Grammar
English Linking Words: Complete List, Rules & Exercises
English linking words made clear: 41 connectors listed by function, punctuation rules, and 8 interactive exercises.
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Learning Content
What Are English Linking Words?
English linking words (also called connectors) are words like however, therefore, moreover, and although that logically connect sentences and ideas. They tell your reader whether a contrast, a result, an addition, or an example follows.
This guide covers the 41 most important connectors in 6 functional groups — with a complete lookup list, punctuation rules, and 8 interactive exercises (level B1–C1).
Why it matters: your email's content is right, the grammar is correct — but without the right linking words, even a flawless text feels choppy. Connectors are the invisible framework of professional English writing.
- Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition
- Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand
- Cause and effect: therefore, consequently, as a result
- Sequence: firstly, subsequently, finally
- Examples: for instance, such as, namely
- Comparison: similarly, likewise, in the same way
Last updated: August 2026.
Includes interactive exercises and final test. Duration: approx. 25 minutes.
Email Vocabulary
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I am writing to...
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Please find attached...
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Could you please...
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I look forward to...
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Kind regards
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As discussed...
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Grammar Rule: Punctuation with Linking Words
Rule
Linking words like however, moreover, therefore, and nevertheless usually appear at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. When connecting two main clauses, a semicolon or period comes before the linking word. WRONG: 'The project failed, however we learned a lot.' CORRECT: 'The project failed; however, we learned a lot.' or 'The project failed. However, we learned a lot.'
Examples
"The costs were high. However, the results justified the investment."
Correct: Period before 'However', comma after.
"She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam easily."
Correct: Semicolon before 'therefore', comma after.
"The weather was bad, nevertheless we enjoyed the trip."
Wrong! A simple comma is not enough. Correct: 'The weather was bad; nevertheless, we enjoyed the trip.'
"Moreover, the company offers excellent training programmes."
Correct: 'Moreover' at the beginning of the sentence with a comma after it.
Tips
- •Beginning of sentence: However, ... / Moreover, ... / Therefore, ... (always with comma)
- •Two main clauses: Sentence 1; however, Sentence 2 (semicolon + comma)
- •Although, despite, and because are conjunctions and follow different rules
- •Don't confuse 'however' (conjunctive adverb) with 'but' (conjunction)
Warning
Common Mistake by German Speakers: In German, you can write 'Das Wetter war schlecht, trotzdem hatten wir Spaß' without any issue. In English, this creates a comma splice -- a very common error! Linking words like however, nevertheless, and therefore always need a period or semicolon before them, never just a comma.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks -- Insert Linking Words
The report was well-written. ______, it contained several factual errors.
Exercise 2: True or False?
'However' and 'but' can always be used interchangeably.
Linking Words by Function
The Six Functional Groups of English Connectors
To use linking words confidently, it helps to learn them by function -- not alphabetically. This way, you reach for the right word at the right moment.
1. Addition
When you want to expand or reinforce an idea: moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides, what's more, on top of that. In formal writing, prefer moreover or furthermore; in conversation, use also or on top of that.
2. Contrast
When expressing a contradiction or qualification: however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast, conversely. However is the most versatile and common contrast connector.
3. Cause and Effect
When showing a logical consequence: therefore, consequently, as a result, hence, thus, accordingly. Therefore is the most universal; hence and thus sound very formal.
The Complete List
The Complete List: 41 English Linking Words
Every connector from this guide in one table — sorted by function, with the German equivalent and register (formal / neutral / informal).
| Function | English | German equivalent | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition | moreover | außerdem | formal |
| Addition | furthermore | überdies | formal |
| Addition | in addition | zusätzlich | neutral |
| Addition | besides | im Übrigen | neutral |
| Addition | also | auch | neutral |
| Addition | what's more | obendrein | informal |
| Addition | on top of that | noch dazu | informal |
| Contrast | however | jedoch | neutral |
| Contrast | nevertheless | dennoch | formal |
| Contrast | nonetheless | nichtsdestotrotz | formal |
| Contrast | on the other hand | andererseits | neutral |
| Contrast | in contrast | im Gegensatz dazu | neutral |
| Contrast | whereas | wohingegen | neutral |
| Contrast | although | obwohl | neutral |
| Contrast | despite / in spite of | trotz | neutral |
| Contrast | but | aber | informal |
| Contrast | still | trotzdem | informal |
| Contrast | though | allerdings | informal |
| Cause & effect | therefore | deshalb | neutral |
| Cause & effect | consequently | folglich | formal |
| Cause & effect | as a result | infolgedessen | neutral |
| Cause & effect | hence | daher | formal |
| Cause & effect | thus | somit | formal |
| Cause & effect | accordingly | dementsprechend | formal |
| Cause & effect | so | also | informal |
| Cause & effect | that's why | deshalb | informal |
| Sequence | firstly / secondly | erstens / zweitens | neutral |
| Sequence | subsequently | anschließend | formal |
| Sequence | meanwhile | währenddessen | neutral |
| Sequence | afterwards | danach | neutral |
| Sequence | finally | schließlich | neutral |
| Sequence | eventually | schließlich (nach langer Zeit) | neutral |
| Example | for example | zum Beispiel | neutral |
| Example | for instance | beispielsweise | neutral |
| Example | such as | wie etwa | neutral |
| Example | namely | nämlich | formal |
| Example | that is to say | das heißt | formal |
| Comparison | similarly | ähnlich | neutral |
| Comparison | likewise | ebenso | formal |
| Comparison | in the same way | auf dieselbe Weise | neutral |
| Comparison | equally | gleichermaßen | formal |
Key Linking Words
15 words
however
advUsed to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous one
The plan was ambitious. However, it lacked funding.
