Writing practice - using linking words

Linking words

The linking words below have been put in groups with headings to help you understand their meanings and use them effectively in your writing tasks.

Listing ideas or facts Reinforcement Giving examples Generalising Result or consequence Highlighting Similarity Expressing an alternative Transition to a new point Deduction Contrast Stating the    obvious Concession Conclusion
Listing ideas or facts

firstly, secondly, thirdly

first, furthermore, finally

to begin, to conclude

Next

Reinforcement

also

furthermore

moreover

what is more

in addition

besides

above all

as well (as)

in the same way

not only ... but also

Giving examples

for example

for instance

as follows:

that is

in this case

namely

in other words

Generalising

in general

generally

on the whole

as a rule

for the most part

in most cases

usually

Result/consequence

so

therefore

as a result/consequence

accordingly

consequently

because of this/that

thus

hence

for this/that reason

so that

in that case

under these circumstances

Highlighting

in particular

particularly

especially

mainly

Similarity

equally

likewise

similarly

correspondingly

in the same way

Expressing an alternative

alternatively

rather

on the other hand

the alternative is

another possibility would be

Transition to new point

now,

as far as x is concerned

with regard/reference to

as for ...

it follows that

turning to

Deduction

then

in other words

in that case

otherwise

this implies that ...

if so/not

Contrast

instead

conversely

on the contrary

in contrast

in comparison

Stating the obvious

obviously

clearly

naturally

of course

as can be expected

surely

after all

Concession (something negative or unexpected)

even though

however

however much

nevertheless

still

yet

Summary

in conclusion

to conclude

in brief

to summarise

overall

therefore