Linking Words (Transitional Expressions)

Introduction

Linking words in English, also known as transition words or cohesive devices, are words or phrases that enhance the flow of a sentence or paragraph by indicating the relationship between ideas. In this article, we will cover examples of these transitional words to help write cohesively and coherently.

Let’s start by understanding what we mean by linking words!

What Are Linking Words?

Linking words, also referred to as transition words, connectives, or cohesive devices, play a crucial role in enhancing the structure and coherence of written and spoken English.

These words and phrases serve as bridges between ideas, helping readers or listeners navigate through the text or speech more smoothly. They establish logical relationships between different parts of a sentence, paragraph, or discourse, making the overall communication more organized and comprehensible.

Examples of linking words include words for addition (e.g., in addition, furthermore, etc.), for contrast (e.g., however, but, etc.), for cause and effect (e.g., because, since, etc.), for purpose (e.g., so that, in order to, etc.), and for summarizing (e.g., in summary, in a nutshell, etc.).

Why Are Linking Words Important?

Incorporating linking words within and between sentences and paragraphs enhances the logical flow of your writing. These words serve as valuable signposts, aiding your reader in navigating seamlessly from one idea to the next while elucidating the relationships between sentences or paragraphs.

A text without linking words lacks cohesion, thereby undermining the creation of a coherent overall meaning. Consider the following two texts: the first is equipped with linking words, and the second is without. Observe how the inclusion of linking words significantly contributes to the overall coherence of the text.

Paragraph 1 (With Linking Words):

In the bustling city, the streets were alive with activity. Moreover, the constant hum of traffic and the vibrant colors of city lights created a mesmerizing scene. Despite the urban hustle, a sense of harmony prevailed. Additionally, the aroma of street food wafted through the air, enticing passersby. However, beneath the surface of this dynamic cityscape, challenges lurked. The gap between the affluent and the underprivileged was evident. Nevertheless, efforts were being made to address social inequalities and foster a more inclusive community.

Paragraph 2 (Without Linking Words):

In Paragraph 1, the use of linking words like “Moreover,” “despite,” “Additionally,” “However,” and “Nevertheless” helps create a smooth and connected narrative, indicating additions, contrasts, and causal relationships between different ideas. The paragraph feels more cohesive and organized.

In contrast, Paragraph 2 lacks these linking words, resulting in a more disjointed and less structured narrative. The relationships between ideas are not explicitly highlighted, making it harder for the reader to discern the connections between different aspects of the city described.

Examples Of Linking Words In English

Like other languages, English has a lot of cohesive devices or linking words that can be used to express and join ideas.

Here are some examples:

1. Expressing addition

To add information, you can use these expressions:

In addition – Additionally – As well (as) – Moreover – What is more – Not only…but also… – Furthermore – Besides – Also – Too – And

Examples:

• If the project fails this will have terrible consequences not only for our department but also for the whole organization
• John’s grades are terrible because he has been so lazy these days. In addition to this, his relationship with his parents got worse.
• The report is badly written. Moreover, it’s inaccurate.
• The report outlines the current challenges faced by the industry. Additionally, it suggests strategies for overcoming these challenges.
• She excels in mathematics. Besides, she’s a talented violinist.
• I appreciate your kindness. Also, your insights and help were valuable.
• I want to visit Marrakech. My friend does too.
• She is skilled in graphic design as well as web development.
• The company values teamwork. Individual achievements are recognized as well.

2. Expressing contrast

To express contrast, you can use these expressions:

Although – Even though – In spite of – Despite – However – Yet – Nevertheless – Nonetheless – On the contrary – Whereas – On the one hand …but on the other hand… – Conversely – In contrast – But

Examples:

• Brain drain has terrible consequences on developing countries. Nevertheless, nothing has been done to solve the problem or at least reduce its negative effects.
• Despite Fred’s old age, he goes jogging every morning.
• Although she’s very nice, her classmates hate her.
• They have got two children, a boy and a girl. The boy takes after his father whereas the girl takes after the mother.
• On the one hand, the new policy promotes environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. But on the other hand, it poses economic challenges for industries reliant on traditional energy sources.
• The popular belief is that multitasking enhances productivity. On the contrary, research suggests that it can lead to a decrease in overall efficiency.
• While traditional teaching methods prioritize rote memorization, modern education emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Conversely, some argue that a balance between the two approaches is essential for effective learning.

