linkers for essay writing

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Linking Words for IELTS Writing Task 2

The linking words list below is essential for IELTS writing task 2 for high score. The examiner needs to see a range of linking words in your essay to award you a high score for the criterion of Coherence and Cohesion which is 25% of your marks. You will be checked on your range, accuracy and your flexibility of linking words in IELTS writing task 2. These connecting words are suitable for all types of essay writing as well as GT IELTS writing task 2

These words are often used to either put your paragraphs in order or used inside the paragraph to highlight and organise your supporting points. However, using “Firstly” and “Secondly” to start each body paragraph is considered “mechanical” which means it is like a machine and this isn’t good for people aiming for band 7 and above. So, being flexible using a combination of linking words is better.

• another point to consider
• a further consideration
• another issue
• lastly /last but not least / finally

Adding Information

You will need to support your main points in your IELTS essay. These linkers inform the reader that extra information is about to be presented.

• in addition
• additionally
• furthermore
• not only … but also

Giving Examples

It is often useful to give examples to support your ideas in IELTS writing task 2. Make sure you use this range of linking words to do so.

• for example
• one clear example is
• for instance
• to illustrate
• in other words

To learn how to put examples in sentences for essay writing, please follow this link: How to Add Examples to Essays .

Results and Consequences

These linking devices can be used for solution essays or any essay when you need to explain the consequences of something.

• as a result
• consequently
• for this reason

Highlighting and Stressing

It is important to be clear about what you mean in your essay. These linking words help you stress particular points.

• particularly
• in particular
• specifically

Concessions and Contrasts

You often need to give opposite ideas, particularly for discussion essays so the linking words below will help you show the reader when you want to introduce an opposite point. Also you might want to give exceptions to a rule for a concession.

• nevertheless
• even though
• in spite of
• on the other hand
• by contrast
• in comparison
• alternatively
• another option could be

Reasons and Causes

These connecting words will help you explain reasons and causes for something which is very common in IELTS writing task 2, especially for cause / solution essays.

Giving your Opinion

• in my opinion
• I concur / agree
• I disagree / I cannot accept

Don’t make a mistake with the way you express your opinion. Watch this video for useful tips on giving your opinion and how to avoid mistakes: IELTS ESSAY: WHEN & HOW to give your opinion

Linking Words for Conclusion

Which is the best? In a nutshell, To sum up, To conclude,  In conclusion, Rounding off,

Practice with Linking Words

Improve your use of linking words by fill in the gaps below with linking words from the above list.

• . (1) …………………….. of the popularity of Facebook, there has been a rise in online crime, (2) ………….. fraud and identify theft. 
• There are a number of drawbacks to people using Facebook as a way of communicating (3) ………………… it is (4) …………….. one of the most common social networking platforms for both individuals and businesses.
• (5) ……………………….. the lack of exercise taken by average people, obesity and other weight related problems are on the rise.
• Unemployment and poverty, (6) ………….. in urban areas, is often deemed to be the cause of the rising crime rate.
• (7) …………… the rise in urban crime, more and more people continue to relocate to cities looking for a better life.
• More children are becoming obese and (8) …………….. schools should be encouraged to provide more sports lessons and outdoor activities.

Click below to reveal the answers:

• You cannot have despite because the preposition of in the sentence prevents this being used.
• like is not possible because it is not suitable for formal writing in IELTS.
• ( you can’t have “because of” because it is at the beginning of a sentence. Never use but or because at the start of a sentence in formal IELTS writing.)
• particularly / especially / specifically
• If you wanted to use the word “although”, you would have to change the sentence structure:
• Although the urban crime rate is rising, more and more people are continuing to relocate to cities looking for a better life.
• therefore / so / for this reason

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:

• Tips: IELTS Essay Structure & Paragraphs
• 100 IELTS Practice Essay Questions
• All Linking Word Practice Exercises
• ALL FREE MODEL ESSAYS AND TIPS FOR WRITING TASK 2
• Linking Words for IELTS Speaking

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Hi dear Liz. I hope you are doing well. mam can u suggest me important topics (like education, health etc..) for AC IELTS writing task 2 which i can prepare for my ielts test. i feel scare about writing section, my test on 7 november. plz help Allah bless You.

