Linking words

Linking words

Advanced 2

We use these words or phrases to connect ideas

There are some particularities we must remember:

• due to / due to the fact that

• despite / despite the fact that

• in spite of / in spite of the fact that

• owing to / owing to the fact that

• because / because of

The previous phrases are different because

• due to + noun

• despite + noun

• in spite of + noun

• owing to + noun

• because of + noun

• due to the fact that + clause (subject + verb)

• despite the fact that + clause

• in spite of the fact that + clause

• owing to the fact that + clause

• because + clause

For example:

• Due to the weather (noun) in New York, all the flights have been cancelled.

• She didn't understand me despite my clear accent.

• In spite of the obstacles, we achieved success.

• Owing to the lack of water, large communities are migrating.

• Because of the traffic, she lost the train to London.

Examples

• Due to the fact that I didn't want to go, she punished me.

• Despite the fact that I told the truth, no one believed me.

• In spite of the fact that Russia has the biggest wood reserves in the world, investments inside the country are still shy and small.

• I refrained from voting owing to the fact that I am unfamiliar with the details of the amendments to the resolution.

• I failed the class because I didn't study for the exam.

Other linking words:

• as a result

• otherwise

• therefore

• on one hand... on the other hand

• at least

• however

• in the meantime

Quiz time!

Complete the following sentences with a suitable linking word or phrase.

Open Ended

Sea levels will probably rise in the next few decades _________ of global warming.

Open Ended

Our economy will not improve this year. __________, all projections show that it will get worse.

Open Ended

_________ winning this match, we didn’t win the championship.

Open Ended

________________ he was a great skier, only few people outside of Europe know him.

Open Ended

When Dad comes home from work he has to lie down on the sofa _________ he is tired.

Have you got any questions?