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Word list · Teens & Adults

Linking Words for Essays: List with Examples

Contrast, add, explain results and conclude: the glue of good writing.

Age
Ages 13+
Level
B1–C1
Skill
Vocabulary
Format
Interactive
More in the library
  • Writing & discussion
  • 28 words

Practise

Three ways to learn the list. Nothing is saved: start again whenever you like.

Front of the card:

0 of 28 learned

however

adverb

The list

Tap the speaker to hear each word.

  1. however

    adverb · B1

    used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what was just said

    The hotel was expensive. However, the service was excellent.

  2. although

    conjunction · B1

    used to introduce a fact that makes the main idea surprising

    Although it was raining, we went for a long walk.

  3. despite

    preposition · B1

    without being stopped by something; followed by a noun or -ing form

    Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.

  4. whereas

    conjunction · B2

    used to compare two facts that are different

    My brother loves sport, whereas I prefer reading.

  5. therefore

    adverb · B1

    for that reason; used to introduce a logical result

    The company lost money for three years. Therefore, it had to close two shops.

  6. as a result

    phrase · B1

    because of what has just been mentioned

    The main road was closed. As a result, many people were late for work.

  7. in addition

    phrase · B1

    used to add another fact or idea

    The job offers a good salary. In addition, you get 25 days of holiday.

  8. furthermore

    adverb · B2

    used to add a further, often stronger, point

    The plan is too expensive. Furthermore, it would take years to complete.

  9. for instance

    phrase · B1

    for example

    Some jobs, for instance nursing, can be very stressful.

  10. such as

    phrase · B1

    used before giving examples of the thing just mentioned

    Bring a few basic things, such as water, bread and a torch.

  11. in contrast

    phrase · B2

    used to show that two things are very different

    Summers in the north are short and cool. In contrast, the south is hot for six months.

  12. on the other hand

    phrase · B1

    used to give a different or opposite side of a situation

    Living in the city is exciting. On the other hand, it's very expensive.

  13. firstly

    adverb · B1

    used to introduce the first point in a list

    Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight.

  14. finally

    adverb · B1

    used to introduce the last point in a list

    Finally, check your spelling before you hand in your essay.

  15. in conclusion

    phrase · B1

    used to introduce the final summary of a text or talk

    In conclusion, I believe the benefits are greater than the risks.

  16. due to

    preposition · B2

    because of; followed by a noun

    The flight was cancelled due to bad weather.

  17. unless

    conjunction · B1

    except if

    You won't pass the exam unless you study more.

  18. in order to

    phrase · B1

    with the purpose of; followed by a verb

    She moved to London in order to improve her English.

  19. nevertheless

    adverb · B2

    despite what has just been said

    The task was very difficult. Nevertheless, we finished it on time.

  20. even though

    conjunction · B1

    despite the fact that; stronger than 'although'

    Even though he was exhausted, he stayed up to finish the report.

  21. consequently

    adverb · B2

    as a result

    Prices rose sharply. Consequently, sales fell.

  22. as long as

    conjunction · B2

    only if

    You can borrow my car as long as you bring it back by Sunday.

  23. to sum up

    phrase · B1

    used to introduce a short summary of the main points

    To sum up, the new system is cheaper and easier to use.

  24. on the contrary

    phrase · B2

    used to say that the opposite of what was just said is true

    The film wasn't boring. On the contrary, it was exciting from start to finish.

  25. meanwhile

    adverb · B2

    at the same time, while something else is happening

    I'll book the hotel. Meanwhile, you can look for cheap flights.

  26. provided that

    conjunction · B2

    only if a particular thing happens

    You can work from home provided that you finish your tasks on time.

  27. albeit

    conjunction · C1

    (formal) although; usually followed by an adjective or adverb

    The plan worked, albeit more slowly than we had hoped.

  28. hence

    adverb · C1

    (formal) for this reason; often followed by a noun

    The bridge is closed for repairs, hence the long queues.

Use it: speaking task

For pairs or small groups, about ten minutes.

Mini-talk. Choose a topic and speak for one minute to your partner. Use at least five linking words: one to add, one to contrast, one to give a result, one to give an example and one to conclude. Your partner counts them.

  1. Living in a big city or in the countryside
  2. Working from home
  3. Learning a language with an app or with a teacher
  4. Should school start later in the morning?

Printable worksheet

One page of matching and gap-fill, the speaking task, and an answer key on a separate page.