A linking word can add information, show contrast, give a reason or result, introduce an example, or put events in order. Words with similar meanings do not always fit the same grammar pattern.
What relationship do you want to show?
| Purpose | Useful links | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | and, also, in addition, furthermore | The course covers grammar. In addition, it includes writing practice. |
| Contrast | but, however, whereas | The first task was short. However, the second took an hour. |
| Unexpected contrast | although, even though, despite, nevertheless | Although it was raining, the match continued. |
| Reason | because, since, as | We stayed inside because the roads were icy. |
| Result | so, therefore, as a result, consequently | The roads were icy. As a result, the buses were delayed. |
| Example or detail | for example, for instance, such as | Some words change spelling when you add a suffix. For example, happy becomes happiness. |
| Clarification | in other words, that is | The result was inconclusive. In other words, the evidence did not support a clear answer. |
| Alternative | instead, instead of, rather than | The class read the article instead of watching the video. |
| Sequence or time | first, next, then, meanwhile, finally, after | First, read the question. Then compare the options. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that | If you finish early, review your answers. |
| What happens if not | otherwise | Save a copy of the draft. Otherwise, you might lose your changes. |
| Conclusion | in conclusion, overall, to sum up | Overall, the evidence supports the main claim. |
Links for academic arguments
These are useful when you explain evidence, compare viewpoints, or qualify a claim. Choose the relationship first; a more formal word does not automatically make the argument stronger.
| Job | Useful links | Example and meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Add a supporting point | furthermore, moreover, in addition | The proposal would reduce travel time. Moreover, it would make the route safer. The second point adds weight to the same argument. |
| Order reasons or stages | first, second, finally; firstly, secondly, finally | First, the plan would reduce costs. Second, it would save time. Finally, it would improve access. Firstly and secondly can serve the same purpose. |
| Show a similarity | similarly, likewise | Older students valued flexible deadlines. Similarly, younger students wanted more control over their schedules. |
| Compare differences | by contrast, in contrast | The first study measured attendance. By contrast, the second focused on student motivation. |
| Weigh two sides | on the one hand … on the other hand | On the one hand, online lessons offer flexibility. On the other hand, some students find it harder to ask for help. Both points concern the same choice. |
| Show a reverse relationship | conversely | More guidance may help beginners. Conversely, less guidance may suit experienced students. The direction of the relationship is reversed. |
| Acknowledge a limitation | admittedly, granted | Admittedly, the sample was small. This accepts a weakness before the writer responds to it. |
| Continue despite a limitation | nevertheless, nonetheless, even so | The sample was small. Nevertheless, the findings raise an important question. |
| Draw a reasoned conclusion | therefore, thus | Few participants completed the final survey. Therefore, the results should be interpreted cautiously. The second sentence is an inference from the first. |
| Interpret evidence | this suggests that, this indicates that | Attendance rose after the timetable changed. This suggests that the new schedule may be easier for students to follow. This is an interpretation, not proof of the cause. |
| Describe a consequence | consequently, as a result | The road was closed. As a result, the buses took a longer route. The second event follows from the first. |
| Focus on a particular case | in particular, specifically | Several groups reported difficulties. In particular, new students struggled to find support. |
| Reinforce a point | indeed, in fact | The change was substantial. Indeed, applications doubled within a year. The detail strengthens the earlier claim. |
| Synthesise evidence | taken together | Taken together, the interviews and survey suggest that the policy needs revision. |
| Give an overall judgement | overall, on balance | On balance, the benefits outweigh the costs. Use it after considering both sides. |
Small differences: Furthermore and moreover both add a point, often one that strengthens the same argument. By contrast compares different cases, while conversely suggests an opposite or reversed relationship. On the one hand … on the other hand presents competing considerations about one issue; the second phrase should add a genuinely different side. Admittedly accepts a point; nevertheless moves forward despite it. Overall gives a general view, while on balance weighs competing considerations. These categories overlap: therefore can also introduce a practical consequence.
Numbered links: First/second and firstly/secondly are both acceptable in formal writing. Use one pattern consistently. They help when the order of distinct reasons matters; then and afterwards usually describe what happens next in time. A clear argument does not need a numbered link at the start of every paragraph.
From evidence to explanation: This suggests that and this indicates that are useful sentence frames rather than single linking words. State what this refers to, and keep the strength of the claim in line with the evidence.
The sentence pattern matters
And, but, so
These can join two independent clauses. A comma usually comes before the link when both clauses have their own subject and verb.
Mina revised her draft, but she still missed one error.
Because, although, if
These introduce a dependent clause. Put a comma after that clause when it comes first. A comma is usually unnecessary when it comes second.
Because the train was late, we missed the start.
We missed the start because the train was late.
However, therefore, for example
These connect ideas across sentences. Begin a new sentence and usually put a comma after the linking phrase. A semicolon can also connect closely related independent clauses.
The first answer is correct. However, the explanation is unclear.
The first answer is correct; however, the explanation is unclear.
Despite and such as
These are followed by a noun phrase or an -ing form, rather than a full clause in the same pattern.
Despite the rain, we played outside.
Despite feeling tired, she finished the report.
We studied subjects such as history and geography.
Because vs. because of
Because introduces a clause with a subject and verb. Because of is followed by a noun phrase or an -ing form. Due to can often be used with a noun phrase too.
The event was cancelled because it rained.
The event was cancelled because of the rain.
Instead vs. rather than
Instead can start a new sentence. Instead of and rather than can introduce an alternative noun phrase or -ing form.
We did not use a survey. Instead, we interviewed students.
We interviewed students rather than using a survey.
Using several links in a paragraph
Two links doing the same job
Clumsy: “Furthermore, moreover, the plan is cheaper.” Both words simply add a point. Choose one.
Moreover, the plan is cheaper.
A link in every sentence
Repetitive: “Furthermore, it is cheaper. Moreover, it is faster. In addition, it is safer.” Those links are possible, but the repeated openings make the paragraph mechanical.
The plan is cheaper and faster. It would also make the journey safer.
Several links in one paragraph can work when each marks a real shift: add evidence, acknowledge a limitation, then draw a conclusion. You can also connect ideas by repeating a key term or using a clear pronoun, without putting a linking phrase at the start of every sentence.
Common mistake: “The train was late, however we arrived on time” joins two complete sentences with only a comma. Write “The train was late. However, we arrived on time” or use a semicolon before however.
Choose by meaning as well as grammar: Because gives a reason; so gives a result. Although introduces a surprising contrast; however starts a separate sentence or follows a semicolon. Avoid adding a link when the relationship is already clear.