Linking words (also called connectors, transition words or cohesive devices) show how your ideas connect: adding, contrasting, giving reasons, concluding. They are part of the Coherence and Cohesion criterion in Writing and the Fluency and Coherence criterion in Speaking, so they affect a quarter of your score in both.
But more is not better. One of the most common reasons essays stay at Band 6 is mechanical linking: Firstly… Secondly… Moreover… Furthermore… at the start of every sentence. This guide gives you the linking words by function, shows how to punctuate them, and explains how to use them naturally.
What examiners look for#
- Band 6: “uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical”.
- Band 7: “uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under-/over-use”.
- Band 8: “sequences information and ideas logically” and “manages all aspects of cohesion well”.
In short: use a range, use them accurately, and don’t overuse them. Cohesion also comes from pronouns (this, these, it), synonyms and logical paragraphing, not only from linking words.
Linking words by function#
| Function | Linking words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adding information | Moreover · Furthermore · In addition · Additionally · What is more · as well as · not only… but also | Public transport reduces traffic. Moreover, it lowers emissions. |
| Contrast | However · Nevertheless · On the other hand · In contrast · whereas · while · although · despite / in spite of | Cars are convenient; however, they are expensive to run. |
| Concession | Admittedly · It is true that… · Even though · Although · Granted, | Admittedly, online learning is flexible, but it can be isolating. |
| Cause | because · since · as · due to · owing to · as a result of | Prices rose due to higher energy costs. |
| Effect / result | Therefore · As a result · Consequently · Thus · As a consequence · which means that | Fewer people cycle. As a result, roads are more congested. |
| Examples | For example · For instance · such as · in particular · a good example of this is | Some sports, such as swimming, are suitable for all ages. |
| Emphasis | In fact · Indeed · Clearly · Above all · Most importantly | Exercise is good for mental health. In fact, it can reduce anxiety. |
| Comparison | Similarly · Likewise · In the same way · Equally | Cities need more parks. Similarly, schools need more green space. |
| Sequencing | Firstly · Secondly · Finally · First of all · Next · Then · Subsequently | Firstly, the bottles are collected. Next, they are sorted. |
| Condition | If · Unless · Provided that · As long as · Otherwise | Remote work is effective, provided that teams communicate well. |
| Summarising / concluding | In conclusion · To sum up · Overall · On balance · All things considered | On balance, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. |
Punctuation: the part most candidates get wrong#
| Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| However, Moreover, Therefore, As a result, (sentence connectors) | Start a new sentence (or follow a semicolon) and take a comma | Cars are convenient. However, they pollute. / Cars are convenient; however, they pollute. |
| although, because, whereas, while (conjunctions) | Join two clauses in one sentence | Cars pollute although they are convenient. |
| despite, due to, because of (prepositions) | Followed by a noun or -ing, not a clause | Despite the cost, many people drive. / Due to heavy traffic, … |
Common error: However the government should act. → However, the government should act. And Despite it is expensive → Despite being expensive / Although it is expensive.
Linking words for Writing Task 1#
Task 1 needs a smaller, more specific set: Overall (for the overview), while / whereas (comparisons), by contrast, meanwhile, followed by, respectively, and for processes first, next, after which, finally. See our Task 1 vocabulary guide.
Linking in Speaking#
Speaking needs more natural, spoken connectors. Formal words like moreover or furthermore sound strange in conversation. Use these instead:
| Function | Spoken linkers |
|---|---|
| Adding | and also · on top of that · plus · not to mention |
| Contrast | but · then again · mind you · having said that · on the other hand |
| Reasons and results | because · so · that’s why · the reason is |
| Examples | for example · like · take… for instance |
| Giving time to think | well · let me think · that’s an interesting question · I’d say |
Five common mistakes#
- Starting every sentence with a linker. Many sentences need none; the logic is clear from the content.
- “On the other hand” without a first hand. Use it only to contrast two sides you have already introduced.
- “Besides” and “moreover” as fillers. They add information; they don’t introduce a new paragraph topic.
- Wrong logic:
Smoking is harmful. Therefore, many people smoke.The linker must match the relationship. - Memorised chains like “First and foremost… Last but not least…”, which sound mechanical.
Quick quiz: choose the right linking word#
- Online courses are flexible. ______, they can feel isolating.
(However / Therefore / For instance) - Traffic has increased ______ more people own cars.
(because / despite / however) - ______ the high cost, many families choose private schools.
(Despite / Although / However) - Fewer people use buses. ______, several routes have closed.
(As a result / In contrast / For example) - Some sports, ______ swimming and yoga, suit all ages.
(such as / whereas / moreover) - Remote work can boost productivity, ______ teams communicate well.
(provided that / in contrast / therefore) - In 2020, 40% walked to work, ______ only 10% cycled.
(whereas / moreover / as a result) - ______, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
(On balance / For example / Despite)
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Answer key with explanationsShowHide
- 1HoweverContrast between two ideas.
- 2because“because” + clause gives the reason.
- 3Despite“Despite” + noun phrase (“the high cost”). “Although” needs a clause.
- 4As a resultThe closures are a result of fewer passengers.
- 5such as“such as” introduces examples inside a sentence.
- 6provided thatA condition: it works only if teams communicate.
- 7whereasComparing two figures in one sentence (Task 1 style).
- 8On balanceA concluding judgement.
Practise using linkers in full essays with our Writing Task 2 essay-type guides, each with a 40-minute practice editor and a Band 8 model essay.