3. Expressing cause and effect

To express cause and effect, you can use these expressions:

Examples:

• She remained silent, for she was too depressed to talk.
• We can’t go to Sue’s party because we’ll be busy working on our project.
• The plane was delayed because of the foggy weather.
• He had spent most of his time hanging around instead of revising his lessons. Consequently, he had a lot of trouble answering the exam questions.
• She missed her flight. Therefore, she had to reschedule her entire travel itinerary.
• The experiment yielded significant results; because of this, the researchers are planning further investigations.
• The project faced unforeseen challenges. For this reason, the team decided to reassess the initial timeline.
• Since the new policy was implemented, there has been a noticeable improvement in employee morale.
• The team worked diligently for they were determined to meet the project deadline.
• The event was canceled due to the adverse weather conditions.
• Owing to the financial constraints, the company had to scale down its expansion plans.

4. Expressing purpose

To express the purpose behind specific actions, the use of linking words that convey intention becomes crucial. Here are some illustrative examples:

In order to – in order not to – So as to – So as not to – to – Not to – So that – In order that

Examples:

• She wakes up early in order to be on time to work.
• They visited him so as to offer their condolences for the death of his wife
• He helped the new policewoman so as not to fail in her first mission.
• She worked overtime so that she could complete the project before the deadline.
• The team collaborated closely in order that each member’s expertise could contribute to the project’s success.

5. Illustrating or Exemplifying

To effectively introduce examples and illustrations, incorporating appropriate linking words is essential. Below is a compilation of linking words specifically tailored for exemplifying and illustrating:

For example – For instance – Such as – Namely – To illustrate – In particular

Examples:

1. Participating in regular physical exercise offers various advantages. For example, it promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and enhances overall well-being.
2. Learning a new language has numerous benefits. For instance, it enhances cognitive abilities and opens up new cultural perspectives.
3. Many countries face challenges related to climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
4. The statistics indicate a significant increase in global temperatures over the past century. To illustrate, the average global temperature has risen by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, with notable consequences such as the melting of polar ice caps and shifts in weather patterns.
5. The new policy aims to address several issues, in particular, improving access to education and healthcare.

6. Time and Sequencing

At times, incorporating connectors that convey time relationships or sequence events can enhance the clarity of your message. Here are some illustrative examples:

Meanwhile – Subsequently – Afterward – First (ly) – Second (ly) – Third (ly) – Another – Additionally – Finally – Lastly – Ultimately – Subsequently – Eventually – Next – Then

Examples:

1. Meanwhile, as the research continued, new data emerged, altering the initial hypothesis.
2. The team completed the initial phase of the project successfully. Subsequently, they proceeded to the next stage of development.
3. The conference will address key issues in the morning session. Afterward, participants will engage in workshops to discuss practical solutions.
4. Firstly, the company focused on restructuring its internal processes. Secondly, it implemented new technology for enhanced efficiency. Lastly, it initiated a training program for employees.
5. The project involves several stages. Another critical aspect is the detailed analysis of market trends.
6. The team worked diligently on the proposal. Finally, they submitted it before the deadline.
7. The initial phase of the project focused on research and development. Subsequently, the team moved on to the testing phase.
8. The technology company introduced a new product. Eventually, it became a market leader in its category.
9. The team completed the planning phase. Next, they will start implementing the proposed strategies.
10. The workshop covered theoretical concepts. Then, participants engaged in hands-on activities to apply the knowledge gained.

7. Re-phrasing

The following linking words aid in presenting alternative expressions or clarifying ideas, promoting a more nuanced and refined communication style:

In other terms – In simpler words – Put differently – To put it another way – In a different light

Examples:

1. The concept may be challenging; in other terms, it requires a deeper level of understanding.
3. The complex theory may be hard to grasp. In simpler words, it suggests that…
4. The report indicates potential areas for improvement. Put differently, there are opportunities to enhance performance.
5. The statistics highlight the economic impact. To put it another way, these figures underscore the financial consequences.
6. The problem can be viewed from various perspectives. In a different light, it may reveal new insights and solutions.