This page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ contains links to essay questions (organised by topics), essay structure, paragraphing, more tips and model essays. Use that page to learn all about writing task 2. If you want to learn ideas for 150 common IELTS essay topics, visit my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

thank you so much dear mam

Hi Liz! In case of some linking words, can I use different wordings, for instance, “a further consideration ” is a linking word, Can I use “another consideration”?

Yes, that is suitable to use. It indicates another point that you are presenting.

Dear Mam Liz, I find it very difficult to brainstorm ideas for writing task 2. My exam is in a few days. Please advice me

Learning ideas for topics takes time. There is a limit of how many topics you can prepare for in 2 days. However, you might benefit from my Ideas for Topics E-book and focus only on the topics you need the most help with: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

HI! DEAR MAM, I HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL. CAN YOU GIVE ME TIPS FOR IELTS ACADEMIC READING? PLEASE I SHALL BE VERY THANKFUL TO YOU.

REGARD; RAJA AFRASIAB SIDDIQUE

On the HOME page of this website, you’ll find access buttons for lessons and tips for all parts of the test: https://ieltsliz.com/

Dear Liz I see lots of model essays have linking words at the start of paragraphs. Is that important? Do I need to use a linking word in most sentences? Is the word HOWEVER a higher band score than BUT? Thanks

These are all good questions. Linking words are part of the marking criterion of Coherence & Cohesion, which counts for 25% of your marks. Linking words should be used flexibly if you are aiming for a score over band 6. If you use linking words at the start of all or almost all sentences, this is called “mechanical” use of linking words and that means you are using linking words like a machine (stamping them in the same place each time). When you use linking words that way, it is a feature of band 6. For band 7 and above, you must be more flexible. Not all sentences will need a linking word and not all linking words need to be the first word of a sentence. For body paragraphs, a discussion essay might have two body paragraphs which both start with a linking word, for example “On the one hand …..On the other hand”. This is fine. For for an Opinion Essay, the way you start each body paragraph will depend on the main points and you should aim for flexibility.

One linking word does not have a higher score than the other. Your aim is to use a range. For example, don’t repeat the word “although”, you can use despite or in spite of . When you proof read your essay, look out for repeated linking words and change them before your time is up.

What about “besides” at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, but in some countries, such as Vietnam, this linking word is very much overused. But it is possible to use it.

Good to know that, thank you!

Maam, can you suggest me some sentence structures for writing both tasks?

See my Grammar E-book for writing task 2 in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . For writing task 1, see my model answers and lessons which you can use to analyse sentence structures yourself.

Hi Liz thanks mam for your extraordinary IELTS free writing task 2. It is very helpful for me. Thank you very much mam and take my love

You’re welcome 🙂

Hi liz, Could you please provide the marking scheme writing and reading module of IELTS or in other words I am asking for the factors on which student’s band score is decided.

You can find those linked in the main sections for Writing Task 1, Writing Task 2 and Reading, which are all linked by the RED Menu Bar at the top of the website. Marking for reading is based on correct or incorrect answers, but for the writing and speaking test, it’s based on marking criteria. You can also find a link by clicking on the TEST INFO option on the RED Menu Bar which shows band score information.

I just saw on the IDP IELTS website it says, “Don’t overuse basic linking words like firstly (instead, try using ‘The first reason for/ The primary reason for this”). Is that really better? Can I continue using ‘firstly’ like you do?

Sincerely, Draven

It is fine to use it. But don’t then use Secondly, Thirdly. When you write like a machine, you get a lower score in Coherence and Cohesion, which counts for 25% of your marks. You could try: Firstly / Another point to consider The first point to consider is / A further consideration it You shouldn’t just learn one option. The linking words you use will depend on the points you want to present. You must learn how to use them flexibily.

liz thank you lot for making all videos. take care of you

Hello Liz, Thank you for this very educative blog. when giving examples in task 2 writing for the academic test, are correct statistics important or can one just use made-up stats?

