advise you to think again.
I don't know you as well as he does but, ______ your friend, I advise you to
think again.
You don't like confrontations, ______ me.
I want to join the air force ______ a pilot.
We need a strong leader ______ Winston Churchill.

He has gone to our competitors ______ marketing manager.

I've appointed Simon Williams ______ the new trustee.
I've done the work ______ we agreed.
I was sure, ______ was everybody else, that you would do well in this job.