Linking words/Connectors

What are linking words?

Linking words (or connectors) are transitional words and expressions that help connect ideas within and between paragraphs.  They do this by showing relationships between ideas and clauses, such as addition, contrast, result, purpose, etc. It is useful to note that linking words can be used in both formal and informal language.

The following table lists the most frequently used connectors in English. So take a look at it.

Table of linking words (connectors)

Types of linking words  They are used to show:
In addition, also, too, besides, equally important, furthermore, moreover,
additionally		 Addition
In the same way, likewise, similarlyComparison/similarity
In contrast, however, instead, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise,
nevertheless, still, yet, but		Contrast/Concession
Of course, certainly, indeed, in fact, even so, truly, naturally, in fact, indeed Emphasizing
For example, for instance, as an illustration, a case in point, namely, specifically,
to illustrate,		 Exemplifying
In general, for the most part, as a general rule, on the whole, usually, typicallyGeneralizing
As a result, consequently, hence, therefore, thus, accordingly, so, 
for this reason		Result/Cause/Effect
Finally, in conclusion, in short, in summary, in brief, in the end, on the whole,
thus, in other words, therefore		Summarizing
Today, tomorrow, yesterday, once, now, then, eventually, meanwhile,
subsequently, finally, first, second, third, afterwards, at last		Time sequence
In my opinion, in my view, to my mind, as far as I am concerned, as for me,
for me, 		Giving opinion
So as to, to, in order to, so that, in order that, forPurpose
Because, as, since, for, because of, caused by, the reason for, the cause of,
due to, owing to 		Cause

Practice

Exercise 1

Link the following sentences with these conjunctions:

                        however – but – though – although

  1. She is handicapped. She took part in the marathon.
  2. He smoked, drank, and never exercised. He lived to be 90.
  3. John felt sick. He went out to work.
  4. Thousands of pupils are leaving school. There are no jobs for them.

Exercise 2

Rewrite the sentences using in spite of + ing.

  1. Although she was an accountant, she never seems to have any money.
  2. Although he lost a lot of blood, he is in stable condition.
  3. Although she had a bad cough, she was able to sing in the choir.

Now rewrite these sentences using despite his / her + noun

  1. Although she was successful, she felt dissatisfied
  2. Although Patrick was ill, he still came to the meeting.
  3. Although he promised that he wouldn’t be late, he didn’t arrive until 9 o’clock

Exercise 3

Rewrite the following sentence using although/though/even though.

  1. Despite my warning not to do it, they went on buying useless items.
  2. Despite being rich, he isn’t very happy.
  3. In spite of my problems, I can live with dignity.

Exercise 4

Rewrite these sentences expressing purpose.

  1. He left home very early in the morning so that he could get to the airport in time for the flight. (So as to)
  2. That actress has a team of personal bodyguards to protect her. ( so that)
  3. I ran to catch the bus so that I wouldn’t be late. ( in order)

Exercise 5

Correct any mistakes in these sentences.

  1. I put a mat under the hot cup for stopping it from damaging the table.
  2. Don sang so badly that I had to look away not so as to laugh at him.
  3. A mouse is a device used for move the cursor around a computer screen.
  4. She hid the present in order that the children not to find it.

Exercise 6

Link the following sentences with one of the following linking words :

As, since, that’s why, consequently, so, in order to, so as to, for + ing, for …, and to.

  1. John bought a second car. He didn’t want his wife to walk to work.
  2. I phoned the doctor last night. The baby had a very high fever.
  3. Lucy will be fined. She drove over the speed limit.
  4. Peter stole the old woman’s bag. The judge will condemn him.
  5. We’ll hurry up. We want to catch the train.
  6. I haven’t heard from him for a long time. I’ll call him tonight.
  7. Jim and I went to the restaurant. We wanted to celebrate our wedding anniversary.
  8. My father had the car mended. He had had an accident.
  9. The children were feeling very tired. They had been dancing all night.

www.simplrenglish.com

Similar Posts