50 Linking Words (Logical Connectors) in English Classified by Theme

To start a sentence

These English linking words are useful for introducing an idea, a first point, or a complete argument that you will develop further in a paragraph.

Linking word	Use	Audio
First	Use this to introduce the first idea or point.
First of all	Emphasizes that this is the very first point.
To start with, to begin with	Beginning a discussion or series of arguments; introducing the first idea.

To express a condition

When you need to establish a condition between two sets of ideas in a conversation or writing, the following expressions are very useful.

Linking word	Use	Audio
As long as	Indicates that one thing will happen only if another condition is met.
If	Introduces a possible situation and its consequence.
Provided that	Similar to as long as, indicating a specific condition that must be true for something else to happen.
Unless, except if	Expresses an exception to a situation; the opposite of if.
Whether	Commonly used when making a choice between two options or alternatives.

To express argument (cause, consequence)

The following logical connectors are used to express because, as a result, therefore, etc. These linking words are useful for showing a logical cause-and-effect relationship between different elements, especially when making an argument.

Linking word	Use	Audio
As a result	Indicates the consequence of a previous action or situation.
As a result of	Shows that something happened due to a specific cause.
As soon as	Refers to something happening immediately after another event.
Because	Indicates the reason for something.
Because of	Used to link a reason directly to its effect.
Consequently	Used to show the effect of a previous statement.
Due to	Often used to explain why something occurred.
In order (not) to	Indicates the purpose or goal of an action.
Since	Introduces a reason or explanation.
So (that)	Used to explain the goal of an action.
So	Indicates a result or conclusion.
So as (not) to	Shows intent while avoiding something specific.
Thanks to	Indicates a positive cause for something.
That is the reason why	Explains why something happened.
Therefore	Often used to conclude an argument or show a consequence.
That is why	Used to explain the cause of a situation or action.
But	Used to show a difference or opposition between ideas.
On the one hand … on the other hand	Presents two contrasting ideas or points of view.
Then	Often used to show what happens next or to conclude.

Note: It’s important to carefully distinguish between purpose, cause, and consequence. The purpose is the reason for performing an action, while the consequence is the result of that action.

To continue a discussion

To expand on your thoughts or arguments, you’ll need some additional vocabulary. With the following linking words, you’ll be able to say in addition, furthermore, for example, indeed, etc.

Linking word	Use	Audio
And	Connects two similar ideas or points.
Next	Used to continue a sequence or list of ideas.
Secondly	Used after firstly to introduce the second point or idea.
Also	Adds another point or idea.
For example, for instance	Introduces an example to support the previous statement.
Furthermore, moreover	Adds extra information or reinforces a point.
Besides	Used to add extra information that strengthens the argument.
In other words	Used to clarify or explain a previous statement in simpler terms.
That is to say	Used to explain or define something in more detail.
Such as	Introduces specific examples to illustrate a point.
Indeed	Emphasizes or confirms a previous statement.
As a matter of fact	Used to provide more accurate or relevant information.
In addition to …	Adds extra information to what has already been said.

To compare and contrast

Need to contrast two ideas or viewpoints? Express opposition in English with the following list of conjunctions.

Linking word	Use	Audio
Also	Adds another point or idea.
Although, though, even though	Introduces a contrasting idea, despite what was mentioned earlier.
As against	Compares one thing with another; shows opposition.
As if, as though	Suggests something is true in a hypothetical or imaginary way.
Contrary to	Introduces an opposing idea or viewpoint.
Despite	Shows that something is true irrespective of something else might suggest otherwise.
Even if, even though	Used to emphasize that something happens regardless of another factor.
However, nevertheless, nonetheless, though (also placed at the end of the sentence)	Introduces a contradicting statement or an opposing point.
In spite of (the fact that …)	Shows contrast, similar to despite.
Likewise	Introduces a comparison by showing similarity.
Meanwhile	Used to contrast two actions occurring simultaneously.
Otherwise	Used to present a different option or outcome if a condition is not met.
Unlike	Used to highlight differences between two things or ideas.
Whereas	Compares two contrasting ideas or situations.
While	Introduces a contrast or simultaneous action.
Yet, still	Used to introduce an unexpected contrast or outcome.

To suppose (conditional)

Linking word	Use	Audio
If	Introduces a possible situation or condition.
In case	Used to express what might happen as a precaution.
Supposing	Suggests something is true for the sake of argument.
Unless	Indicates an exception or a situation where something won’t happen.
Whether	Used to show a decision between two options.

To end a speech

Concluding your speech effectively is crucial for clear communication. The following phrases can be used to conclude a speech, summarize your main points, or add a final thought to your text.

