English literature

Transition / linking Words

 DEFINITION
Linking words are words (and phrases) that help you to connect your Ideas together in such a
way that the reader (or listener) can better understand you.

WHY DO WE NEED LINKING WORDS IN ENGLISH?

1) To link two clauses within a sentence

2)
Or to start a new sentence expanding on the previous
statement in order to show relationships between ideas.

3) To make our writing sounds more professional.

 COMPARISON
Linking words have a number of specific
language functions, such as sequencing,
summarizing and referencing. Linking words
enable writers to express their ideas
naturally. Linking words can be extremely
useful, it is important not to overuse them,
your writing may sound too verbose. Not
using them enough will make your writing
sound simplistic. Be sure that you use a
suitable range of linking words.
Linking words have a number of specific language
functions, such as sequencing, summarizing and
referencing. In addition, linking words enable
writers to express their ideas naturally. Although
linking words can be extremely useful, it is
important not to overuse them; otherwise, your
writing may sound too verbose. In contrast, not
using them enough will make your writing sound
simplistic. Finally, be sure that you use a suitable
range of linking words.
 LiNKING WORD families
=Linking clauses within a sentence=
SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION
a conjunction (a connecting word or phrase)
that introduces a dependent / subordinate
clause, joining it to a main / independent clause.
[main clause]
Mrs. Smith had to work full-time
[subordinate clause]
in order to earn a living for herself
and her family of five children
[main clause] [subordinate clause]
She spoke quietly because she didn’t want
Catherine to hear.
Because she didn’t want Catherine to hear, She
spoke quietly.
S W A B I
since when after because if
RELATIVE PRONOUN
a word that introduces a dependent (or relative)
clause and connects it to an independent clause.
LIST OF RELATIVE PRONOUNS
who : refers to a person (as the verb’s subject)
whom : refers to a person (as the verb’s object)
which : refers to an animal or thing
what : refers to a nonliving thing
that : refers to a person, animal, or thing
whose : refers to possessive
where : refers to a place
[independent clause] [dependent clause]
She apologized to the boy. His glasses got broken.
She apologized to the boy whose glasses got broken.
 LiNKING WORD families
=generally followed by nouns, noun phrases or gerund=

PREPOSITIONS/
FUNCTION
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
To show cause and
because of, due to
effect
PREPOSITION /
(PREPOSITIONAL To contrast/contradict despite, in spite of
information
PHRASE)
To provide such as
examples

Despite applying for hundreds of jobs, he is still out of work.

There were so many people in the shop because of the sale.
He likes all kinds of sports, such as skiing, hockey, and volleyball.
Foods such as pizza and ice cream aren’t very good for you.
 LiNKING WORD families
=Linking two separate sentences=

F A N B O Y S
COORDINATING for and nor but or yet so
CONJUNCTION
Independent , Coordinating Independent
clause comma conjunction clause

Cindy really wants to open her presents. Her mother won’t let her.
Cindy really wants to open her presents, but her mother won’t let her.
The guests did not mind the delay. They did not complain about getting
a different room.
The guests did not mind the delay, nor did they complain about getting
a different room.
 LiNKING WORD families
=Linking two separate sentences=
therefore for that reason
T Susan studied hard for her English exam. Therefore, she got a good grade.
Susan studied hard for her English exam; therefore, she got a good grade.

however in whatever way

CONJUNCTIVE
ADVERB H I can come to your party tomorrow. However, I will arrive late.
I can come to your party tomorrow; however, I will arrive late.
also in addition
A I’ll be quitting my job soon. Also, I will be moving to Bali.
I’ll be quitting my job soon; also, I will be moving to Bali.

meanwhile at the same time

M Lauren just got married. Meanwhile, I am still single.
Lauren just got married; meanwhile, I am still single.

otherwise if not
O I have meetings all day tomorrow. Otherwise, I would come for lunch.
I have meetings all day tomorrow; otherwise, I would come for lunch.
 Function of linking words 1
SENTENCE TO SENTENCE TO
LANGUAGE SUBORDINATE LANGUAGE SUBORDINATE
PREVIOUS PREVIOUS
FUNCTION CLAUSE FUNCTION CLAUSE
SENTENCE SENTENCE
To add information furthermore, in and, as well as To equate/show in the same way,
addition (to) , moreover, similarity similarly, likewise
besides…, apart
from…
To refer back as noted above, as
To show cause and therefore, thus, due to because, since, as, stated previously,
effect, reason / hence, consequently, in order to, so that originally, in the past,
purpose as a result, for this earlier, formerly
reason, accordingly,
otherwise, because of To emphasize and in fact, indeed,
highlight obviously,
To contrast/ in contrast, on the whereas, while, undoubtedly, clearly,
contradict other hand, conversely, although, even it is evident that, as a
information however, nevertheless, though, but matter of fact
meanwhile, on the
contrary, despite,
To show conditional even if, provided that,
besides, on the other hand,
if, unless, whether, in
in spite of
the case that, on
condition that, as long as
 Function of linking words 2
LANGUAGE SENTENCE TO SUBORDINATE LANGUAGE SENTENCE TO SUBORDINATE
FUNCTION PREVIOUS CLAUSE FUNCTION PREVIOUS CLAUSE
SENTENCE SENTENCE
To summarize and on the whole, in brief,
To add more specifically, more
simplify to conclude, in conclusion,
detailed specifically, in this case
in summary, to sum up,
and exact
in other words, for this
information
reason

To present Alternatively, on the

To show an idea is seldom, not many, few, alternatives other hand, then
Limited or a limited number, a few,… again
uncommon is restricted,…is rare
To provide for example, for
examples instance, in this case,
To show an idea is several, the majority, most,
to illustrate this,…
widespread a high proportion, a large
exemplify….is
percentage, a substantial
Observed, such as
number, significant,
typically To show a sequence finally, lastly, afterward, after, before, when,
then, meanwhile while, as, until
To make clear / Namely, accordingly subsequently,
to introduce a list first of all, to begin
of items with, at first, firstly,
secondly, thirdly, etc.
THE END