8. Introducing Alternatives

Some linking words are used to introduce alternatives to the preceding information. Here is a selection of such terms:

Or better – Instead of – Alternatively – Rather (than) – Or else – In lieu of – On the flip side – Otherwise

Examples:

1. The initial approach proved ineffective. Rather, a more strategic plan is needed for project success.
2. You can choose the standard shipping option, which takes 5-7 business days, or better, opt for expedited shipping for delivery within 2-3 business days.
3. The traditional method has its merits. Alternatively, a modern approach could yield quicker results.
4. You can complete the assignment by Friday, or else request an extension.
5. Use the digital format in lieu of a printed copy for a more eco-friendly approach.
6. You can attend the morning session, on the flip side, the afternoon session is also available.
7. The deadline for the project is approaching. Otherwise, there may be consequences for the entire team.

9. Comparing

The following linking words assist in drawing parallels and highlighting similarities, facilitating a smoother comparison between different ideas or entities.

Similarly – Likewise -In the same way – Just as – Like – Similarly (to) -In comparison – By comparison – Compared to – In a similar fashion – In a similar vein

Examples:

1. The new software interface enhances the user experience. Similarly, the updated mobile app provides a more intuitive design.
2. Effective communication is essential in both personal and professional relationships. Likewise, establishing trust is crucial in both contexts.
3. The project management team employs agile methodologies. In the same way, the software development team adopts similar practices.
4. Just as technology evolves rapidly, so does consumer behavior in response to these changes.
5. The marketing strategy aligns similarly to the tactics employed by successful competitors.
6. The two models differ in terms of performance. In comparison, the latest version exhibits superior speed and efficiency.
7. The old system required manual data entry. By comparison, the new system automates this process, reducing the likelihood of errors.
8. The current financial quarter shows positive growth. Compared to the previous quarter, there is a noticeable improvement.
9. The design philosophy is consistent across all products. In a similar fashion, each item emphasizes simplicity and functionality.
10. The team handled the challenge in a similar vein to their approach in previous successful projects.

10. Ananalyzing

The following linking words aid in presenting logical connections and consequences when analyzing information or data.

Accordingly – The result is – Results are – The consequence is – It can be seen – Evidence illustrates that – Because of this – Thus – Hence – For this reason – Owing to – This suggests that – It follows that – In that case – That implies

Examples:

1. The team optimized the workflow, accordingly, improving overall efficiency.
2. The company implemented a new sales strategy. The result is a significant increase in revenue.
3. The latest marketing campaign targeted a specific demographic. The results are a higher engagement rate among the target audience.
4. The team invested in employee training programs. It can be seen that this led to a boost in employee morale.
5. The study analyzed the impact of social media on brand perception. Evidence illustrates that positive online interactions correlate with improved brand reputation.
6. The survey reveals a shift in consumer preferences. Thus, businesses must tailor their products to meet changing demands.
7. The new software streamlines communication. Hence, team collaboration has become more efficient.
8. The analysis of user feedback indicates a need for interface improvements. This suggests that user experience enhancements are necessary.
9. The study examined consumer habits over time. It follows that purchasing decisions are often influenced by social media trends.
10. The marketing strategy requires adjustments. In that case, a thorough review of current market trends is necessary.
11. The experiment yielded unexpected results. That implies further investigation is required to understand the underlying factors.

