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Linking Words & Connector Words: Ultimate List With Examples
Learn English
James Prior
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Updated February 23, 2024

Linking words and connector words are essential tools for effective communication and writing. They play a crucial role in connecting ideas, enhancing coherence, and guiding the flow of information. Whether you’re writing an essay, giving a presentation, or engaging in a conversation, using appropriate linking words can greatly improve the clarity and effectiveness of your message.

In this ultimate list of linking words, we have compiled a comprehensive collection of linking words along with examples to help you understand their usage and apply them in various contexts. From words that highlight contrast and similarity to those that indicate cause and effect or order of importance, this list covers a wide range of linking words to suit different purposes.

Ready to link your words? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What are linking words?

Linking words, also known as connector words or transition words, are words or phrases that connect ideas or parts of a text, providing coherence and smoothness to the overall flow of information. They serve as bridges between sentences, paragraphs, or even larger sections of a document, helping to establish relationships, indicate contrasts, add information, show cause and effect, provide examples, and more.

Here are some common categories of linking words with examples:

Linking words for addition

Addition: Words that show the addition of information or ideas.

These linking words and phrases can help you add information, reinforce ideas, or provide further examples in your writing or conversation. Use them appropriately to expand on your points and enhance the overall coherence and richness of your communication.

She is fluent in English, and additionally, she speaks French and Spanish.
The report highlights the benefits of renewable energy; furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of conservation.
The new system not only improves efficiency but moreover, it reduces costs.
In addition to his regular job, he volunteers at a local charity.
She not only excels in academics but also actively participates in extracurricular activities.
The team consists of experienced professionals as well as enthusiastic newcomers.
The company values teamwork; likewise, it fosters individual growth and development.
Besides working full-time, he manages to pursue his hobbies and spend time with famil
The website offers free shipping; what’s more, customers can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.
On top of their regular duties, employees are encouraged to take part in professional development opportunities.
Developing strong interpersonal skills is equally important as acquiring technical knowledge.
The event attracted a large audience, not to mention the media coverage it received.
Along with the new software update, customers will also receive enhanced customer support.
The company achieved its sales targets for the year; what is more, it surpassed them by 20%.
The team completed the project ahead of schedule; besides that, they received positive feedback from the client.
The company’s commitment to quality, coupled with its competitive pricing, sets it apart from its competitors.

Linking words for contrast

Contrast: Words that highlight differences or contrasting ideas.

These linking words and phrases can help you express contrasting ideas and show the differences between two or more concepts or situations. Remember to use them appropriately based on the context and your intended meaning.

She studied hard; however, she didn’t pass the exam.
John loves traveling; on the other hand, his sister prefers staying at home.
The weather was terrible; nevertheless, they decided to go for a walk.
He had a sprained ankle; nonetheless, he played in the soccer match.
Despite the rain, they went to the beach.
In spite of the traffic, they arrived on time.
Although it was late, they continued with their work.
Even though she was tired, she went to the gym.
I enjoy reading, while my brother prefers watching movies.
Sarah loves cooking, whereas her husband prefers eating out.
Unlike his friends, Mark is not a fan of horror movies.
She hates winter; conversely, I love it.
She expected him to be upset; on the contrary, he was happy.
They planned to go to the cinema, but instead, they stayed home and watched a movie.
The cat is small and playful, in contrast to the dog, which is big and lazy.
He enjoys sports; conversely, his sister prefers art.
On one hand, the book is interesting; on the other hand, it’s quite lengthy.
They could go by car, or alternatively, they could take the train.
The movie received mixed reviews; nevertheless, it became a box office hit.
She didn’t pass the test, but in any case, she learned a lot from studying.

Linking words for similarity

Similarity: Words that highlight similarities or shared ideas.

These linking words and phrases can help you express similarities between two or more ideas, situations, or individuals. Use them appropriately based on the context to highlight shared characteristics or experiences.

