LINKING WORDS

What Are Linking Words?

Linking words are words that connect ideas together in a piece of writing.
It shows that two things are related in some way, or that the point you
are making has supporting information. The difference between linking
words and simple paragraph starters that we looked at previously, is that
linking words can be found at the start of paragraphs, but also in the
middle of sentences to connect two ideas together too.

Examples of Linking Words

1. Linking Words to Add more Information
These words simply add additional information to your sentence or
paragraph to show that two ideas are similar. Here are some examples:
It started to rain and I got soaked – ‘and’ is the linking word that
connects the two ideas of the individual being in the rain and getting
soaked.
It can’t be the dog’s fault nor the cat’s – ‘nor’ connects the idea that
neither the cat or dog was at fault.
We could go shopping first then get a bite to eat – ‘then’ shows that
both ideas are connected, it also adds some sequence to the sentence by
showing the order of things.

2. Linking Words to Contrast a Point

Sometimes you need to link two ideas together that are actually opposites
in terms of what you are trying to say. Here are some words that will help
you do that:
 Annie could have gone for a run but she decided she was too
tired – ‘but’ connects two ideas that are related, but they oppose
one another. She could have gone for a run, but she didn’t.
 It’s my turn to make dinner tonight although a takeout might be
easier – ‘although’ provides an opposite argument again, so it
links the ideas in a contrasting way.
 Carrots seemed to be the bunnies’ preferred food. On the other
hand, lettuce was chosen second most frequently and the
 difference was marginal – ‘on the other hand’ shows clearly to the
reader that a different point of view is coming.

3. Linking Words to Support a Point

If you’re trying to prove something or say something happened as a result
of something else, then you will need words like the following:

 I failed my test because I didn’t study – ‘because’ gets the

reader ready to learn why somebody failed their test.
 I could have done something differently, in fact we all could have
– ‘in fact’ shows that the two ideas are linked together and
support one another.
 Jack had been sad since his girlfriend broke up with him – ‘since’
is being used here to explain why Jack was sad, so it links the
ideas again.
Complete list of linking words : https://7esl.com/linking-words/