Linking Words
B1 · IntermediateConjunctions & Linking WordsIt was raining. However, we went for a walk. Linking words connect ideas across separate sentences, not inside one.
What you'll learn
- Linking words (however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, nevertheless, for example, on the other hand...) connect ideas across two separate sentences
- Unlike coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so), a linking word needs a period or semicolon before it, not just a comma
- Different linking words serve different functions: addition, contrast, result, example
- This lesson introduces the category; Result and Contrast and Concession go deeper into specific result and contrast connectors
Connecting separate sentences
A linking word (or linking adverb) connects the idea in one sentence to the idea in the next. Unlike a conjunction, it doesn't grammatically join two clauses into one sentence — it's a separate word that starts a new sentence (or follows a semicolon).
Functions: addition, contrast, result, example
Moreover and furthermore add extra information. However and nevertheless show contrast. Therefore, as a result, and consequently show result. For example introduces an illustration.
The punctuation difference from conjunctions
A conjunction like 'but' only needs a comma before it inside one sentence. A linking word like 'however' needs a full stop (period) or semicolon before it, and usually a comma right after it, because it isn't grammatically joining the clauses the way a conjunction does.
Real English
Watch out
A linking word like 'however' needs a period or semicolon before it, not just a comma.
A comma usually follows the linking word at the start of a sentence.
Between two full clauses, 'therefore' needs a semicolon before it and a comma after it.
Real life — Reviewing an apartment
"So what did you think of the apartment?"
"It's small. However, it's in a great location."
"That matters a lot. Plus, it's affordable — moreover, the landlord seems reasonable."
"Sounds like a solid option overall."
Practice
Exercise 1 · Choose the correctly punctuated sentence
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
Exercise 2 · Choose the correctly punctuated sentence
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
Exercise 3 · Choose the linking word for addition
Which linking word adds information?
Exercise 4 · Choose the linking word for contrast
Which linking word shows contrast?
Exercise 5 · Choose the linking word for example
Which linking word gives an example?
Exercise 6 · Choose the linking word for result
Which linking word shows result?
Exercise 7 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence.
Exercise 8 · Choose the coordinating conjunction
Which is a coordinating conjunction, not a linking adverb?
Exercise 9 · Rewrite with correct punctuation
Rewrite correctly punctuated: 'The team lost, nevertheless they stayed positive.'
Exercise 10 · Complete with a linking word
Complete with a linking word for addition: 'The apartment is small. ___, it's very affordable.'
Exercise 11 · Sort into groups
0 / 6 sorted
Quick challenge
Five quick questions to check what stuck.
Question 1 / 5
Score: 0/0
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
You learned
- Linking words connect ideas across two separate sentences.
- They need a period or semicolon before them, not just a comma like a conjunction.
- Different linking words serve different functions: addition, contrast, result, example.
- Result and Contrast and Concession go deeper into specific connectors within those functions.
Related grammar lessons
Result
Learn the connectors for expressing result — so (a coordinating conjunction, comma only) versus therefore/as a result/consequently/thus (linking adverbs, needing a period or semicolon).
Subordinating Conjunctions
Learn how subordinating conjunctions like when, while, before, after, if, and unless introduce dependent clauses of time and condition, and the comma rule that goes with them.
Purpose
Learn to express purpose with to, in order to, so as to, so that, and for + -ing — and how to tell purpose apart from result.
Contrast and Concession
Learn to express contrast and concession across three grammatical patterns: although/even though/though + clause, despite/in spite of + noun or -ing, and however/nevertheless as linking adverbs.