Linking words signal where your argument is going next. They tell the reader: I’m adding a point. I’m changing direction. I’m concluding.
Used well, they make writing flow. Used badly, they pile up like traffic cones — too many, too close together, slowing everything down.
To add a point
When the next idea reinforces or extends the previous one:
- moreover — formal, adds weight: The course is short. Moreover, it’s intensive.
- furthermore — similar, slightly more formal still
- in addition — neutral, common in business writing
- also — neutral, everyday
- besides — informal, conversational
To contrast
When the next idea pulls in the opposite direction:
- however — neutral, very common: The hotel was nice. However, the food was disappointing.
- on the other hand — neutral, balances two sides
- although / even though — joins two clauses: Although it was raining, we went out.
- nevertheless / nonetheless — formal, slightly stronger
- yet — short and elegant: It was cold, yet sunny.
To conclude
When you’re wrapping up:
- therefore — formal, signals a logical conclusion
- as a result — neutral, cause-and-effect
- in conclusion — academic essays
- so — short, conversational: It was late, so we left.
- to sum up — useful in presentations and reports
Use them sparingly
Strong writers don’t crowd their sentences with linkers. One well-placed however at the start of a paragraph beats five scattered through it.
Two principles:
- Rotate them. Using however three times in one paragraph reads more amateur than using none at all. Reach for the synonym.
- Trust the reader. Sometimes the connection is obvious from the order of the sentences. Don’t insert a linker just to show you know one.
Position and punctuation
Most linking words sit at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma:
- However, the hotel was full.
- Therefore, we changed our plans.
You can also tuck them in the middle, between commas:
- The hotel, however, was full.
Although and even though are different — they join two halves of a single sentence: Although it rained, we went out.
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