Linking Words and Phrases

What are Linking Words?

Linking words, also known as transition words, are words and phrases like however or in addition that connect clauses, sentences, paragraphs, or other words. The purpose of linking words (which are different from linking verbs) is to make communication smoother and more logical when moving from one idea to another.

Example?

She was running late. She stopped for coffee.

These two sentences are correct in their grammar, but they are a little difficult to read. Logically, they seem contradictory—if she was late, why did she stop for coffee? 

Let’s see how those sentences read with a linking word.

She was running late. However, she stopped for coffee.

The ideas are the same as in the first example, but the linking word however helps transition between them. It signals to the reader that the topic is changing so it doesn’t surprise them.

How to use linking words?

Linking words generally come before a new idea as a way to introduce it. This includes new clauses, new sentences, and new paragraphs, as well as standalone words and phrases.

When a linking word or phrase begins a sentence, clarity is usually helped if you place a comma after it.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches contain a lot of healthy nutrients. Moreover, they’re delicious!

When should you use linking words?

When should you use linking words?

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PRACTICE 1

ََFILL IN EACH GAP WITH AN APPROPRIATE WORD FROM THE LIST.   

Multiple Choice

1- Shelly practised well for her driving test;  __________ _____she passed it easily.

• becausse

• that's why

• whereas

Multiple Choice

2-Football fans often follow their teams to foreign countries ___________ support them.

• so as to

• as a result

• for

Multiple Choice

3-The doctor says that Amal’s sleeping problems are ___________  the long hours she spends online

• because

• thanks to

• because of

Multiple Choice

4- We didn’t go on a picnic ___________   bad weather.

• for

• in order to

• due to

Multiple Choice

5-Sami speaks three foreign languages ___________ he has never been to school. 

• although

• despite

• in addition

Multiple Choice

6- Mr. Philips is talkative, __________  his wife is shy and reserved.

• despite

• whereas

• also

PRACTICE 2

JOIN THE PAIRS OF SENTENCES WITH THE LINKING WORDS GIVEN.

Open Ended

1- Mr Ferguson’s car broke down on the way. He was late for work. (because)

Open Ended

2- Sonia went to work yesterday. She was not feeling well.( although)

Open Ended

3- Jamal spent all the afternoon chatting. He didn’t have time do his homework ( because)

Open Ended

4- My brother came home early. He wanted to watch the football match. (so as to  )

Open Ended

5- I like studying alone. My sister prefers working with a group ( whereas)

Open Ended

 6- The students planted many trees. They cleaned all the classrooms too. ( Not only … but also)

PRACTICE 3

WHICH OF THE GIVEN ANSWERS IS THE CORRECT ONE?

Poll

1- John worked hard. He wanted to get his degree with honour.
(in order to)

• John worked hard in order to get his degree with honour.
  

• John worked hard in order to he wanted to get his degree with honour.

• In order to work hard, John wanted to get his degree with honour.

Poll

2-Taha Hussein was blind. Yet, he wrote a lot of books. (although)

• Taha Hussein was blind. Although, he wrote a lot of books.

• Although Taha Hussein was blind, he wrote a lot of books.

• Although he wrote a lot of books, Taha Hussein was blind.

Poll

3-Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize in spite of her young age. (even though)

• Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize even though her young age.
  

• Even though Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize, her age was young.
  

• Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize even though she was young.
  

PRACTICE 4

TO WHICH CATEGORY DO THE GIVEN LINKING WORDS BELONG TO?

Fill in the Blank

BESIDES - MOREOVER - FURTHERMORE - AS WELL - NOT ONLY ........ BUT ALSO - TOO .......

Fill in the Blank

THANKS TO - DUE TO - FOR - SINCE - BECAUSE .......

Fill in the Blank

CONSEQUENTLY - AS A CONSEQUENCE - AS A RESULT - SO - THEREFORE .....

Fill in the Blank

INSPITE OF - DESPITE - ALTHOUGH - EVEN THOUGH - NEVERTHELESS - STILL ......

Fill in the Blank

WHILE - WHEREAS - ON THE OTHER HAND ..........

Fill in the Blank

IN ORDER TO - SO AS TO - TO - SO THAT - IN ORDER THAT .......