Linking Words in English: The Complete List by Function [2026]

Linking words are what turn a list of correct sentences into writing that truly flows. You can produce perfect individual sentences and still sound disjointed if nothing signals how they relate, which is exactly what examiners notice from B2 upward. The words themselves are simple; the skill is choosing the right one for the relationship you mean, and pitching it at the right level of formality.

This guide groups the full set by function, with a formal and an informal option flagged where both exist, and an example of each.

Addition: adding another point

• and (neutral): She sings and plays the piano.
• also (neutral): He is also fluent in French.
• furthermore / moreover (formal): The plan is expensive. Furthermore, it is slow.
• in addition (formal): In addition, all staff will be trained.
• plus (informal): It is cheap, plus it is easy to use.

Contrast: showing a difference

• but (neutral): I agree, but I have one concern.
• however (formal): The results were good. However, the sample was small.
• although / though (neutral): Although it rained, we enjoyed it.
• nevertheless / nonetheless (formal): The risk is real. Nevertheless, we should proceed.
• on the other hand (neutral): It is slow. On the other hand, it is reliable.

Cause and result: showing why

• because (neutral): We left early because it was late.
• since / as (neutral): Since you are here, let us begin.
• due to / owing to (formal): The delay was due to the weather.
• so (neutral): It was raining, so we stayed in.
• therefore / consequently (formal): The data was flawed. Therefore, the study was repeated.
• as a result (neutral): Sales fell. As a result, prices were cut.

Example and emphasis

• for example / for instance (neutral): Some fruits, for example mangoes, are seasonal.
• such as (neutral): Bring warm clothes, such as a coat.
• in particular (neutral): The staff, in particular the nurses, were praised.
• indeed (formal): The plan worked. Indeed, it exceeded expectations.

Sequence: ordering points

• first / firstly, then, next, finally (neutral): First, chop the onion. Then, fry it.
• to begin with (neutral): To begin with, the location is poor.
• subsequently (formal): He resigned and subsequently left the country.

Conclusion: wrapping up

• in conclusion / to conclude (formal): In conclusion, the policy failed.
• overall / on the whole (neutral): Overall, the trip was a success.
• to sum up / in short (neutral): To sum up, we need more time.

Getting the register right

The reason this matters is that most functions offer both a formal and an informal choice, and mixing them jars. Furthermore belongs in a report; plus belongs in a message to a friend. Choosing correctly along that formal-to-informal line is part of what our guide to formal vs informal English covers more widely.

Correct, varied linking is one of the clearest signals of upper-intermediate writing, precisely because it shows control of relationships between ideas rather than just single sentences. Words that look or sound alike, covered in our guide to English homonyms, are another everyday source of writing slips. A free English level test will tell you where your written English sits on the CEFR scale and whether cohesion is a strength or the next thing to work on.