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?

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.