Your are marked on ideas, supporting ideas, developing ideas, but not numbers. The examiner is not going to check statistical data in task 2. The examiner is marked Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Vocabulary and Grammar. This means writing numbers does even help your score that much. Which is better: 1) 75% of people in urban areas feel public transport could be improved. 2) The majority of people living in urban areas feel the public transport could be improved. The second option boosts your vocab score. It is a simple essay based on relevance, not stats and research.

Hi Ms. Liz. Thank you for your lessons 🙂

Thank you very much for your lessons..you deserve to ” The most effective IELTS teacher award ” Thanks once again

It is a misfortune that IELTS mandates the use of linking words for high scores. Especially at the beginning of sentences, linking words quickly tire the reader being pushed around.

If linking words tire the reader, they are not being used properly. You are being tested on using them flexibly in a way that supports the reader.

mam I would like to share a small problem which I facing almost last 10 days in IELTS classes. I’m not good in writing even I don’t know what to write or what to add .and what to think . could you tell me how can I improve .I will looking for your generous response

You can find model essays and tips on the main writing task 2 page of this website for free: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ . But for some people, they need more training. My advanced lessons take you step by step through each paragraph and explain the content of each type of essay. You can find these lessons in my online store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . You can also find an Ideas for Essay Topics E-book, which contains ideas and vocabulary for topics. You memorise the ideas and adapt them to your essay topic. There’s also a Grammar E-book with many examples of sentence structures to help you. Hopefully all these will help you be clearer about how to tackle an IELTS essay and what to write.

Hi Liz, Can you allocate me some of the pre-ready templates which can be used as a topic statement in starting of the paragraph.

I do not provide them because they are the worst thing to do for your IELTS essay. IELTS does not accept memorised language and the higher band scores are all about flexibility, not templates. Writing task 1 is more formulaic than task 2 because task 1 is a report and most reports are pretty standard. But writing task 2 is all about creating unique sentences connected directly to the topic. This website is about learning and preparing for IELTS the right way.

very clear explanation Liz, Thanks !

Could i use the word “To recapitulate” in position of “To Conclude”? However l really impressed a lot to see your tremendous efforts for students. THANK YOU SOO MUCH MAM. may God bless you. Love from india 🇮🇳

Yes, you can use it but it won’t increase your score.

Teacher Liz, this is just a general question. Will points be deducted if literary words/phrases are used in IELTS Writing (or Speaking). Is literary factor considered informal? Thank you very much! Looking forward to hearing from your

I’m not exactly sure what you mean as you’ve provided no examples. However, to help understand: The writing test is formal. So, this means all informal language will cause you to lose marks. The only exception is the informal letter in GT writing task 1. The speaking test is informal and you can use all types of language and be as casual as you want in chatting to the examiner. But language should be used naturally, not poetically or in an overemphasized manner. You should talk as though you were talking to a friend.

I love you mam your are such a great teacher i appreciate your work 👍

Hey liz, I wanted to ask that for conclusion using “all in all” and “to wrap it up” are correct to use or not ?

They are informal and Writing Task 2 is formal.

Hi, Liz! You said in one of your videos that “to sum up” is rather informal for IELTS writing task 2. Why is it in the concluding linkers list then? Can I use it or not?

It is an option but some examiners think it is too informal. There are no rules in IELTS which have word lists that lower your score. It is examiner interpretation. I do not teach this linking word for a conclusion, but other teachers do. This is why it is in the list. My recommendations are recommendations, not rules.

Hi Liz, all your videos are very helpful to have a quick look on the respective modules. Thank you so much for sharing them.

You’re welcome.

Thanks for response

Hello Liz 👋, is it true that reading books or newspapers will improve our writing skills. If yes, what books or newspapers can you suggest to read.

They will certainly help you develop your writing, but they won’t help you develop your writing for IELTS.

I wonder if I am allowed to use specialized words in writing task 2 (as long as they are related to the task rubrics and the usage and the collocation is contextually appropriate). For instance, if the topic of the essay is “imprisonment”, am I allowed to use words like “criminals set free might resort to recidivism”? what happens if the examiner doesn’t know that term? I already know that IELTS guidelines demand that the underlying assumption in the writing exam be the candidate is writing for an academic “non-specialist” reader. Is this fact in contradiction with using technical terms?

