Linking words

Like other languages, English has a lot of cohesive or transitional devices and linking words that can be used to express and join ideas.

1. Expressing addition

To add information, you can use these expressions:

Examples:

in addition, - as well as - moreover - what is more - not only...but also... - furthermore - besides - also - too - and...

• If the project fails this will have terrible consequences not only on our department, but also on the whole organisation
• John's grades are terrible because he has been so lazy these days. In addition to this, his relationship to his parents got worse.
• The report is badly written. Moreover, it's inaccurate.

2. Expressing contrast

To express contrast, you can use these expressions:

Examples:

although - even though - in spite of / despite - however - yet - nevertheless - nonetheless - on the contrary - whereas - on the one hand ...but on the other hand... - conversely - but...

• Brain drain has terrible consequences on the developing countries. Nevertheless, nothing has been done to solve the problem or at least reduce its negative effects.
• In spite of / despite Fred's old age, he goes jogging every morning.
• Although she's very nice, her classmates hate her.
• They have got two children, a boy and girl. The boy takes after his father whereas the girl takes after the mother.

3. Expressing cause and effect

To express cause and effect, you can use these expressions:

Examples:

consequently - as a consequence - as a result - therefore - because of this - for this reason - because - since - as - for - due to - owing to

• She remained silent, for she was so depressed to talk.
• We can't go to Sue's party because we'll be busy working on our project.
• The plane was delayed because of the foggy weather.
• He had spent most of his time hanging around instead of revising his lessons. Consequently, he had a lot of trouble answering the exam questions.

 

5. Expressing purpose

To express purpose use the following words:

Examples:

in order to - in order not to - so as to - so as not to - to - not to

• She wakes up early in order to be on time to work.
• They visited him so as to offer their condolences for the death of his wife
• He helped the new policewoman so as not to fail in her first mission.

4. Summarising

To summarise, you can use the following expressions:

Examples:

in conclusion - to conclude - to sum up - in a nutshell - in brief - in short - all in all - everything considered...