Using the right linking words and connectors in English makes your speech and writing flow naturally. These are the words that connect ideas, organize your thoughts, show relationships like cause, contrast, time, and result. For learners who want to move from “I eat and I go home” to “After dinner, I head home” — this article is for you.
Let’s make your English smoother and more coherent. Even a yak appreciates a strong transition.
Why Linking Words Matter
Linking words help you:
Join ideas smoothly rather than speak in fragments
Show relationships between sentences and thoughts
Improve reading comprehension
Write structured essays, reports, and emails
Sound more advanced and confident
Example: “I was tired. Therefore, I went to bed early.”
Basic Coordinating Connectors
These words join two equal ideas.
Connector
Use
Example
and
addition
“I like tea and coffee.”
but
contrast
“She runs fast but she is patient.”
or
alternative
“Would you like tea or coffee?”
so
result
“He was late, so we started without him.”
for
reason (formal)
“He could not attend, for he was ill.”
yet
contrast (formal)
“The task was hard, yet he succeeded.”
Linking Words for Addition
Connector
Example Sentence
moreover
“The book is informative; moreover, it’s entertaining.”
furthermore
“She is intelligent; furthermore, she is kind.”
in addition
“In addition to math, she studies biology.”
besides
“Besides tea, he likes coffee.”
Linking Words for Contrast and Comparison
Connector
Example
however
“The weather was cold; however, we went out.”
nevertheless
“It was raining; nevertheless, he jogged.”
on the other hand
“She loves cats; on the other hand, her sister prefers dogs.”
whereas
“He is quiet, whereas his brother is loud.”
despite / in spite of
“Despite the noise, she slept well.” / “In spite of the traffic, we arrived on time.”
Linking Words for Cause and Result
Connector
Example
because
“I stayed home because I felt sick.”
since
“Since it was late, I took a taxi.”
therefore
“It was expensive; therefore, I didn’t buy it.”
as a result
“He studied hard; as a result, he passed the exam.”
so that
“I left early so that I could catch the train.”
Linking Words for Sequence / Time
Connector
Use
Example
first / firstly
enumerate
“Firstly, we’ll discuss the budget.”
then
next action
“We ate, then watched a movie.”
after / afterward
subsequent
“After dinner, we went for a walk.”
meanwhile
at the same time
“She cooked dinner; meanwhile, he cleaned the house.”
finally / lastly
last point
“Lastly, I’d like to thank you all.”
Linking Words for Example / Emphasis
Connector
Example
for example
“Many sports are fun; for example, basketball.”
such as
“I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.”
in particular
“She loves classical music, in particular Beethoven.”
especially
“This cake is especially delicious.”
Linking Words for Condition / Purpose
Connector
Example
if
“If you study, you will succeed.”
unless
“You won’t pass unless you try.”
in order to
“He exercised in order to improve his health.”
provided (that)
“You can go, provided that you finish your work.”
Linking Words for Summary / Conclusion
Connector
Example
in conclusion
“In conclusion, this study shows…”
to sum up
“To sum up, we need more staff.”
overall
“Overall, the project was a success.”
in short
“In short, we must act now.”
Useful Practice Phrases and Examples
“I like fruit and vegetables.”
“He’s friendly but busy.”
“We’ll go for a walk if it’s sunny.”
“She missed the bus; therefore, she was late.”
“First, we’ll plan the trip; then, we’ll book tickets.”
“She visited many cities, for example Paris and London.”
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Repeating connectors redundantly: “And also moreover…” → Just pick one.
Using because at start of sentence without a main clause: “Because I was hungry.” → Correct: “I ate because I was hungry.”
Mixing so and because incorrectly: “I went home because it was late.” (Correct). “I went home so it was late.” (Incorrect)
Using however without punctuation: Needs semicolon or period: “The test was hard; however, I passed.”
Overusing very instead of useful connectors: Try replacing “very good” with “excellent” or “especially good.”
How To Practice Linking Words and Connectors
Take a short paragraph and replace “and” with more specific connectors (however, moreover).
Write a 100-word text about your weekend and use at least five different connectors.
Listen to a TED talk and note each time the speaker uses linking words.
Use flashcards: one side = connector, other side = meaning + example sentence.
Yak’s Final Chewables
Mastering linking words and connectors in English isn’t glamorous—but it’s what makes your speech and writing flow like a conversation, not a list. Use them naturally, vary your choices, and your English will sound far more professional, coherent and engaging. Even a yak can tell a story smoothly when it uses the right connectors.
