Linking words (connecting words) is something we need to know in any style of writing because it helps the reader to follow the flow of what you are saying.
Examples of Linking Words
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.
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.
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 & Connecting Words
Linking Words – Result
Function: To provide the result of what has been stated or has occurred
- Accordingly
- As a consequence (of)
- As a result
- Consequently
- Due to
- For this reason
- Forthwith
- Hence
- Then
- Therefore
- Thereupon
- Thus
Connecting Words – Emphasis
Function: To put forward a point or idea more forcefully
- Above all
- Absolutely
- Chiefly
- Clearly
- Definitely
- Especially
- Even
- Importantly
- In detail
- In truth
- Indeed
- It should be noted
- Naturally
- Never
- Obviously
- Of course
- Particularly / in particular
- Positively
- Surprisingly
- To clarify
- To emphasize
- To repeat
- Truly
- Undoubtedly
- Unquestionably
- With attention
- Without a doubt
Linking Words – Contrast
Function: To show how things are different
- Alternatively
- As opposed to
- Contrarily
- Contrary to
- Conversely
- Despite/in spite of
- Differing from
- Even so
- However
- In contrast (to)
- In opposition
- Instead
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- Nor
- Notwithstanding
- On the other hand
- Rather
- Though
- Unlike
- Up against
- Whereas
- While
- Yet
Linking Words – Comparison
Function: To show how things are similar
- Alike
- As with
- Both
- By the same token
- Compare / compare(d) to (with)
- Correspondingly
- Either
- Equal
- Equally
- In a similar manner
- In common
- In like manner
- In the same way
- In the spitting image of
- Just as
- Just as…so too
- Just like
- Likewise
- Most important
- Resembles
- Same as
- Similar to
- Similarly
- Still another