Sarah enjoys reading; likewise, her brother is an avid reader.
John and Emily both love hiking; similarly, they enjoy spending time in nature.
Just as Sarah likes swimming, in the same way, her best friend enjoys diving.
Jack has a passion for photography, similarly to his sister who is also an enthusiast.
Just like her mother, Jane has a talent for playing the piano.
The two artists approach their work in a similar vein, both using vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes.
Mark loves cooking, and by the same token, he also enjoys experimenting with new recipes.
As the workload increased, the stress levels of the employees correspondingly rose.
Both Sarah and Emily are equally skilled in playing the guitar.
The designer creates unique clothing pieces, and in a similar fashion, the jewelry maker crafts one-of-a-kind accessories.
Just as the sun rises in the morning, the moon appears in the evening.
The teacher explains complex concepts in a simple and understandable way, in the same manner as her colleague.
He enjoys hiking and camping, and his friends, likewise, too, share his enthusiasm for outdoor activities.
Just as a bird builds its nest with care and precision, in the same way, an architect plans and constructs a building.
The two books explore themes of love and loss, along similar lines, inviting readers to contemplate the human experience.
As with all great artists, Picasso’s work continues to inspire and influence generations.
Exercise is essential for physical health, and just as importantly, it is crucial for mental well-being.
Much like a puzzle, life consists of various pieces that fit together to form a bigger picture.

Linking words for cause and effect

Cause and Effect: Words that demonstrate cause and effect relationships.

These linking words and phrases can help you express the cause-and-effect relationship between events or actions. Use them appropriately based on the context to convey the reason and result of a particular situation or occurrence.

He failed the exam because he didn’t study.
They arrived early since they left home on time.
As a result of heavy rainfall, the streets were flooded.
The event was canceled due to bad weather conditions.
The store was closed, therefore, they had to find another place to shop.
He missed the train, consequently, he arrived late to the meeting.
Owing to a power outage, the concert was postponed.
She didn’t have enough sleep, thus, she felt tired throughout the day.
He couldn’t attend the party, for this reason, he sent his apologies.
The storm caused damage to the houses, resulting in the need for repairs.
The baby was hungry, so she started crying.
Lack of exercise and poor diet often leads to weight gain.
They missed the train because of heavy traffic.
The roads were icy, this is why there were many accidents.
They spent all their money, as a consequence, they couldn’t afford the trip.
He quit smoking, and since then, he feels healthier.
The company introduced a new product, and in turn, its sales increased.
She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.

Linking words for time and sequence

Time and sequence: Words that indicate time or sequence of events or actions.

These linking words and phrases can help you express the chronological order and sequence of events or actions. Use them appropriately to guide your audience through the progression of ideas or to outline the steps in a process or narrative.

Firstly, let’s discuss the main causes of climate change.
Secondly, we need to consider the potential solutions to the problem.
Next, we will move on to the implementation phase of the project.
We need to complete the research phase first. Then, we can start analyzing the data.
After that, we can proceed with the construction of the building.
The company experienced financial difficulties. Subsequently, they had to lay off several employees.
The team was working on the project. Meanwhile, the marketing department was preparing the promotional materials.
The two processes are happening simultaneously, ensuring efficient production.
The report will be ready in a week. In the meantime, please proceed with the other tasks.
During the meeting, we will discuss the budget and timeline.
While he was studying, his friends were playing video games.
Please wait here until your name is called.
We need to complete the paperwork before the deadline.
She attended the conference, and afterward, she shared her insights with the team.
Finally, we reached an agreement after a long negotiation process.
In the end, they decided to cancel the project due to budget constraints.
The presentation was engaging, and at the same time, informative.
Initially, he struggled with the new software, but with practice, he became proficient.
At first, the project seemed overwhelming, but with proper planning, it became manageable.

Linking words for order of importance

Order of Importance: Words that highlight the hierarchy or ranking of ideas based on their significance.

These linking words and phrases can help you establish the order of importance when presenting ideas or arguments. Use them to emphasize the significance of certain points, highlight key considerations, or guide the reader’s attention to the most critical aspects.

Most importantly, we need to prioritize the safety of our employees.
Above all, we must prioritize the needs of our customers.
The company’s success primarily depends on effective leadership and strategic planning.
First and foremost, we need to address the urgent issue of inflation.
The new policy chiefly focuses on reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Notably, the project resulted in significant cost savings for the organization.
Above anything else, maintaining a high standard of quality is our top priority.
It is essential to note that effective communication is the foundation of strong relationships.
It is worth mentioning that the company’s ethical practices have earned it a positive reputation.

Linking words for exemplification

Example: Words that provide examples or illustrate a point.

These linking words and phrases can help you introduce examples and provide further clarification or evidence to support your statements. Use them to enhance your explanations and illustrate your points effectively.

