Home of English Grammar

Free Guide (Updated for 2023)

  • Home
  • Download Lessons
  • Grammar Rules
  • Online Exercises
  • Online Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Word Counter
  • Guides
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Lessons / Common linking words

Common linking words

December 23, 2013 - pdf

Here is an overview of common linking words in English.

To give examples

To give examples we can use the following linking expressions: for instance, for example, in particular

People often behave stupidly when they are frightened. Take Alice, for instance, …

We are not at all happy with the way you handled the situation. In particular, we ….

To show contrast

To show contrast you can use the following conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs: but, however, otherwise, in contrast, on the other hand.

Their front door was open but nobody was inside.

Their front door was open; however, nobody was inside.

The technology sector is performing badly. The banking stocks, in / by contrast, are doing well again.

Sam was quite rude. His brother, on the other hand, behaved very politely.

To show concession

The following conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs can be used to show concession: however, yet, nevertheless, although, despite, even though, despite the fact that etc.

The car broke down on the way. Nevertheless / however, I managed to get to the meeting in time.

Even though he has a master’s degree in English, he still can’t write a good letter.

To show similarity

To show similarity, you can use the following conjunctive adverbs: likewise, similarly, in the same way

My mother did everything she could to educate us. In the same way, we put a high value on our children’s education.

To show result

Use the following expressions to show result: therefore, as a result, thus, consequently, so, as a consequence

They have recruited more people and consequently the service is better.

The new laptops are thin and light and therefore you can carry them around more comfortably.

To indicate time or sequence

A large number of expressions are used to indicate sequence. Examples are: first, firstly, second, secondly, finally, lastly, immediately, formerly, thereafter, soon, next etc.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
1,267,772 
647,105 

Check Your Grammar

GrammarCheck.net - Try online
Hint → Bookmark GrammarCheck for future use.

Latest Exercises

  • Animal Idioms September 18, 2023
  • Less vs. Fewer September 17, 2023
  • If, Unless, Providing, As Long As September 17, 2023
  • Identifying Conditionals September 16, 2023
  • Conjunctions Quiz September 14, 2023
  • English Vocabulary Exercise September 13, 2023
  • Prefixes Exercise September 12, 2023
  • Tenses Quiz September 10, 2023
  • Gap Filling Vocabulary Exercise September 8, 2023

Topics

  • Adjectives
  • Adverbs
  • Business Writing
  • Commas
  • Conjunctions
  • Creative Writing
  • Difference
  • Essay Writing
  • Exercises
  • Learning
  • Lessons
  • Nouns
  • Prepositions
  • Pronouns
  • Proofreading
  • Punctuation
  • Quiz
  • Spelling
  • Style Guide
  • Teaching
  • Terms
  • Verbs
  • Words
  • Writing

Quiz

  • Can you correct these 14 basic grammar mistakes?
  • What kind of writer are you?

Copyright © 2023 · EnglishGrammar.org
Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Sitemap