Linking expressions – words and phrases in English used to connect ideas and sentences.

Application of linking words and phrases:

Expressing relationships between ideas;
Connecting 2 or more sentences;
Contrasting ideas;
Expressing the reason for something.

Writer's purpose	Linking words and phrases
To add an idea	in addition, furthermore, moreover, also
To show time or sequence	meanwhile, first, second, then, next, later, finally
To contrast	however, nevertheless, though, in contrast, on the other hand
To show result	therefore, thus, consequently, as a result
To emphasize	in fact, of course, indeed, certainly
To provide an example	for example, for instance
To generalize or summarize	in general, overall, in short

Sample exercise on the topic from the Kabinata system:

Most common uses of linking expressions in English:

Adding additional information or emphasizing something.

It's crowded and expensive

And
In addition
As well as
Also
Too
Furthermore
Moreover
Apart from
In addition to
Besides

Contrasting ideas: expressing an opposite idea.

It was raining, but we went to the beach.

In spite of the cold, she went out in shorts.

But
However
Although / even though
Despite / despite the fact that
In spite of / in spite of the fact that
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
While
Whereas
Unlike
In theory… in practice…
On the contrary

Cause and result: expressing the reason for something or the result of something.

Because it was raining, we stayed home.

Therefore
So
Consequently
This means that
As a result
Because
Because of

Purpose: for expressing purpose.

Melanie was hurrying to catch her bus.

We have to borrow money in order to pay our bills.

To
In order (not) to, so as (not)to ( more formal)
So that
For

Comparison:

Yesterday it was freezing cold, while today it's quite warm.

I don't want to be late for the meeting. On the other hand I don't want to get there too early.

Whereas
While
On the other hand
Just As

Providing examples:

I think Henry is rude. He shouts at waiters, for example / for instance.

For example
For instance

Conditionals / Conditional moods:

Betty might buy a car if she passes her test.

You won't learn to use a keyboard properly unless you practice.

If you drive, don't drink.

If
In the event that
Otherwise
Unless
In case

Connecting sequential ideas:

Firstly, I began my education in London.

After that, we knew that there would be no problem!

In the end, he decided to postpone the project.

Beginning:

Firstly
First of all
To start off with
Initially

Continuing:

Then
After that
Next
As soon as / When + full clause
… but then
Immediately

Ending:

Finally
In the end
Eventually
Lastly

Reason:

The shop was closed due to illness.

The match has been cancelled because of the weather.

Because of
Due to
Owing to
in view of

Time: Using present simple tense for future.

As soon as Laura had left the house, it started to rain.

My leg hurts when I walk

As soon as = Immediately after
After = Later than
Before = earlier than
When = At the time
Since = From the time
As/ while = During the time.

Other linking words / phrases:

Rephrasing: In other words.
Correcting yourself: I mean / Or rather
Dismissing something: Anyway
Supporting a statement: After all
Changing the subject: By the way

We play basketball. I mean volleyball.

It is a nice day, isn't it? …Yes, beautiful. By the way, have you seen Melanie?

More articles on English grammar

English Grammar: Linking Expressions

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