Linking words
Linking words are used to link ideas when writing or speaking. They enable the writing to flow from
one idea to the next in a logical and cohesive way. There are three main types of linking words:
conjunctions
sentence connectors
subordinators.
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are the most common form of linking word. They are used to join two parts of a
sentence together are generally in the middle of a sentence. There are seven co-ordinating
conjuctions. These are:
and
but
so
or
for
nor (ni)
yet.
Example
Example of using a linking word in the middle of a sentence.
Successful students work hard and they organize their time effectively
Independent clause conjunction Independent clause
Sentence connectors
Sentence connectors are used to link ideas from one sentence to the next and to give paragraphs
coherence. Sentence connectors perform different functions and are placed at the beginning of a
sentence. They are used to introduce, order, contrast, sequence ideas, theory, data etc. The
following table lists useful connectors.
Logical / sequential order
Firstly, secondly, thirdly etc
Next, last, finally
In addition
Furthermore (además)
Also
At present / presently
Order of importance
Most / more importantly
Most significantly
Above all
Primarily
It is essential / essentially
Contrast
However (sin embargo)
Nevertheless (sin embargo, no obstante)
On the other hand (por otro lado)
On the contrary
By / in comparison
In contrast
Result
As a result
As a consequence
Therefore (por lo tanto)
Thus (por lo tanto, de este modo, siendo así, por consiguiente)
Hence (por lo tanto, por esto, en consecuencia, de ahí)
Consequently
Comparison
Similarly
Likewise / Otherwise
Also
Reason
The cause of
The reason for
Subordinators
Subordinators are linking words that are used to join clauses together. They are used at the
beginning or in the middle of a sentence. A clause is a group of words that must contain a
subject and predicate. There are two types of clauses:
independent clauses - these can stand alone as a sentence by themselves
dependent clauses - these make no sense by themselves.
Example
Two sentences with linking words in the beginning or the middle of the sentence.
Even though the train was late, I got to the exam on time.
Dependent clause Independent clause
I got to the exam on time, even though the train was late
Independent clause Dependent clause
Common subordinators
Below are some examples of commonly used subordinators.
Comparison & Contrast Cause / effect Time
Although (aunque, no obstante) Since (dado que) After
Though (aunque, si bien, aún cuando) So that (para que) When
Even though (aún cuando, incluso aunque) Because Whenever
While (mientras que) Before
Whereas (considerando que, Until
en vista de que, mientras que,
siendo así que)
Possibility Place & manner
if Wherever
as if Where
unless (a menos que) How
whether (sea que…, ya sea que, de un modo u otro)
