Use a Wider Range of Linking Devices

The key idea

Choose a linking device that shows the exact relationship between your ideas, and place it correctly.

What is it for?

Learn to connect ideas clearly by choosing linking devices for different purposes.

What you need to know

Use concession links to show an unexpected result.
Use contrast links to compare different facts or situations.
Use result links to show what happens because of something.
Use addition and reason links to develop your ideas.
Check the word pattern and punctuation after each linking device.
Avoid repeating the same links when another choice fits better.

1. Show concession and contrast

Concession shows a surprising difference between two ideas. Use although or even though before a full clause.

Use despite or in spite of before a noun or an -ing form. Use whereas or while to compare two different situations.

Although and even though introduce a subject and a verb.
Despite and in spite of come before a noun or an -ing form.
Whereas and while connect two contrasting facts.
On the other hand introduces a different point or option.

Although the bus was crowded, we arrived on time.

Although introduces a full clause. The main idea follows the comma.

Despite feeling tired, Mina finished her homework.

Despite comes before an -ing form.

Leo prefers cooking, whereas Sam orders food.

Whereas compares two different habits.

The flat is spacious. On the other hand, it is expensive.

On the other hand introduces a contrasting point.

2. Show results clearly

Result links explain what happens because of an earlier event. Choose a link that fits your sentence pattern.

Use therefore or consequently to connect a result to a previous statement. Use as a result to introduce an outcome. So is less formal.

Therefore and consequently often follow a full stop or a semicolon.
Use a comma after Therefore, Consequently, and As a result when they begin a sentence.
Use so to connect a reason and a result in one sentence.
Use so that to explain a purpose, not simply any result.

The shop closed early. Therefore, we bought food elsewhere.

Therefore introduces the result of the shop closing.

The road was flooded; consequently, the delivery arrived late.

Consequently follows a semicolon and introduces the result.

I saved the address so that I could find the house.

So that explains the purpose of saving the address.

3. Add ideas and give reasons

Use addition links when you want to develop a point with another fact. Furthermore, moreover, and in addition often suit formal writing.

Use because of or due to before a noun phrase. Use because, since, or as before a full clause.

Furthermore and moreover usually begin a sentence and take a comma.
In addition can introduce another supporting point.
Besides can add a reason or another point, depending on the context.
Because of and due to need a noun phrase or an -ing form.
Because, since, and as introduce a subject and a verb.

The library is quiet. Furthermore, it offers free internet access.

Furthermore adds another useful fact.

Due to heavy rain, the match was cancelled.

Due to comes before a noun phrase.

Since the train was delayed, we took a taxi.

Since introduces the reason with a full clause.

4. Choose links carefully and punctuate them

First, decide how your ideas are connected. Then choose a link that expresses that relationship.

Check what comes after the link. Some links need a full clause, while others need a noun or an -ing form.

Do not write despite it was raining. Write although it was raining or despite the rain.
Use a comma after an opening although-clause when the main clause follows.
Use a comma after an opening result or addition link.
Do not join two complete sentences with a comma alone.
Do not add a formal link to every sentence. Use one only when it helps.

Before: The café was full, but we waited, so we got a table.

The repeated basic links make the paragraph sound simple.

After: Although the café was full, we waited. Consequently, we found a table.

Although shows concession, and consequently introduces the result.

The café was crowded. Furthermore, the service was slow.

Furthermore adds a second problem.

How to do it, step by step

Write down the main ideas you want to connect.
Decide whether each link shows contrast, concession, result, addition, or reason.
Choose a linking device that matches that relationship.
Check the word pattern and punctuation around the link.
Read the paragraph again and remove repeated or unnecessary links.

Formulas and key language

Use it for	Example	Another example
Although + subject + verb, main clause	Although the room was small, it felt comfortable.	Although Nina was busy, she helped her neighbour.
Despite + noun or -ing form, main clause	Despite the noise, I finished my report.	Despite feeling nervous, Omar gave his presentation.
Subject + verb, whereas + subject + verb	Maya walks to work, whereas Ben takes the bus.	My brother enjoys cooking, whereas I prefer baking.
Full statement. Therefore, + result	The shop was closed. Therefore, we went home.	The printer broke. Therefore, I used another one.
Full statement; consequently, + result	The road was blocked; consequently, we arrived late.	The price increased; consequently, fewer people bought tickets.
Furthermore, + additional point	The flat is affordable. Furthermore, it is near work.	The course is practical. Furthermore, it includes free materials.
Because of / due to + noun phrase	Because of the traffic, we missed the bus.	Due to a power cut, the shop closed early.
Since / as + subject + verb, main clause	Since the kitchen was dirty, we cleaned it first.	As the food was cold, we heated it again.
In addition, + another supporting point	The hotel offers breakfast. In addition, it has free parking.	The phone is affordable. In addition, its battery lasts all day.

