Linking Words for IELTS and How to Use Them Correctly

Linking words (also called connecting words or connectors) show the relationship between ideas: contrast, cause, result, example and so on. In IELTS Writing they support the Coherence and Cohesion criterion, and in Speaking they help Fluency and Coherence. The best strategy is to learn a small group of connectors that you can use correctly, not a long list you half remember.

Below, connectors are grouped by function, with a correct sentence and a common mistake for each group. For a longer reference list, see our linking words page.

Contrast and concession

Use these when two ideas oppose each other.

• However, / Nevertheless, start a new sentence.
• Although / Even though / While start a clause inside a sentence.
• Despite / In spite of are followed by a noun or -ing form.
• Whereas / While compare two things directly.

Correct: "Online shopping is convenient. However, it can encourage impulse spending."

Correct: "Despite being expensive, electric cars are growing in popularity."

Wrong: "Although it is expensive, but many people buy it." (Never use "although" and "but" together.)

Wrong: "Despite of the rain, we went out." (Say "despite the rain" or "in spite of the rain".)

Cause and reason

• because + clause
• because of / due to / owing to + noun
• since / as + clause (formal, for known reasons)

Correct: "Many students live at home because rents are high."

Correct: "Rents are high due to a shortage of housing."

Wrong: "Because of rents are high, students stay at home." (After "because of", use a noun phrase: "because of high rents".)

Result and consequence

• Therefore, / Consequently, / As a result, start a sentence.
• so joins two clauses and is more informal.
• , which means that adds a consequence to a clause.
• so... that / such... that show degree.

Correct: "Public transport is unreliable. As a result, more people drive to work."

Correct: "The course was so demanding that several students dropped out."

Wrong: "Therefore, so people drive." (Use one connector, not two.)

Addition

• In addition, / Moreover, / Furthermore, start a sentence.
• as well as + noun or -ing.
• not only... but also adds emphasis.

Correct: "Cycling reduces traffic. Moreover, it improves public health."

Correct: "Not only does exercise improve fitness, but it also reduces stress."

Careful: "Moreover" and "Furthermore" add a stronger point, not just another one. If your second idea is weaker or unrelated, "also" or "in addition" is safer.

Giving examples

• For example, / For instance, start a sentence.
• such as introduces examples within a sentence.
• In particular, focuses on one point.

Correct: "Some jobs, such as data entry, are easily automated."

Wrong: "Some jobs, for example data entry." (This is a fragment. Use "such as" or write a full sentence after "for example".)

Wrong: "Such as data entry, some jobs are automated." ("Such as" cannot start a sentence this way.)

Sequence and structure

• Firstly, / Secondly, / Finally, for lists in an essay or process description.
• First of all, / Then, / After that, / Subsequently, for Task 1 processes.
• In conclusion, / To sum up, for the final paragraph.

In Task 2, avoid placing "Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly" at the start of three short paragraphs as a template. Examiners prefer connections between ideas to labelled lists. For Task 1 processes, sequencers are natural and useful: see our Task 1 language guide for more.

Comparing and referring back

• Similarly, / Likewise, for similarity.
• In contrast, / On the other hand, for differences. "On the other hand" needs a first "on the one hand" idea or a clear contrast.
• This, that, such, these as reference words ("This trend", "Such measures").

Correct: "Japan's population is shrinking. In contrast, India's continues to grow."

Reference words are linking tools too, and they often sound more natural than a formal connector. "Governments could ban plastic bags. This would reduce litter" connects two sentences without any listed connector.

Punctuation rules that cost marks

1. A sentence-opening connector is followed by a comma: "However, prices have fallen."
2. A connector in the middle of two full clauses needs a semicolon before it: "Prices have fallen; however, demand is still weak."
3. Do not join two full sentences with only a comma: "Prices fell, however demand did not rise." This is a comma splice.
4. "Because", "although" and "while" do not take a comma when they come in the middle: "He left early because he was tired."

The overuse problem

Many candidates think more connectors mean a higher score. The descriptors actually warn about over-use of cohesive devices, which appears in the band 6 and 7 descriptions. A paragraph with "Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, Besides" in four sentences in a row sounds mechanical.

Compare:

Overloaded: "Firstly, technology is useful. Moreover, it saves time. Furthermore, it helps education. In addition, it connects people. In conclusion, technology is good."

Better: "Technology saves time, particularly in education, where online platforms allow students to revise at any hour. This flexibility also keeps families connected across distances."

The second version uses fewer connectors and more developed ideas, and it reads like real writing.

Linking words in Speaking

In Speaking, use light, natural connectors: "well", "actually", "to be honest", "although", "the thing is", "what I mean is", "on top of that". Avoid formal essay words like "moreover" in conversation. Try them in speaking practice and listen to whether they sound like you.

A short practice routine

1. Choose two connectors from each group, around twelve in total.
2. Write one correct sentence about your own life for each.
3. Use only those twelve in your next two essays.
4. After writing, check each one for punctuation and meaning.

Scorify gives AI feedback on Writing and Speaking, and one thing it can point out is repeated connectors. This is practice feedback with estimated bands, not an official mark.

Checklist

• Match the connector to the logic: contrast, cause, result, example.
• Never combine "although" with "but", or "because" with "so".
• Use reference words such as "this" and "such" to link naturally.
• Check commas and semicolons.
• Prefer fewer, accurate connectors over many.