Linking Words in English with Simple Definitions and Examples

Learning the Linking Words in English is essential for all English learners and students. Linking words are used to connect Sentences and paragraphs in English Speaking. Common Linking words like, And, But, Because, So, Or, Although, However, Since, Therefore, and While. These words help us to link ideas, Sentences, and paragraphs by showing cause, contrast, or conclusion. Knowing how to use linking words is a good way to make our communication better. Now the linking words in English with definitions and Examples are given below, let’s learn…

What Are Linking Words?

Linking words are simple words or phrases that help us to join ideas, sentences, or sections of text. Some common linking words include and, but, therefore, and also.

Types of Linking Words

Addition Words
Comparison Words
Contrast Words
Cause and Effect Words
Purpose Words
Time Words
Condition Words
Example Words
Emphasis Words
Conclusion Words

Linking Words types in English with Definitions and Examples

Linking Words for Addition

Addition words are used when you want to add more information or ideas to a sentence.

Linking Word	Usage Example
Also	“She loves to read; also, she enjoys painting.”
Moreover	“The trip was enjoyable; moreover, it was affordable.”
In addition	“In addition to coffee, I ordered a pastry.”
Furthermore	“The report was thorough; furthermore, it was precise.”

list of Linking Words for Addition

Also
And
As well as
Moreover
Furthermore
In addition
Besides
Additionally
Too
Plus
Not only… but also
Along with
Equally
In the same way
Another
Similarly
Together with
Likewise
On top of that
What’s more

list of Linking Words for Addition

Tip: Use these linking words to introduce supporting details or additional information to your main idea.

Linking Words for Comparison

Comparison words are used to show similarities between ideas or situations.

Linking Word	Usage Example
Similarly	“The team worked hard; similarly, the coach gave his best.”
Likewise	“She enjoys hiking; likewise, her brother loves the outdoors.”
In the same way	“He succeeded in math; in the same way, he excelled in science.”
Just as	“Just as the sun rises, so does my hope each morning.”

list of Linking Words for Comparison

Similarly
Likewise
In the same way
Just as
Equally
By the same token
In a similar fashion
Comparable to
Much like
Correspondingly
Along the same lines
Just like
Alike
Resembling
In common with
Parallel to
Identically
As with
In the same manner
Similarly to

list of Linking Words for Comparison

Tip: These words are helpful when comparing different scenarios or ideas to show their similarities.

Linking Words for Contrast

Contrast words highlight differences or opposing ideas between two clauses or sentences.

Linking Word	Usage Example
But	“She wanted to go, but she was too tired.”
However	“The plan is risky; however, it could be beneficial.”
On the other hand	“On one hand, it’s cheap; on the other hand, it’s risky.”
Although	“Although it was raining, we decided to walk.”
Yet	“He’s talented, yet he remains humble.”

list of Linking Words for Contrast

But
However
On the other hand
Although
Yet
Nevertheless
In contrast
Unlike
Even though
Despite
On the contrary
Still
Whereas
Though
In spite of
Alternatively
Rather
Notwithstanding
Conversely
Nonetheless

list of Linking Words for Contrast

Tip: These linking words are useful for expressing contrasting ideas or showing opposing points.

Linking Words for Cause and Effect

Cause and effect words explain the reasons behind actions or their consequences.

Linking Word	Usage Example
Because	“She stayed home because she was feeling unwell.”
As a result	“It rained heavily; as a result, the event was canceled.”
Therefore	“The project was delayed; therefore, we missed the deadline.”
Due to	“Due to the traffic, we arrived late.”
Consequently	“The power went out; consequently, the meeting was postponed.”

list of Linking Words for Cause and Effect

Because
So
Therefore
As a result
Due to
Consequently
For this reason
Hence
Thus
Since
As a consequence
For that reason
In consequence
On account of
Owing to
Because of
In view of
Resulting in
Accordingly
By reason of

list of Linking Words for Cause and Effect

Tip: Use these words to show the relationship between an action and its result or reason.

Linking Words for Purpose

Purpose words are used to express the intention or reason for an action.

Linking Word	Usage Example
To	“He studied hard to pass the exam.”
In order to	“They arrived early in order to get the best seats.”
So that	“I will write it down so that I don’t forget.”

list of Linking Words for Purpose

To
In order to
So that
For the purpose of
With the aim of
With the intention of
For the sake of
In an effort to
So as to
For the reason that
With a view to
In order that
For fear of
To achieve
To ensure
In the hope of
With the goal of
As a means of
In pursuit of
With the objective of

list of Linking Words for Purpose

Tip: These words show the goal or objective behind a specific action.

Linking Words for Time

Time words help to show the sequence or timing of actions.

Linking Word	Usage Example
First	“First, we need to gather all the ingredients.”
Next	“Next, we mix the ingredients thoroughly.”
Then	“Then, bake the mixture for 20 minutes.”
Finally	“Finally, let it cool before serving.”
Meanwhile	“The oven was preheating; meanwhile, I prepared the batter.”

list of Transition Words for Time

First
Next
Then
After
Before
Meanwhile
Now
Later
Finally
Soon
Immediately
At the same time
In the meantime
Eventually
During
At last
As soon as
When
While
Recently

list of Linking Words for Time

Tip: Use these words to organize events or describe the chronological order of actions.