Linking word	Use	Audio
In conclusion, to conclude	Signals the end of a speech or writing, summarizing the key points.
To sum up, all in all, in short, in brief	Used to give a brief overview of what was discussed.
Lastly, finally	Introduces the final point or remark.

Note: The Case of For and Since

Pay attention to the meaning of for and since when you encounter them.

• For = Indicates duration of time

Example	Explanation	Audio
I haven’t been to the US for a while.	Expresses that the speaker hasn’t visited the US over a period of time.

Since = Refers to a starting point in time (date or precise moment).

Example	Explanation	Audio
My knee hurts since I fell off my bike.	Indicates the beginning of the knee pain.

For = Because → This usage is rare and rather literary, but you can come across its usage.

Example	Explanation	Audio
They will get lost, for they don’t know the way.	Indicates the reason for getting lost.

Since = As→ Can be replaced by As; used when explaining a reason.

Example	Explanation	Audio
Since you’re home early, you can give me a hand.	Indicates the reason for being able to help.

50 sentences to learn how to use them

Here are more than 50 concrete examples to help you understand how to use logical connectors in English. Each example is provided with a brief explanation and audio to guide your learning.

To start a text

Example	Remark	Audio
First of all, I would like to mention the fact that …	First of all introduces the first point.
Okay, Jane. I am going to tell you everything. First, it is not the first time it happened to me …	First introduces the initial part of an explanation.

Express a condition

Example	Remark	Audio
I am happy as long as I’ve got food.	As long as tells that a condition must be met for something to be true.
I will come provided that you pick me up.	Provided that indicates that an action will happen only if a specific condition is met.
I won’t come unless you want me to.	Unless shows that something will not happen except under a specific condition.

Justify your point in an argument

Example	Remark	Audio
The crisis is long-lasting. As a result, many will lose their jobs.	As a result shows the effect of the crisis.
As a result of our efforts, we were granted a quality award.	As a result of explains the outcome of efforts made.
As soon as I arrived, people stopped talking.	As soon as indicates that one event follows another immediately.
I am tired because I studied for my English test all night.	Because explains the reason for being tired.
I couldn’t sleep because of the noise.	Because of gives the cause of not being able to sleep.
I have been working non-stop for days. Consequently I’m exhausted.	Consequently shows the consequence of continuous work.
The race is postponed due to the bad weather.	Due to explains the reason for postponement.
I didn’t ring the bell in order not to wake up the kids.	In order not to explains the purpose of not ringing.
Since you’re home early, you can give me a hand.	Since gives the reason for being able to help.
You need to grill the fish so that the skin gets crispy.	So that explains the purpose of grilling.
He’s moody, so he won’t come.	So explains the reason for not coming.
You should wash your hands so as not to spread your germs everywhere.	So as not to shows the purpose of washing hands.
I understand how to define logical relationships in a text thanks to this vocabulary sheet.	Thanks to indicates what helped with understanding.
I can’t cope with the pressure anymore. That’s the reason why I’ve decided to quit my job.	That’s the reason why explains the decision to leave.
The manager is away for the day, therefore the meeting is cancelled.	Therefore shows the reason for canceling the meeting.
I don’t know any linking words, this is why I always get bad grades on essays.	This is why explains the cause of bad grades.

To continue the discussion

Example	Remark	Audio
I was too tired to go to work. Besides, the weather made me feel so depressed.	Besides adds another reason or point to support the main idea.
He ran such as in a fiction movie not to miss the bus. Indeed, he would have been fired if he had not managed to take it.	Such as shows comparison and Indeed emphasizes the seriousness of the situation.

Logical connectors for comparing and contrasting

Example	Remark	Audio
Our business was also impacted by the crisis.	Also shows a similarity between the two situations.
Although the people were against it, the government decided to implement the law.	Although introduces a contrast between public opinion and government action.
I earn 15,000€ per year, as against his 250K.	As against compares two different incomes.
We can’t carry on as if nothing happened.	As if introduces a hypothetical situation that is not true.
She’s behaving as though I’m always criticizing her.	As though suggests a false impression or perception.
Contrary to what you said, Billy didn’t turn up last night.	Contrary to highlights a difference between what was said and what actually happened.
Should we go for a run despite the rain?	Despite introduces an action taken in opposition to a condition (rain).
The president got elected even though a minority of people voted for him.	Even though indicates a contrast between the election outcome and voter support.
Unfortunately we lost. However we can participate again any time we want.	However contrasts the loss with the possibility of participating again.
In spite of the fact that my sister’s new boyfriend is really stupid, I quite like him.	In spite of introduces a contradiction between opinion and personal feelings.
Water these plants twice a week, and likewise the ones in the other room.	Likewise indicates that the same action applies to another situation.
You can go shopping, meanwhile, I will do the cleaning.	Meanwhile shows that two actions happen at the same time.
We managed quite well. Nevertheless, I never want to do something like that again.	Nevertheless contrasts success with reluctance to repeat the experience.
I thought she was shy but she is actually really exuberant.	But shows a contrast between initial thoughts and reality.
I think we should leave now otherwise we’re going to be late.	Otherwise presents a consequence of not leaving on time.
Unlike his brother, Luke doesn’t eat meat.	Unlike compares two people with opposite habits.
You’ve had a 3-course meal for lunch, whereas I just had a tiny sandwich.	Whereas highlights a difference in what two people had for lunch.
I was reading a book while Sue was playing on her phone.	While indicates two actions happening simultaneously.
I put lots of effort into my presentation, yet I didn’t get a good grade.	Yet contrasts effort with the disappointing result.