Here’s a list of linking words and phrases that are commonly used to illustrate an example, along with examples:

There are many fruits you can choose from, for example, apples, oranges, and bananas.
Many countries have implemented environmental policies; for instance, Sweden has significantly reduced its carbon emissions.
I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming.
The party was attended by several guests, including friends, family, and colleagues.
He has many hobbies, like painting, playing the guitar, and photography.
The company provides various employee benefits, as an illustration, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Let me give you an example to illustrate my point.
There are several endangered species in the area, namely the African elephant, the Bengal tiger, and the giant panda.
The city offers various attractions, in particular, museums, parks, and historical landmarks.
The project requires specific skills, specifically programming and data analysis.
By way of example, let’s consider the case of a successful startup that disrupted the market.
To give an example, let’s say you want to improve your fitness; you can try activities like jogging, swimming, or joining a gym.
The experiment was conducted to demonstrate the effects of temperature on plant growth.
As a case in point, many countries have implemented renewable energy initiatives to combat pollution.
I will use a specific scenario to exemplify how the new policy can be implemented effectively.
The job requires strong communication skills , in essence, the ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively.
The city has invested in renewable energy projects to reduce its carbon footprint. One example of this is the installation of solar panels on public buildings.
To be specific, the company offers three main product lines: electronics, appliances, and furniture.
The data collected serves as proof that the new marketing strategy is effective.
In a similar manner, many companies have embraced remote work as a response to the pandemic.

Linking words for focusing

These linking words and phrases can help you direct attention or emphasize a specific aspect of your discussion or argument. Use them appropriately to highlight the main points or focus areas, ensuring clarity and precision in your communication.

Here’s a list of linking words and phrases that are commonly used to express focusing or directing attention, along with examples:

Specifically, we need to address the issue of employee turnover in our department.
The marketing team has made significant progress, particularly in digital advertising.
In particular, we need to improve our customer service to enhance customer satisfaction.
Notably, the company achieved a record-breaking sales figure in the last quarter.
This task requires attention to detail, especially when dealing with sensitive data.
Specifically speaking, the new software update addresses the security vulnerabilities.
Above all, we must prioritize the safety of our employees.
The company’s success mainly relies on customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
The primary goal of our project is to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Essentially, our focus should be on optimizing operational efficiency.
Individually, each team member plays a crucial role in achieving our objectives.
Precisely, we need to adhere to the project timeline to meet the deadline.
Specifically, with regards to customer feedback, we have received positive reviews.
The new product line has a sleek design, not to mention its advanced features.
It is worth noting that the market trends are shifting towards online shopping.
Above everything else, we need to prioritize the quality of our products.
In essence, our primary objective is to provide exceptional customer service.
To be more precise, we should focus on improving our supply chain management.
In specific terms, the sales team needs to focus on building client relationships.
More importantly, we need to address the concerns raised by our customers.

Linking words for conclusion

Conclusion: Words that summarize or conclude a text.

These linking words and phrases can help you signal the conclusion of your argument, presentation, or essay. Use them to summarize key points, restate your main argument, or provide a final thought or recommendation.

In conclusion, it is evident that deforestation poses a significant threat to our planet.
To sum up, the project was a great success, exceeding all expectations.
Ultimately, the decision lies in your hands.
All in all, it was a memorable vacation filled with adventure and relaxation.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication.
In summary, the findings of the study suggest a strong correlation between exercise and mental well-being.
To conclude, the evidence supports the hypothesis that regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.
The data collected consistently points to the same conclusion; therefore, we can confidently assert our findings.
In essence, the research demonstrates that social media has a profound impact on interpersonal relationships.
The campaign received widespread support, and as a result, donations increased significantly.
In a nutshell, the project aims to promote sustainability through renewable energy initiatives.
The experiments consistently yielded similar results; thus, we can draw a definitive conclusion.
The evidence strongly suggests a link between smoking and lung cancer; hence, it is crucial to raise awareness about the risks.
In light of these findings, it is necessary to reconsider the current educational policies.
The company faced financial challenges, and consequently, had to downsize its workforce.
In conclusion, it can be stated that effective communication is the key to successful teamwork.
Taking all factors into account, it is clear that globalization has both positive and negative consequences.
The lack of investment resulted in decreased productivity, as a consequence, the company experienced a decline in profits.
The study findings reveal a correlation between stress levels and sleep quality; thus, it can be inferred that managing stress positively affects sleep.
Given these points, it is evident that the project should be prioritized for its long-term benefits.

If you’d like more examples, check out this list of other ways to say in conclusion .

Conclusion: Ready to link your words?

These are just some examples of linking words, and there are numerous other linking words and phrases available for different purposes and contexts. Using them appropriately can greatly enhance the clarity and coherence of your writing or speech. So, if you want to become more fluent in English, it’s time to start thinking about linking words!