UK / US: British and American English use most of these links in the same way. Formal writing may favour different choices, but correct grammar and clear meaning matter most.

Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B2 upgrades page.

Model text

Improving the Local Bus Service

Main point

The local bus service needs improvement because many residents depend on it. Although the buses are usually reliable, they become overcrowded during the morning rush. Consequently, some passengers arrive late for work.

Because gives a reason, although shows concession, and consequently introduces a result.

Supporting details

Furthermore, several bus stops have no shelter, which makes waiting unpleasant in bad weather. Despite these problems, many residents still use the service because driving is expensive. Students, on the other hand, often need cheaper tickets, whereas older passengers may need easier access.

Furthermore adds information. Despite introduces a noun phrase, while on the other hand and whereas show contrast.

Suggestions

The council could add more buses during busy hours. In addition, shelters should be installed at the busiest stops. Since these changes would help many people, they deserve serious consideration. As a result, passengers could enjoy shorter waits and more comfortable journeys. Better transport would also reduce the need for short car trips. Overall, a better service would benefit the whole town.

In addition adds a suggestion, since gives a reason, and as a result introduces an expected outcome.

Common mistakes

✗ Despite the bus was late, we waited.

✓ Although the bus was late, we waited.

Although takes a full clause, but despite does not.

✗ Despite of the rain, we walked home.

✓ Despite the rain, we walked home.

Despite does not need of.

✗ The road was closed, consequently we took another route.

✓ The road was closed; consequently, we took another route.

A semicolon separates the complete statements, and a comma follows consequently.

✗ Because of it was raining, we stayed inside.

✓ Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

Because takes a full clause, while because of takes a noun phrase.

✗ Furthermore the shop was closed.

✓ Furthermore, the shop was closed.

Use a comma after furthermore at the start of a sentence.

✗ The flat is cheap, whereas it is also spacious.

✓ The flat is cheap, and it is also spacious.

Whereas shows contrast, but these ideas support each other.

Plan it, then check it

Plan

Write your main point in one sentence.
Add two facts, reasons, or examples.
Choose links that show how each idea connects.
Add a result or suggestion to finish the paragraph.

Check

Does each link show the right relationship?
Does each link have the correct word pattern?
Have you used commas and semicolons correctly?
Have you avoided repeating the same links too often?
Does the paragraph read smoothly from start to finish?

Practice

EXERCISE:

Choose the best linking device

Choose the link that best connects the two ideas.

1.___ the restaurant was crowded, we found a table.

Although shows an unexpected result: we found a table despite the crowd.

2.The train was cancelled. ___, we took a taxi.

Consequently introduces the result of the cancellation.

3.___ the heavy rain, the match continued.

Despite is followed by the noun phrase the heavy rain.

4.Mila works from home, ___ her brother travels to an office.

Whereas compares two different work situations.

5.The flat is affordable. ___, it is close to the station.

Furthermore adds another positive detail about the flat.

6.___ the road was flooded, the delivery arrived late.

Since introduces the reason for the late delivery.

Now write

Your task

Rewrite the six-sentence paragraph below as one connected paragraph. Replace repeated and, but, and so with more precise linking devices. Keep the original meaning. You may change sentence order when it helps. Draft: The town library is small, and many people visit it. The chairs are old, but the rooms are quiet. The library closes early, so workers cannot always visit after work. The computers are useful, and students use them for homework. The building needs repairs, but the staff keep it clean. The council has limited money, so the library needs careful planning. Write a revised paragraph with clearer links between these ideas.

Target: One rewritten paragraph

Word bank

althoughdespitewhereasfurthermorein additionthereforeconsequentlyas a resultbecause ofsinceon the other handdue toin spite ofneverthelessfor this reason

Sentence starters

Although the library is small, ...
Despite the old chairs, ...
Furthermore, the library ...
Since the library closes early, ...
On the other hand, ...
As a result, ...

Use made-up details. Do not include private information about yourself or other people.

Write in your notebook or in a document, then use the checklist below.

Check your writing

Have I chosen links that show the correct relationship between my ideas?
Have I used although with a full clause and despite with a noun or -ing form?
Have I used result links with correct punctuation?
Have I added information with links such as furthermore or in addition?
Have I removed links that repeat ideas or make the paragraph harder to read?

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