Linking words
• These words are used to connect two ideas.
• They can be divided into three groups:
• 1. AND words that add similar ideas e.g.
– We went to the cinema and we went to a restaurant
– We went to the cinema, we also went to a restaurant.
– We went to the cinema, we went to a restaurant, too.
• 2. BUT words that contrast ideas e.g.
– We went to the cinema, but it was closed.
– We went to the cinema, however, it was closed.
– Although we went to the cinema, it was closed.
• 3. Because words that explain why e.g.
– We stayed at home because it was raining.
– It was raining so we stayed at home.
– As it was raining, we stayed at home.
AND words
• These words are used to add similar ideas.
• A dog is a good companion. + A dog gives you exercise.
• A dog is a good companion and gives you exercise.
– This is a simple linking word.
• A dog is a good companion, it also gives you exercise.
– Also (también) is used as an adverb: it is placed before the
main verb.
• A dog is a companion, it gives you exercise, too.
– Too is similar to also except it is at the end of the sentence.
AND words
• In addition to being a good companion, a dog gives
you exercise.
– This linking word can be at the beginning or in the middle
e.g. A dog is a good companion, in addition, it gives you
exercise) . If you use in addition to – remember to use the
ing form of the next verb.
• A dog is a good companion, moreover, it gives you
exercise.
– Moreover/Furthermore (ademas/ por otra parte) are used
in the middle of a sentence (with 2 commas) or at the
beginning of the second idea.
BUT words
These words are used to connect contrasting Ideas
• A dog is a good companion. vs. It is expensive .
• A dog is a good companion, but it is expensive.
• “But” is a simple way to contrast ideas. It is used in the middle
of a sentence but not at the beginning.
• A dog is a good companion, however, it is expensive.
• However is used in the middle of the two ideas with a comma
before and after ,however, (sin embargo).
• Although a dog is a good companion, it is expensive.
• It is used at the beginning of the two ideas and there is a
comma at the end of the first phrase.
BUT words
• Despite being a good companion, it is expensive.
• Despite is used at the beginning or in the middle ( a pesar de.).
• It is also used with a noun (despite the bad weather,..) or with an ing form
(despite being/having). IN SPITE OF being a good companion, a dog is ….
• On the one hand a dog is a good companion, but on the other it is
expensive to keep.
– This phrase can ONLY be used when there is a contrast. One part is used at the
beginning and the other in the middle. (Por un lado …….. pero por otro…)
• The advantage of a dog is that it is a good companion. The
disadvantage is that it is expensive to look after.
– This expression has two parts. It can begin – the advantage is that or the
advantage of …..
Because words
• These words are used to give reasons and
explanations.
• I´m studying English because I want to work
abroad.
• Since/As I want to work abroad I’m studying
English. ( similar to because at the beginning)
• I want to work abroad, so I’m studying
English.
• I want to work abroad, therefore, I’m studying
English. (more formal)
Why are linking words important?
• It is good for your fluency to communicate at
least two ideas when you speak or answer a
question.
• Did you go to the cinema?
• Yes I did. We went to see Avatar and it was
brilliant because the special effects were so
good and I also went for dinner at a restaurant.
( Now that is a good answer