moreover
advIn addition to what has been said; used to add a stronger point
The hotel was affordable. Moreover, it was centrally located.
furthermore
advIn addition; used in formal writing to add another point
The data supports our theory. Furthermore, recent studies confirm it.
nevertheless
advIn spite of what has just been said; stronger than 'however'
The task was difficult. Nevertheless, the team succeeded.
therefore
advFor that reason; used to show a logical conclusion
Costs increased significantly. Therefore, prices had to be adjusted.
consequently
advAs a direct result; emphasises the direct outcome
The bridge collapsed. Consequently, traffic was diverted for months.
although
conjEven though; a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause
Although it was raining, they continued the match.
despite
prepIn spite of; a preposition followed by a noun or gerund
Despite the delays, the project was completed on time.
in addition
advAlso; as well as what has been mentioned
In addition, we offer free delivery on orders over €50.
on the other hand
advFrom a different point of view; showing an alternative perspective
Working from home saves time. On the other hand, it can be isolating.
as a result
advBecause of something that happened; showing the outcome
The company invested in training. As a result, productivity improved.
for instance
advAs an example; used to introduce a specific case
Some languages are tonal. For instance, Mandarin has four tones.
similarly
advIn a similar way; drawing a parallel between two things
The UK faced supply issues. Similarly, Germany reported shortages.
in contrast
advShowing a clear difference between two things
Sales rose in Q1. In contrast, Q2 saw a sharp decline.
meanwhile
advAt the same time; showing simultaneous events
The CEO was in talks. Meanwhile, staff prepared the presentation.
Game: Word Scramble -- Linking Words
Matching: Linking Word to Function
Click on a word on the left and then on the matching translation on the right.
Formal vs. Informal
Formal and Informal Linking Words -- When to Use Which
A common mistake: German learners use overly formal connectors like furthermore or nevertheless in emails and everyday conversations. This sounds stiff and unnatural to native speakers.
The rule of thumb: The more formal the context, the more sophisticated the connector.
| Function | Formal (reports, essays) | Neutral (emails, presentations) | Informal (conversation, chat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast | nevertheless, nonetheless | however, on the other hand | but, still, though |
| Addition | furthermore, moreover | in addition, also | plus, and, on top of that |
| Cause | consequently, hence, thus | therefore, as a result | so, that's why |
| Example | namely, that is to say | for example, for instance | like, say |
In a business email, neutral connectors like however, therefore, and in addition are almost always the best choice. Formal variants like furthermore are better suited for reports and academic texts.
Exercise 3: Which Linking Word Fits?
The product is innovative. ___, it is affordable.
Tip
Pro Tip for Business Emails: Use a maximum of 2-3 different linking words per email. A text containing 'moreover', 'furthermore', 'however' in every sentence feels overloaded. Less is more -- choose deliberately and let simple sentences stand on their own without connectors.
Sentence Builder: Sentences with Linking Words
Translation: The service was excellent. However, the food was slow.
Translation: German to English
German
Die Firma wächst schnell. Außerdem plant sie, neue Büros zu eröffnen.
Final Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Which punctuation is correct?
Keep Learning
What's the Best Way to Practise Linking Words?
You learn connectors fastest in short, active units. Three free interactive lessons from our learning platform match this topic directly:
- Linking Words: Contrast & Reason — however, although, because (10 bricks, ~5 minutes)
- Connectors: Result & Concession — therefore, despite, nevertheless
- Discourse Connectors for Fluent Writing — C1 level
Want to know where you stand? Our free placement test gauges your level in 15 minutes. For teams and companies: Business English training with native-speaking trainers — since 2004, in Hannover, Berlin, and online.
More Lessons
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