Linking Words
It is essential to understand how Linking Words, as a part of speech, can be used to combine ideas in writing - and thus ensure that ideas within sentences and paragraphs are elegantly connected - for the benefit of the reader. This will help to improve your writing (e.g. essay, comment, summary (scientific) review, (research) paper, letter, abstract, report, thesis, etc.).
It is also fundamental to be aware of the sometimes subtle meaning of these "small" words within the English language.
It is also fundamental to be aware of the sometimes subtle meaning of these "small" words within the English language.
"Linking Words" is used as a term to denote a class of English words which are employed to link or connect parts of speech or even whole sentences. They are also called connecting words. There are 2 categories of Linking Words (or Connecting Words):
List of Commonly Used Linking Words
Function |
Coordinators |
Subordinators |
Transitions |
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Link independent clauses within a sentence. | Link an independent clause with a dependent clause or phrase within a sentence. | Link independent clauses within a sentence. Link sentences within a paragraph. |
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Punctuation | Use a comma before a coordinator: I researched the topic, and I created the presentation. |
When the dependent clause is at the beginning of the sentence, it should be followed by a comma: After I researched the topic, I created the presentation. Do not use a comma when the dependent clause is at the end of the sentence: I created the presentation after I researched the topic. |
When the transition begins the sentence, it should be followed by a comma: First, I researched the topic. Then, I created the presentation. When the transition connects two independent clauses, a semi-colon comes before it and a comma follows it: I researched the topic; afterwards, I created the presentation. |
Showing time, beginning, during, ending | And |
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Showing a sequence | And |
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Showing conclusion | So |
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Showing contrast | But Either … or Yet |
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Showing similarity | Neither … nor Either … or |
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Adding information | And |
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Adding example |
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Showing cause |
For |
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Showing effect | So |
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Showing condition |
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Linking Words - A complete list of Transition Words & Conjunctions also called Cohesive Devices – Connecting Words
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