Lessons on Linking Words (Conjunctions and Transition Words)
Linking words (also known as connectors, conjunctions, or transition words) are words or phrases used to connect ideas, sentences, or paragraphs in writing and speaking. They help to make your speech or writing more fluent, logical, and cohesive by linking related ideas together.
Types of Linking Words
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
3. Correlative Conjunctions
4. Transition Words/Adverbial Connectors
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1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are equal in importance. The main coordinating conjunctions are:
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
Examples:
I wanted to go to the movies, but I didn’t have enough time.
She likes to read and write.
I couldn’t find my keys, so I had to leave without them.
He was tired, yet he kept working.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence) to an independent clause. These conjunctions indicate the relationship between the two clauses.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions:
Because
Although/Though
If
Since
When
While
Unless
After
Before
As soon as
Even though
Examples:
I stayed home because it was raining.
Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors.
We’ll go to the park after I finish my work.
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Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect balanced or similar ideas.
Examples:
Both...and
Either...or
Neither...nor
Not only...but also
Whether...or
Examples:
Both my sister and I love to travel.
You can either stay home or go to the party.
Neither my brother nor my sister likes to play video games.
She is not only smart, but also hardworking.
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Transition Words/
Adverbial Connectors
Transition words (or adverbial connectors) help to guide the reader from one idea to the next, adding clarity and showing how ideas are related. These are especially useful for connecting sentences and paragraphs.
Categories of Transition Words:
1. Addition: (Shows agreement or adds information)
Examples:
Moreover, Furthermore, Additionally, In addition, Also, As well as
Example: She speaks French fluently. Moreover, she understands Spanish.
2. Contrast: (Shows a difference or opposite idea)
Examples: However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Although, But, In contrast
Example: It was raining. However, we decided to go hiking.
Cause and Effect:
(Shows cause, reason, or consequence)
Examples: Therefore, Thus, Because, As a result, Consequently, For this reason
Example: The company had low profits. Therefore, they had to lay off employees.
Comparison:
(Shows similarity between ideas)
Examples: Similarly, Likewise, In the same way
Example: She sings beautifully. Similarly, her sister has a lovely voice.
5. Conclusion: (Summarizes or gives final thoughts)
Examples: In conclusion, To sum up, Overall, In brief, All in all
Example: In conclusion, the project was a success
.Time/Sequence:
(Indicates the order of events)
Examples: First, Next, Then, Finally, Afterward, Meanwhile, Subsequently
Example: First,
I woke up. Next, I had breakfast.
Examples of Sentences Using Linking Words:
Coordinating Conjunctions:
I wanted to go swimming, but it was too cold outside.
She loves reading and writing poems
.Subordinating Conjunctions:
I missed the bus because I woke up late.
Although it was raining, they still went for a walk.
Correlative Conjunctions:
Not only did she sing, but also she danced.
Either you come to the meeting, or I’ll go alone.
Transition Words:
The company is performing well. Moreover, they are expanding into new markets.
She didn’t study for the test. As a result, she didn’t pass.
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Exercise 1:
Fill in the blanks with appropriate linking words
1. I wanted to buy a new phone, __________ I didn’t have enough money.
2. He didn’t study for the exam, __________ he still passed it.
3. We went to the beach, __________ the weather was beautiful.
4. I will call you __________ I arrive at the airport.
5. __________ it was raining, they decided to go hiking.
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Exercise 2:
Choose the correct linking word
1. I wanted to go to the party, _______ I had to work. a) so
b) because
c) but
2. She was tired, ________ she kept working. a) because
b) although
c) therefore
3. We missed the bus _______ we were running late. a) as
b) because
c) therefore
4. _______ he is rich, he is not happy. a) Despite
b) Because
c) Although
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Answers:
Exercise 1:
. but
. yet
. because
. when
Although
Exercise 2:
1. c) but
2. b) although
3. b) because
4. c) Although
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Conclusion
Linking words are essential for connecting ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, making communication clearer and more structured. Understanding how to use different types of linking words—coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and transitional phrases—will help you convey ideas more smoothly and logically. Practice using these linking words in your writing to improve its coherence and fluency.
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