With regards, Reza

It is not a case of being allowed or not allowed. It is about how you use language. If you are pushing high level words into your essay for effect, the language in the essay will become unnatural and will be marked down. So, never aim to impress. However, your example is completely fine. The word “recidivism” is an appropriate word to use for that sentence. Certainly not many candidates will know this word, but it is 100% accurate and appropriate. So, my advice is to use language naturally with the right intent and appropriacy based on your level of English. The examiner will not be specialised in law or other fields – bear that in mind. Your aim here is to hit band score 8 or 9, not to showcase specialised vocabulary. This is a basic English language test, not a test of legal language for example. Pay attention to the context of the essay – it isn’t an essay for a university degree in law. You don’t need to use specialised language to achieve your aim in IELTS. I would not recommend using such specialised language that a layperson would not understand. That isn’t an IELTS rule, it is just logical – use such language as is appropriate for the audience and the context.

Many thanks for the exhaustive response. You’re simply the best in the field, bar none!

I wonder if it is appropriate to use some linking words like ‘Moreover, Furthermore, Further’ to start a new paragraph? or they should be used to link ideas in between the sentence?

Thank you, Micaela

There are no rules about this. Linking is about being logical. I personally use these linking words for within the paragraph to add more information. When starting a new body paragraph I tend to use something more flexible, such as “Another point to consider is ..” – basically indicating the start of a brand new point rather than additional information to an existing point.

Can we use listing linkers (firstly, secondly etc) for inside the paragraphs? Or is it better to use linkers for organising paragraphs?

I believe we should use the additonal information linkers to support our main idea or present extended ideas.

Any thoughts?

Best using them within paragraphs. To each paragraph, try: Firstly, Another point, Finally. But to be honest, you can’t learn formulas like this for task 2. It all depends what your ideas are as to what linking words to use. You need to learn flexibility if you want a high score. Yes, you should use a good range of linking words in your essay.

Hlo madam , tomorrow will be my ILETS exam

Hi Liz, Do we need to use comm a after these linking word . If yes then in what circumstances. For instance if we use these linking words at the start of sentence what will the case. Also what will be case if we use these linking words in middle of sentence ?

This is an aspect of grammar that you need to study in depth. In a few weeks, I’ll be releasing a Grammar E-book. It will explain all of that and much much more.

Can I use ‘For one’ instead of ‘Firstly’? Can I continue using ‘Secondly’ and ‘Finally’ with ‘For one’ or it’s not correct usage?

“For one”, is informal and not suitable for IELTS essays. Be flexible with your use of linking devices but stick with formal ones.

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• Linking Words & Connector Words: Ultimate List With Examples
• Learn English
• James Prior
• No Comments
• Updated February 23, 2024

Linking words and connector words are essential tools for effective communication and writing. They play a crucial role in connecting ideas, enhancing coherence, and guiding the flow of information. Whether you’re writing an essay, giving a presentation, or engaging in a conversation, using appropriate linking words can greatly improve the clarity and effectiveness of your message.

In this ultimate list of linking words, we have compiled a comprehensive collection of linking words along with examples to help you understand their usage and apply them in various contexts. From words that highlight contrast and similarity to those that indicate cause and effect or order of importance, this list covers a wide range of linking words to suit different purposes.

Ready to link your words? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What are linking words?

Linking words, also known as connector words or transition words, are words or phrases that connect ideas or parts of a text, providing coherence and smoothness to the overall flow of information. They serve as bridges between sentences, paragraphs, or even larger sections of a document, helping to establish relationships, indicate contrasts, add information, show cause and effect, provide examples, and more.

Here are some common categories of linking words with examples:

Linking words for addition

Addition: Words that show the addition of information or ideas.

These linking words and phrases can help you add information, reinforce ideas, or provide further examples in your writing or conversation. Use them appropriately to expand on your points and enhance the overall coherence and richness of your communication.

