| Purpose | Linking words |
|---|---|
| Adding | Furthermore, In addition, Moreover, Also, Not only… but also |
| Contrasting | However, Although, While, Whereas, On the other hand, Nevertheless |
| Examples | For example, For instance, such as, In particular |
| Cause | because, since, as, due to, owing to |
| Effect | Therefore, As a result, Consequently, This means that |
| Sequencing | Firstly, Secondly, Finally, Following this |
| Concluding | In conclusion, Overall, To sum up |
Get the grammar right
- However starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon: Prices rose. However, demand stayed high.
- Although joins two clauses in one sentence: Although prices rose, demand stayed high.
- Despite is followed by a noun or -ing: Despite rising prices, demand stayed high.
- Due to is followed by a noun: due to the rain, not ~~due to it rained~~.
Don't overuse them
Starting every sentence with a linking word sounds mechanical. Examiners reward linking that's accurate and natural, not frequent. One or two per paragraph is usually enough.
Use these in your IELTS essays and PTE essays.