Linking Words Reference

A quick reference for English linking words — contrast, cause, result, addition, and discourse markers — grouped by function with one-line usage notes.

Contrast

Words that show two ideas don't fit together the way you'd expect — each is a different part of speech, so the punctuation and structure around it changes.

but: coordinating conjunction — joins two independent clauses in one sentence, comma before it: It was cheap, but it broke quickly.
although / though / even though: subordinating conjunctions — open a subordinate clause, can start the sentence: Although it was expensive, we bought it. though alone can also stand at the very end of a sentence: I didn't like it, though.
however: linking adverb, not a conjunction — starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon, always with a comma after it: It was expensive. However, we bought it.
despite / in spite of: followed by a noun or -ing form, never a full clause: despite the rain, despite raining — not despite it was raining.
whereas / while: contrasts two separate facts or two different things, rather than conceding a point about one: Whereas my brother loves sports, I prefer reading.
yet: a more formal, literary equivalent of but: The plan was risky, yet it worked perfectly. Unrelated to the yet that means "up to now" (I haven't finished yet).

Cause & Reason

Words that introduce why something happened.

because / since / as: + a full clause: I stayed home because I was ill.
because of: + a noun, never a clause: I stayed home because of the rain.

Result & Consequence

Words that introduce what happened as a result — so is everyday and mid-sentence; the rest are more formal and need their own sentence or a semicolon, never just a comma.

so: everyday, mid-sentence, comma before it: It was raining, so we stayed home.
therefore: the most common formal connector: The evidence was inconclusive. Therefore, the case was dismissed.
consequently: close synonym of therefore, slightly more formal: The flight was delayed; consequently, many passengers missed their connections.
as a result: works exactly like therefore: The company cut costs. As a result, profits improved.
as a result of: a different word entirely from as a result — a preposition + noun/-ing form, never a clause: As a result of the delay, we missed our connection.
thus / hence: more literary and academic, often summarizing a conclusion: The report found no evidence of fraud; thus, the investigation was closed.

Addition

Words that add a further point.

and: the everyday, neutral choice, joining within a sentence: The hotel was cheap and close to the beach.
also: can sit mid-sentence or start a new one, less formal than the two below: The hotel was cheap. It was also close to the beach.
in addition / furthermore: more formal, typically start a new sentence: The hotel was cheap. Furthermore, it was close to the beach.

Organizing a Longer Piece of Writing

Discourse markers that structure an argument or a story rather than linking two clauses.

firstly / first of all: opens a list of points.
for example / for instance: introduces an illustration of the previous point.
on the other hand: introduces a contrasting second point (a discourse-level cousin of however).
in conclusion / to sum up: closes an argument or piece of writing.