• She is fluent in English, and additionally, she speaks French and Spanish.
• The report highlights the benefits of renewable energy; furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of conservation.
• The new system not only improves efficiency but moreover, it reduces costs.
• In addition to his regular job, he volunteers at a local charity.
• She not only excels in academics but also actively participates in extracurricular activities.
• The team consists of experienced professionals as well as enthusiastic newcomers.
• The company values teamwork; likewise, it fosters individual growth and development.
• Besides working full-time, he manages to pursue his hobbies and spend time with famil
• The website offers free shipping; what’s more, customers can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• On top of their regular duties, employees are encouraged to take part in professional development opportunities.
• Developing strong interpersonal skills is equally important as acquiring technical knowledge.
• The event attracted a large audience, not to mention the media coverage it received.
• Along with the new software update, customers will also receive enhanced customer support.
• The company achieved its sales targets for the year; what is more, it surpassed them by 20%.
• The team completed the project ahead of schedule; besides that, they received positive feedback from the client.
• The company’s commitment to quality, coupled with its competitive pricing, sets it apart from its competitors.

Linking words for contrast

Contrast: Words that highlight differences or contrasting ideas.

These linking words and phrases can help you express contrasting ideas and show the differences between two or more concepts or situations. Remember to use them appropriately based on the context and your intended meaning.

• She studied hard; however, she didn’t pass the exam.
• John loves traveling; on the other hand, his sister prefers staying at home.
• The weather was terrible; nevertheless, they decided to go for a walk.
• He had a sprained ankle; nonetheless, he played in the soccer match.
• Despite the rain, they went to the beach.
• In spite of the traffic, they arrived on time.
• Although it was late, they continued with their work.
• Even though she was tired, she went to the gym.
• I enjoy reading, while my brother prefers watching movies.
• Sarah loves cooking, whereas her husband prefers eating out.
• Unlike his friends, Mark is not a fan of horror movies.
• She hates winter; conversely, I love it.
• She expected him to be upset; on the contrary, he was happy.
• They planned to go to the cinema, but instead, they stayed home and watched a movie.
• The cat is small and playful, in contrast to the dog, which is big and lazy.
• He enjoys sports; conversely, his sister prefers art.
• On one hand, the book is interesting; on the other hand, it’s quite lengthy.
• They could go by car, or alternatively, they could take the train.
• The movie received mixed reviews; nevertheless, it became a box office hit.
• She didn’t pass the test, but in any case, she learned a lot from studying.

Linking words for similarity

Similarity: Words that highlight similarities or shared ideas.

These linking words and phrases can help you express similarities between two or more ideas, situations, or individuals. Use them appropriately based on the context to highlight shared characteristics or experiences.

• Sarah enjoys reading; likewise, her brother is an avid reader.
• John and Emily both love hiking; similarly, they enjoy spending time in nature.
• Just as Sarah likes swimming, in the same way, her best friend enjoys diving.
• Jack has a passion for photography, similarly to his sister who is also an enthusiast.
• Just like her mother, Jane has a talent for playing the piano.
• The two artists approach their work in a similar vein, both using vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes.
• Mark loves cooking, and by the same token, he also enjoys experimenting with new recipes.
• As the workload increased, the stress levels of the employees correspondingly rose.
• Both Sarah and Emily are equally skilled in playing the guitar.
• The designer creates unique clothing pieces, and in a similar fashion, the jewelry maker crafts one-of-a-kind accessories.
• Just as the sun rises in the morning, the moon appears in the evening.
• The teacher explains complex concepts in a simple and understandable way, in the same manner as her colleague.
• He enjoys hiking and camping, and his friends, likewise, too, share his enthusiasm for outdoor activities.
• Just as a bird builds its nest with care and precision, in the same way, an architect plans and constructs a building.
• The two books explore themes of love and loss, along similar lines, inviting readers to contemplate the human experience.
• As with all great artists, Picasso’s work continues to inspire and influence generations.
• Exercise is essential for physical health, and just as importantly, it is crucial for mental well-being.
• Much like a puzzle, life consists of various pieces that fit together to form a bigger picture.

Linking words for cause and effect

Cause and Effect: Words that demonstrate cause and effect relationships.

These linking words and phrases can help you express the cause-and-effect relationship between events or actions. Use them appropriately based on the context to convey the reason and result of a particular situation or occurrence.

