Addition
| Linker | Grammar | Example |
|---|---|---|
| furthermore / moreover | + clause (formal, sentence start) | Furthermore, the price has increased. |
| as well as | + noun / -ing | As well as working full time, she studies at night. |
| in addition (to) | + noun / to doing | In addition to the fee, you pay a deposit. |
| also | mid-sentence, before main verb | She also speaks Portuguese. |
Contrast
| Linker | Grammar | Example |
|---|---|---|
| however | + clause (sentence start or after semicolon) | It was expensive. However, we bought it. |
| although / though / even though | + subject + verb (subordinating conj.) | Although it was cold, we went out. |
| despite / in spite of | + noun / -ing (NOT + clause) | Despite the rain, we went out. · In spite of feeling tired, she finished. |
| on the other hand | + clause (introduces opposite view) | On the other hand, there are advantages. |
| nevertheless / nonetheless | + clause (formal — "even so") | It was risky. Nevertheless, we agreed. |
despite vs although:
Despite/In spite of + noun/-ing · Although + clause: ✓ "Despite being tired, he ran." ✓ "Although he was tired, he ran." ✗ "Despite he was tired…"
Cause and reason
| Linker | Grammar | Example |
|---|---|---|
| because | + clause (most common) | I stayed home because I was ill. |
| because of | + noun / -ing | I stayed home because of my illness. |
| due to | + noun (formal, written) | The delay was due to bad weather. |
| as / since | + clause (= because, softer; often at sentence start) | As it was late, we left. |
Result and consequence
| Linker | Grammar | Example |
|---|---|---|
| therefore | + clause (formal) | It was raining; therefore, we stayed in. |
| as a result | + clause | She trained hard. As a result, she won. |
| so | + clause (informal, joins sentences) | It was cold, so I wore a coat. |
Purpose
| Linker | Grammar | Example |
|---|---|---|
| to / in order to | + infinitive (same subject as main clause) | She called to apologise. · He left early in order to catch the train. |
| so that | + clause (different subject possible; often with can/could/would) | She spoke slowly so that we could understand. |
Exercises
Choose the correct linking word.
1. ___ the cold weather, they decided to have a picnic.
2. The restaurant was fully booked. ___, we found a table at the bar.
3. The project failed ___ poor planning and lack of budget.
4. She wrote everything down ___ she wouldn't forget.
5. It was raining; ___, the match was cancelled.