11. Summarizing

When writing, incorporating transitional devices that succinctly summarize the discussed points is essential. Here are some illustrative examples:

In conclusion – To conclude – To sum up – In a nutshell – In brief – In short – All in all – Everything considered – Overall – To summarize

Examples:

1. The research findings highlight the importance of sustainable practices in business. In conclusion, companies must prioritize eco-friendly initiatives for long-term success.
2. The debate on climate change is complex and multifaceted. To conclude, a comprehensive and collaborative approach is necessary for effective mitigation.
3. The presentation covered various aspects of the new product launch. To sum up, the key features include enhanced functionality, user-friendly design, and competitive pricing.
4. The policy aims to streamline bureaucratic processes. In a nutshell, the objective is to improve efficiency and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
5. The report delves into the economic impact of the global pandemic. In brief, the findings indicate a recession with potential long-term consequences.
6. The seminar explored advancements in artificial intelligence. In short, the speakers highlighted the transformative potential of AI across industries.
7. The project faced challenges, but the team persevered. All in all, their dedication resulted in a successful outcome.
8. The proposed changes in the company’s structure require careful consideration. Everything considered, a phased implementation plan would be most effective.
9. The discussion covered various perspectives on the future of renewable energy. Overall, it emphasized the need for a sustainable and diverse energy portfolio.
10. The essay provides a comprehensive analysis of historical events. To summarize, it traces the evolution of societal norms and their impact on cultural shifts.

These linking words aid in presenting a concise and coherent summary of information, reinforcing key points and bringing clarity to the conclusion of a text.

Summary

The following table summarizes and organizes the linking words, provides examples, and illustrates their sentence usage.

Type of Linking Words	Examples	Example Sentence
1. Expressing Addition	In addition, Additionally, As well (as), Moreover, What is more, Not only…but also…, Furthermore, Besides, Also, Too, And	If the project fails, this will have terrible consequences not only for our department but also for the whole organization.
2. Expressing Contrast	Although, Even though, In spite of, Despite, However, Yet, Nevertheless, Nonetheless, On the contrary, Whereas, On the one hand…but on the other hand…, Conversely, In contrast, But	Brain drain has terrible consequences on developing countries. Nevertheless, nothing has been done to solve the problem or at least reduce its negative effects.
3. Expressing Cause and Effect	Consequently, As a consequence, As a result, Therefore, Because of this, For this reason, Because, Since, As, For, Due to, Owing to	She remained silent, for she was too depressed to talk.
4. Expressing Purpose	In order to, In order not to, So as to, So as not to, To, Not to, So that, In order that	She wakes up early in order to be on time to work.
5. Illustrating or Exemplifying	For example, For instance, Such as, Namely, To illustrate, In particular	Participating in regular physical exercise offers various advantages. For example, it promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and enhances overall well-being.
6. Time and Sequencing	Meanwhile, Subsequently, Afterward, Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, Another, Additionally, Finally, Lastly, Ultimately, Subsequently, Eventually, Next, Then	Meanwhile, as the research continued, new data emerged, altering the initial hypothesis.
7. Re-Phrasing	In other terms, Alternatively, In simpler words, Put differently, To put it another way, In a different light	The concept may be challenging; in other terms, it requires a deeper level of understanding.
8. Introducing Alternatives	Or better, Instead of, Alternatively, Rather (than), Or else, In lieu of, On the flip side, Otherwise	You can choose the standard shipping option, which takes 5-7 business days, or better, opt for expedited shipping for delivery within 2-3 business days.
9. Comparing	Similarly, Likewise, In the same way, Just as, Like, Similarly (to), In comparison, By comparison, Compared to, In a similar fashion, In a similar vein	The new software interface enhances the user experience. Similarly, the updated mobile app provides a more intuitive design.
10. Analyzing	Accordingly, The result is, Results are, The consequence is, It can be seen, Evidence illustrates that, Because of this, Thus, Hence, For this reason, Owing to, This suggests that, It follows that, In that case, That implies	The team optimized the workflow; accordingly, improving overall efficiency.
11. Summarizing	In conclusion, To conclude, To sum up, In a nutshell, In brief, In short, All in all, Everything considered, Overall, To summarize	The research findings highlight the importance of sustainable practices in business. In conclusion, companies must prioritize eco-friendly initiatives for long-term success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of linking words is indispensable for crafting cohesive texts that ensure a seamless flow of ideas and sentences. The judicious use of these transitional devices not only enhances the coherence of your writing but also significantly contributes to its overall clarity, facilitating a more effective communication of thoughts and concepts.

Related Pages:

• Article about writing
• Figures of speech