• He failed the exam because he didn’t study.
• They arrived early since they left home on time.
• As a result of heavy rainfall, the streets were flooded.
• The event was canceled due to bad weather conditions.
• The store was closed, therefore, they had to find another place to shop.
• He missed the train, consequently, he arrived late to the meeting.
• Owing to a power outage, the concert was postponed.
• She didn’t have enough sleep, thus, she felt tired throughout the day.
• He couldn’t attend the party, for this reason, he sent his apologies.
• The storm caused damage to the houses, resulting in the need for repairs.
• The baby was hungry, so she started crying.
• Lack of exercise and poor diet often leads to weight gain.
• They missed the train because of heavy traffic.
• The roads were icy, this is why there were many accidents.
• They spent all their money, as a consequence, they couldn’t afford the trip.
• He quit smoking, and since then, he feels healthier.
• The company introduced a new product, and in turn, its sales increased.
• She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.

Linking words for time and sequence

Time and sequence: Words that indicate time or sequence of events or actions.

These linking words and phrases can help you express the chronological order and sequence of events or actions. Use them appropriately to guide your audience through the progression of ideas or to outline the steps in a process or narrative.

• Firstly, let’s discuss the main causes of climate change.
• Secondly, we need to consider the potential solutions to the problem.
• Next, we will move on to the implementation phase of the project.
• We need to complete the research phase first. Then, we can start analyzing the data.
• After that, we can proceed with the construction of the building.
• The company experienced financial difficulties. Subsequently, they had to lay off several employees.
• The team was working on the project. Meanwhile, the marketing department was preparing the promotional materials.
• The two processes are happening simultaneously, ensuring efficient production.
• The report will be ready in a week. In the meantime, please proceed with the other tasks.
• During the meeting, we will discuss the budget and timeline.
• While he was studying, his friends were playing video games.
• Please wait here until your name is called.
• We need to complete the paperwork before the deadline.
• She attended the conference, and afterward, she shared her insights with the team.
• Finally, we reached an agreement after a long negotiation process.
• In the end, they decided to cancel the project due to budget constraints.
• The presentation was engaging, and at the same time, informative.
• Initially, he struggled with the new software, but with practice, he became proficient.
• At first, the project seemed overwhelming, but with proper planning, it became manageable.

Linking words for order of importance

Order of Importance: Words that highlight the hierarchy or ranking of ideas based on their significance.

These linking words and phrases can help you establish the order of importance when presenting ideas or arguments. Use them to emphasize the significance of certain points, highlight key considerations, or guide the reader’s attention to the most critical aspects.

• Most importantly, we need to prioritize the safety of our employees.
• Above all, we must prioritize the needs of our customers.
• The company’s success primarily depends on effective leadership and strategic planning.
• First and foremost, we need to address the urgent issue of inflation.
• The new policy chiefly focuses on reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
• Notably, the project resulted in significant cost savings for the organization.
• Above anything else, maintaining a high standard of quality is our top priority.
• It is essential to note that effective communication is the foundation of strong relationships.
• It is worth mentioning that the company’s ethical practices have earned it a positive reputation.

Linking words for exemplification

Example: Words that provide examples or illustrate a point.

These linking words and phrases can help you introduce examples and provide further clarification or evidence to support your statements. Use them to enhance your explanations and illustrate your points effectively.

Here’s a list of linking words and phrases that are commonly used to illustrate an example, along with examples:

• There are many fruits you can choose from, for example, apples, oranges, and bananas.
• Many countries have implemented environmental policies; for instance, Sweden has significantly reduced its carbon emissions.
• I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming.
• The party was attended by several guests, including friends, family, and colleagues.
• He has many hobbies, like painting, playing the guitar, and photography.
• The company provides various employee benefits, as an illustration, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Let me give you an example to illustrate my point.
• There are several endangered species in the area, namely the African elephant, the Bengal tiger, and the giant panda.
• The city offers various attractions, in particular, museums, parks, and historical landmarks.
• The project requires specific skills, specifically programming and data analysis.
• By way of example, let’s consider the case of a successful startup that disrupted the market.
• To give an example, let’s say you want to improve your fitness; you can try activities like jogging, swimming, or joining a gym.
• The experiment was conducted to demonstrate the effects of temperature on plant growth.
• As a case in point, many countries have implemented renewable energy initiatives to combat pollution.
• I will use a specific scenario to exemplify how the new policy can be implemented effectively.
• The job requires strong communication skills , in essence, the ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively.
• The city has invested in renewable energy projects to reduce its carbon footprint. One example of this is the installation of solar panels on public buildings.
• To be specific, the company offers three main product lines: electronics, appliances, and furniture.
• The data collected serves as proof that the new marketing strategy is effective.
• In a similar manner, many companies have embraced remote work as a response to the pandemic.