Linking Words for Condition

Condition words express a situation or condition that must be met for something else to happen.

Linking Word	Usage Example
If	“If it rains, we will stay indoors.”
Unless	“You won’t pass the test unless you study hard.”
Provided that	“You can go out provided that you finish your homework.”

list of Transition Words for Condition

If
Unless
Provided that
In case
In the event that
On the condition that
As long as
Only if
Whether or not
Even if
Supposing that
In the case that
As long as
Given that
But if
Should
Otherwise
In the situation that
In the absence of
In the event

list of Linking Words for Condition

Tip: Use these linking words to describe the condition or requirement for something to happen.

Linking Words for Example

Example words are used to introduce specific instances or illustrations of a general idea.

Linking Word	Usage Example
For example	“Many people love pets; for example, cats and dogs.”
Such as	“She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.”
For instance	“There are various fruits; for instance, apples and bananas.”
To illustrate	“To illustrate, imagine a world without electricity.”

list

For example
For instance
Such as
To illustrate
Like
Including
Namely
In particular
As an illustration
As shown by
Specifically
To give an example
That is
For one thing
In other words
As evidenced by
In the case of
To demonstrate
An example of this is
For instance

list of Linking Words for Example

Tip: These words are great when you want to clarify a point by providing examples.

Linking Words for Emphasis

Emphasis words help to highlight a key point or idea.

Linking Word	Usage Example
Indeed	“She is indeed very talented.”
In fact	“In fact, the project was completed ahead of schedule.”
Especially	“I love all kinds of music, especially jazz.”

list

Indeed
In fact
Especially
Particularly
Truly
Obviously
Surely
Certainly
Clearly
As a matter of fact
Without a doubt
Above all
Most importantly
Definitely
Unquestionably
In particular
Especially
Significantly
Absolutely
Undoubtedly

list of Linking Words for Emphasis

Tip: Use these words to emphasize important points or make them stand out.

Linking Words for Conclusion

Conclusion words are used to summarize or bring closure to an argument or discussion.

Linking Word	Usage Example
In conclusion	“In conclusion, the project was a success.”
To sum up	“To sum up, teamwork was crucial to our victory.”
In summary	“In summary, they achieved their goals.”
Overall	“Overall, the experience was positive.”
To conclude	“To conclude, her performance was outstanding.”

list

In conclusion
To sum up
In summary
Overall
To conclude
In closing
Finally
All in all
Ultimately
As a result
In brief
On the whole
To wrap up
As a final point
In short
In essence
Therefore
Thus
To finish
In the end

list of Linking Words for Conclusion

Tip: These words are perfect for summarizing your ideas or wrapping up an argument.

Advanced Linking Words

For more formal or academic writing, consider using these advanced linking words to improve your writing style:

Linking Word	Usage Example
Conversely	“Conversely, low temperatures may hinder plant growth.”
Nonetheless	“The situation is tough; nonetheless, we are hopeful.”
Subsequently	“He was hired; subsequently, he became a manager.”
Notwithstanding	“Notwithstanding the challenges, we achieved our goals.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can linking words improve my writing?

Linking words helps to connect ideas, making your writing clearer and more organized. They guide the reader through the text, showing relationships between ideas and making the overall message easier to follow.

Q2: Are linking words important in speaking?

Yes, linking words is essential in speaking, particularly in presentations, debates, or when explaining complex ideas. They help listeners understand the connections between different points and ideas.

Linking words with Example Sentences

Linking Word	Example Sentence
And	She bought apples and oranges.
But	I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
Because	He stayed home because he felt sick.
So	It rained, so we stayed inside.
Or	Would you like tea or coffee?
Although	Although it was cold, we went outside.
However	She was tired; however, she finished her work.
Since	Since it’s late, let’s go to bed.
Therefore	He was busy; therefore, he couldn’t attend.
While	While he cooked, she cleaned.
For example	He loves fruits, for example, apples and bananas.
In addition	In addition to books, she bought notebooks.
Instead	I chose tea instead of coffee.
As a result	It snowed; as a result, the roads closed.
Even though	Even though he was tired, he kept working.
Moreover	She’s kind; moreover, she’s helpful.
On the other hand	I like summer; on the other hand, he prefers winter.
So that	She worked hard so that she could succeed.
Before	Finish your work before you go out.
After	We went for ice cream after dinner.
Next	She finished one task; next, she started another.
Similarly	He’s tall; similarly, his sister is too.
For instance	He likes sweets, for instance, chocolate and cake.
Particularly	She likes sports, particularly soccer.
Furthermore	He’s talented; furthermore, he’s hardworking.
Likewise	She loves art; likewise, her brother does too.
Even if	We’ll go even if it rains.
As soon as	Call me as soon as you arrive.
In conclusion	In conclusion, teamwork is essential.
Meanwhile	She cooked; meanwhile, he set the table.