LINKING WORDS and PHRASES

Linking words and phrases in English (also called 'connective' or 'transition' words) are used
to combine two clauses or sentences presenting contrast, comparison, condition, supposition, purpose, etc. They enable us to establish clear connections between ideas.

Most linking words can either connect clauses within a sentence, or start a sentence to form
a link with the previous statement.

♦Note : A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb.
 The following sentence contains two clauses:
 She lives in Mexico because she likes the climate.

Below you will find some examples of linking words and how to use them.  This is not a comprehensive list. You may want to add your own linking words and phrases.

Examples of linking words within one sentence:

Linking Words	Example of use
As long as provided (that) providing	You can take my car as long as/provided (that)/providing you don't damage it. (I will lend you my car on condition that you don't damage it.)
Although/even though	Although/even though he is rich, he lives in a small house. (In spite of the fact that he is rich, he lives in a small house.)
Even if	He is poor and has no house, but even if he had money, he wouldn't buy a house. (Supposing he had the money, he still wouldn't buy a house.)
In case	Take an umbrella in case it rains. (It might rain, so it's a good idea to take an umbrella.)
In spite of / despite	In spite of/despite the rain, she walked to the station. in spite of/despite being blind, he walked to the station. (without being affected by the rain or by being blind.)
So that	She arrived early so that she could help her colleagues. (She arrived early for the purpose of helping her colleagues.)
Whatever	You can count on me whatever you decide to do. (No matter what your decision is, you can count on me.)
Whereas	Tom is rich, whereas Jack is poor. (Tom is rich; in contrast Jack is poor.)
Whenever	I will lend you my car whenever you need it. (No matter when you need my car, I will lend it to you.)
Wherever	My thoughts will be with you wherever you go. (No matter where you go, my thoughts will be with you.)

Examples of linking words that connect two separate sentences or two clauses:

♦Note : If linking words start a sentence, they are followed by a comma.
   When they are used to connect two clauses, a semi-colon is used at the end
   of the first clause, and a comma is often used after the linking word(s).

Linking Words	Example of use
As a result Consequently Therefore	Prices were reduced by 20%. As a result, sales increased. The company is expanding. Consequently, there are jobs on offer. A hurricane has been announced. Therefore, air traffic will be disrupted.
Besides Furthermore In addition Moreover	The trip is too expensive. Besides, I don't really like hot weather. Computers are cheaper nowadays; furthermore, they are lighter. You haven't paid the rent yet.  In addition, you owe me money. The report is badly presented. Moreover, it contains inaccuracies.
For instance For example	There are several problems to consider; for instance/for example, there is a lack of public transport.
Conversely On the contrary On the other hand	Northern European countries had a great summer. On the contrary/conversely, southern Europe had poor weather. Laptops are convenient; on the other hand, they can be expensive
However Nevertheless Nonetheless	The hotel was open. However, nobody came to the reception desk. He had severe injuries; nevertheless, he completely recovered. The weather was bitterly cold.  He went hiking nonetheless.
In the same way Likewise Similarly By the same token	Alex enjoys telling jokes; in the same way/similarly/likewise, his son adores funny stories. Teenagers should be more respectful; by the same token, parents should be more understanding.
To summarise/sum up Briefly To conclude In conclusion	I've covered the main events of the year. To sum up/briefly, our team is now one of the best in the world. To conclude, I want to wish you all a very happy holiday season.