Assume

Example	Remark	Audio
I would like you to pick me up if possible.	If indicates a condition for the request.
Take some water with you in case you get thirsty.	In case suggests preparing for a potential situation (thirst).
Supposing you win the lottery, what would you do with all the money?	Supposing introduces a hypothetical scenario for discussion.
You won’t get a refund unless you contact the customer service.	Unless indicates a condition that must be met for the refund.
I am not sure whether I should come or not.	Whether presents a choice or uncertainty between two options.

Linking words to end a speech

Example	Remark	Audio
First, I was afraid of Peter. Then I got to know him, and finally, I like him.	First, then, finally show the progression of feelings over time.
To start with, I would say that he is a brilliant student. Furthermore, every teacher appreciates his investment. To sum up, I think he should not be fired.	To start with introduces the first point, furthermore adds information, and to sum up summarizes the argument.

4 Exercises on English Linking Words

1. Complete the sentences using the following connectors. Only one word can fit in each blank.

Linking Words to Use: WHEREAS – THANKS TO – SO AS TO – SINCE – HOWEVER – DUE TO – AS LONG AS – ALTHOUGH.

1. I don’t mind going there ________ it’s not too far.
2. ________a problem in our computer system, the online assistance is temporarily not available.
3. Can you pick up the kids from school ________ you’re not working today?
4. Please check all your equipment every morning ________ make sure it’s fully operational.
5. We managed to solve our problem ________ the help of a technician.
6. ________ many people congratulated him, he didn’t seem satisfied.
7. He was exhausted halfway through the game; ________, he didn’t give up.
8. I would like to watch an action movie ________she wants to watch a romantic comedy.

2. Read the two sentences and use the given linking word to create one sentence. Make any necessary changes.

Example :

• Phrases to connect:
  • Bring a snack.
  • You might get hungry.
  • Connector: IN CASE
  • Result: Bring a snack in case you get hungry.

Now, construct sentences using the following pairs of sentences and connectors:

1. Phrases to connect:
   • I will do it.
   • If you tell me not to, I won’t do it.
   • Connector: UNLESS
2. Phrases to connect:
   • We need to leave now.
   • If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late.
   • Connector: OTHERWISE
3. Phrases to connect:
   • You said I would like it.
   • I didn’t like it.
   • Connector: CONTRARY TO
4. Phrases to connect:
   • Jim likes fishing.
   • Paul doesn’t.
   • Connector: UNLIKE (2 possibilities)
5. Phrases to connect:
   • We made a financial gesture.
   • They didn’t accept our offer.
   • Connector: DESPITE (2 possibilities)

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3. Complete the sentences using the linking words below to match the beginning and end of each sentence. There is only one correct combination for each one.

Linking words to use: YET – THEREFORE – SO THAT – FOR – AS SOON AS – AS A RESULT OF.

Start of sentence	End of sentence
1. _____ the bad weather, …	A. … he got fired.
2. Hannah couldn’t enter the building, _____ …	B. … he won’t have to drive me around anymore.
3. Jim was late for work every morning, _____ …	C. … it faces the entrance.
4. You should place the mirror _____ …	D. … she doesn’t understand anything.
5. She has been trying to learn this lesson for quite a while, _____ …	E. … she had lost the keys.
6. _____ I have my own car, …	F. … the competition was cancelled.

4. Complete the following sentences using FOR or SINCE.

1. I haven’t seen Mark ____ ages.
2. Paul has been sick ____ his birthday.
3. I’ve worked in this building ____ 2010.
4. I haven’t heard of him ____ months.
5. Lucy’s had a headache ____ this morning.
6. We’ve been married ____ two years.
7. What have you been doing ____ last summer?
8. Can I stay at your place ____ a couple of days?