Linking words and discourse markers

• Why they matter
• Addition
• Contrast
• Cause and result
• Purpose
• Sequence
• Example

Why they matter

Linking words connect ideas and make your English sound more natural and organized. They are essential for writing and for speaking at an advanced level.

Addition

These add information to what has already been said:

moreover [mɔr'oʊvər] (formal)

furthermore ['fɜrðərmɔr] (formal)

in addition [ɪn ə'dɪʃən]

besides [bɪ'saɪdz]

The hotel was expensive. Moreover, it was far from the center.

She speaks English and French. In addition, she's learning Japanese.

I don't want to go. Besides, I have too much work.

Contrast

These show a difference or an unexpected result:

however [haʊ'ɛvər]

nevertheless [nɛvərðə'lɛs]

although [ɔl'ðoʊ]

even though [i:vən ðoʊ]

despite [dɪ'spaɪt] + noun / gerund

in spite of [ɪn spaɪt əv] + noun / gerund

whereas [wɛr'æz]

while [waɪl] (contrast)

on the other hand

The movie was long. However, it was very entertaining.

Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

Despite being tired, she went to the gym. (despite + gerund)

In spite of the rain, we had a good time. (in spite of + noun)

He loves the city, whereas she prefers the countryside.

Although and even though are followed by a clause (subject + verb). Despite and in spite of are followed by a noun or gerund.

Cause and result

therefore ['ðɛrfɔr]

consequently ['kɑnsɪkwɛntli]

as a result [æz ə rɪ'zʌlt]

due to [du: tu:] + noun / gerund

because of [bɪ'kɔz əv] + noun / gerund

since [sɪns] (= because)

as [æz] (= because)

She studied hard. Therefore, she passed the exam.

The flight was canceled due to the storm.

Since it was late, we decided to go home.

Purpose

in order to [ɪn 'ɔrdər tu:]

so that [soʊ ðæt]

so as to [soʊ æz tu:]

I left early in order to catch the train.

She spoke slowly so that everyone could understand.

Sequence

firstly ['fɜrstli]

secondly ['sɛkəndli]

finally ['faɪnəli]

meanwhile ['mi:nwaɪl]

afterwards ['æftərwərdz]

eventually [ɪ'vɛntʃuəli] - in the end, after a long time

Firstly, I want to thank everyone for coming. Secondly, I have some news.

I went to the store. Meanwhile, my husband cooked dinner.

He tried many times. Eventually, he succeeded.

Eventually is a false friend in many European languages: it does NOT mean possibly or perhaps. It means in the end, after a long time, or at some point.

Example

for instance [fɔr 'ɪnstəns]

for example [fɔr ɪg'zæmpəl]

such as [sʌtʃ æz]

Many countries, such as Spain and Italy, have a Mediterranean climate.

There are many things to do here. For instance, you can visit the museum.