The Importance of Linking Words in English Writing

Bryce Purnell
5 min readDec 30, 2022

Linking words are words or phrases that are used to connect different parts of a sentence, text or paragraph.

Whether you’re writing an essay, a blog post, or even just a quick email, the importance of linking words in English writing cannot be underestimated.

Linking words, sometimes called transition words, are words or phrases that show the connection between different parts of a piece of writing.

They help to make your writing more cohesive, enabling the reader to follow your ideas and arguments more easily.

With that said, read on to learn more!

Use linking words correctly
A linking word is a word which shows a connection between clauses or sentences. ‘However’ and ‘so’ are linking words.

Linking words are words or phrases that are used to connect different parts of a sentence, text or paragraph. They act as bridges between ideas and can help your writing sound more cohesive.

Below are some common examples of linking words:
Addition: And, In addition, Also, Moreover, Furthermore
Contrast: But, However, On the other hand, Despite
Illustration: For example, For instance, Such as
Cause & Effect: Because, Since, Therefore, Thus
• Summary: Finally, In conclusion, All in all

These words are important because they help to create a connection between two separate parts of a sentence and provide clarity for the reader. In addition, using them can also give your writing a smoother flow and make it sound more professional.

What are Linking Words?

Linking words, also known as transition words, are words or phrases used to join different ideas together in writing. They are important because they help the reader follow a logical flow of thoughts when reading an article or essay.

Some common linking words and phrases include conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), adverbs (however, moreover, furthermore, in addition), and other expressions (in other words, for instance).

They can be used to connect sentences within a paragraph or to move between different paragraphs. Linking words can be used to provide additional information or to emphasize a point.

For example, the phrase “in other words” can be used to restate a previous idea more clearly or simply:

“The ocean is vast; in other words, it is incredibly large.”

By using this phrase, the writer provides additional information without repeating themselves.

Similarly, the phrase “furthermore” can be used to add emphasis to an idea:

“She had been studying for hours; furthermore, she was still determined to continue.”

Using linking words effectively allows a writer to convey their ideas in a clear and concise manner. This is especially important when writing essays or academic papers, as it helps to ensure that all of the ideas are connected and flow logically.

Linking words can also make a piece of writing more interesting by providing variety and preventing repetition.

Why are Linking Words Important?

Linking words are an essential part of any piece of writing in English. They are used to connect ideas, express relationships, and show cause and effect. By using linking words effectively, you can join the different elements of your writing together and make your text easier to read and understand.

One of the main reasons why linking words are so important is that they help to create cohesion. Cohesion is what makes a piece of writing flow and sound smooth.

Without it, the ideas can seem disjointed and confusing for the reader. Linking words give the reader a clearer understanding of how the different parts of a sentence or paragraph are connected.

For example, if you are writing about a topic, you may want to use a linking word like “therefore” or “consequently” to show the relationship between two sentences. By using this type of word, you can avoid having to write out the full explanation each time and can link the two sentences together in a much shorter way.

Linking words also help to make your writing sound more formal and professional. By including them in your work, you can ensure that your text has the correct structure and is easy for readers to follow. They also make it easier for readers to distinguish between ideas and will help them understand the message you are trying to convey more clearly.

Overall, linking words are an important part of any piece of English writing. By using them effectively, you can ensure that your work is cohesive, clear, and professional-sounding.

Rules to Use Linking Words Correctly

Linking words are an essential part of any English writing, as they can help to connect ideas together, make relationships between points, and provide cohesion. It’s important to use linking words correctly in order to avoid confusion and ensure that your writing is clear and easy to understand.

Here are a few tips for using linking words correctly.
1. Pay Attention to Grammar:
Linking words should always be used in the correct form.

For example, if you are linking two sentences with a coordinating conjunction (e.g. “and”), the conjunction should come between the two sentences.

2. Understand the Meaning of Linking Words: Linking words can have different meanings depending on how they are used.

Make sure you understand the meaning of each word so that you can choose the right one for the context.

3. Use a Variety of Linking Words: Don’t just rely on one type of linking word.

Mix up your linking words by using different forms and structures (e.g. subordinating conjunctions, phrases, and clauses).

4. Be Careful Not to Overuse Linking Words: It’s important not to overuse linking words as this can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous.

Use them sparingly and only when they are necessary.

Following these tips will help you use linking words correctly and make your writing more effective.

Remember to pay attention to grammar, understand the meaning of linking words, use a variety of linking words, and be careful not to overuse them.

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