Linking words for focusing

These linking words and phrases can help you direct attention or emphasize a specific aspect of your discussion or argument. Use them appropriately to highlight the main points or focus areas, ensuring clarity and precision in your communication.

Here’s a list of linking words and phrases that are commonly used to express focusing or directing attention, along with examples:

• Specifically, we need to address the issue of employee turnover in our department.
• The marketing team has made significant progress, particularly in digital advertising.
• In particular, we need to improve our customer service to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Notably, the company achieved a record-breaking sales figure in the last quarter.
• This task requires attention to detail, especially when dealing with sensitive data.
• Specifically speaking, the new software update addresses the security vulnerabilities.
• Above all, we must prioritize the safety of our employees.
• The company’s success mainly relies on customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
• The primary goal of our project is to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
• Essentially, our focus should be on optimizing operational efficiency.
• Individually, each team member plays a crucial role in achieving our objectives.
• Precisely, we need to adhere to the project timeline to meet the deadline.
• Specifically, with regards to customer feedback, we have received positive reviews.
• The new product line has a sleek design, not to mention its advanced features.
• It is worth noting that the market trends are shifting towards online shopping.
• Above everything else, we need to prioritize the quality of our products.
• In essence, our primary objective is to provide exceptional customer service.
• To be more precise, we should focus on improving our supply chain management.
• In specific terms, the sales team needs to focus on building client relationships.
• More importantly, we need to address the concerns raised by our customers.

Linking words for conclusion

Conclusion: Words that summarize or conclude a text.

These linking words and phrases can help you signal the conclusion of your argument, presentation, or essay. Use them to summarize key points, restate your main argument, or provide a final thought or recommendation.

• In conclusion, it is evident that deforestation poses a significant threat to our planet.
• To sum up, the project was a great success, exceeding all expectations.
• Ultimately, the decision lies in your hands.
• All in all, it was a memorable vacation filled with adventure and relaxation.
• Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication.
• In summary, the findings of the study suggest a strong correlation between exercise and mental well-being.
• To conclude, the evidence supports the hypothesis that regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.
• The data collected consistently points to the same conclusion; therefore, we can confidently assert our findings.
• In essence, the research demonstrates that social media has a profound impact on interpersonal relationships.
• The campaign received widespread support, and as a result, donations increased significantly.
• In a nutshell, the project aims to promote sustainability through renewable energy initiatives.
• The experiments consistently yielded similar results; thus, we can draw a definitive conclusion.
• The evidence strongly suggests a link between smoking and lung cancer; hence, it is crucial to raise awareness about the risks.
• In light of these findings, it is necessary to reconsider the current educational policies.
• The company faced financial challenges, and consequently, had to downsize its workforce.
• In conclusion, it can be stated that effective communication is the key to successful teamwork.
• Taking all factors into account, it is clear that globalization has both positive and negative consequences.
• The lack of investment resulted in decreased productivity, as a consequence, the company experienced a decline in profits.
• The study findings reveal a correlation between stress levels and sleep quality; thus, it can be inferred that managing stress positively affects sleep.
• Given these points, it is evident that the project should be prioritized for its long-term benefits.

If you’d like more examples, check out this list of other ways to say in conclusion .

Conclusion: Ready to link your words?

These are just some examples of linking words, and there are numerous other linking words and phrases available for different purposes and contexts. Using them appropriately can greatly enhance the clarity and coherence of your writing or speech. So, if you want to become more fluent in English, it’s time to start thinking about linking words!

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