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Linking words (1) • Linking words are expressions that connect words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs in order to make a text easier to read. Here is a list of the main ones according to their function. • The expressions with an asterisk are mostly found in formal texts: Organising paragraphs and adding ideas / points • Listing points as a sequence (the expressions below, which are typically followed by a comma): firstly / to begin with / for a start / in the first place (opening point) secondly / next / another point is (that) (middle points) finally / last but not least (closing point) • Adding ideas or information at the beginning of a sentence: in addition / what’s more / furthermore* / also / moreover* / also / on top (of that) / besides (+ comma) in mid position: apart from / besides / as well (as)* / too / also • Introducing a new point: as regards / as for / as far as … is concerned* / with reference to* / with regard to* / with respect to* / in respect of* / turning to / when it comes to Clarifying and comparing ideas (similarity and contrast) • Giving examples to clarify a point or idea: i.e.* (= that is) / e.g.* (= for example) / namely* / a case in point is... / for instance / such as* / like / say (between commas, informal) • Showing similarity: similarly / in the same way (+ comma) / just as… so / likewise • Expressing contrast: despite / in spite of (+ noun) / although / though / even though (+ clause) / despite the fact that / in spite of the fact that (+ clause) in spite of this / despite this / even so / however / nevertheless* / nonetheless* / and yet / on the other hand / at the same time / conversely (+ comma) by contrast / on the contrary (+ comma) / instead (of) / while / whereas / as opposed to / but / unlike Drawing conclusions (+ comma) • Reformulating and rephrasing: in other words / to put it briefly* / in short / in a nutshell • Generalising: all in all / by and large / on the whole / broadly/generally speaking / as a rule / in general / in most cases • Concluding: in conclusion / to sum up / to summarise / in the end / all things considered / in the end Examples Organising, listing and introducing points There are several reasons why you should quit smoking. Firstly, it’s harmful for your health. What’s more, it has become an expensive habit. Last but not least, the smell of cigarettes is unbearable and it makes me sick. As far as the price is concerned, the company has decided that the new smartwatch will be available for $350. Comparing Just as I wanted to be a doctor, so my twin brother wanted to be an actor. We should be stopping terrorists from operating, as opposed to chasing them after they’ve attacked.
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