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Grammar

English Linking Words: The Complete Guide for Advanced Learners

Do your English texts sound choppy despite correct grammar? The secret ingredient you are missing is linking words -- connectors like however, moreover, and nevertheless. These small words make the difference between beginner-level writing and professional communication. In this interactive lesson, you will learn the most important English connectors sorted by function and practise their correct usage, including punctuation rules that German speakers particularly struggle with.

James Simmonds9 February 202625 min
English Linking Words: The Complete Guide for Advanced Learners

Topics

grammatikverbindungswörterconnectorsB1-B2schreiben

Learning Content

Using English Linking Words Correctly

Linking words (also called connectors or transition words) are the glue of good English texts. They logically connect sentences and paragraphs, showing your reader how your ideas relate -- whether you are adding, contrasting, concluding, or comparing.

For German speakers in particular, there are pitfalls: The punctuation with words like however, therefore, and moreover differs fundamentally from German. The notorious comma splice is one of the most common errors in English texts written by German speakers.

In this lesson, you will learn:

  • 30+ linking words sorted into six functional groups
  • Correct punctuation with semicolons, periods, and commas
  • The difference between formal and informal connectors
  • Common mistakes by German speakers and how to avoid them
  • When to use although vs. despite and however vs. but

Includes interactive exercises and final test. Duration: approx. 25 minutes.

Email Vocabulary

0/6 learned

I am writing to...

Click to reveal

Please find attached...

Click to reveal

Could you please...

Click to reveal

I look forward to...

Click to reveal

Kind regards

Click to reveal

As discussed...

Click to reveal

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.

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.

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.

FunctionFormal (reports, essays)Neutral (emails, presentations)Informal (conversation, chat)
Contrastnevertheless, nonethelesshowever, on the other handbut, still, though
Additionfurthermore, moreoverin addition, alsoplus, and, on top of that
Causeconsequently, hence, thustherefore, as a resultso, that's why
Examplenamely, that is to sayfor example, for instancelike, 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.

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.

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G

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)

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks -- Insert Linking Words

1/50

The report was well-written. ______, it contained several factual errors.

Contrast: trotzdem, dennoch (Ger.)

Exercise 2: True or False?

1/50

'However' and 'but' can always be used interchangeably.

Key Linking Words

15 words

however

adv

Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous one

The plan was ambitious. However, it lacked funding.

moreover

adv

In addition to what has been said; used to add a stronger point

The hotel was affordable. Moreover, it was centrally located.

furthermore

adv

In addition; used in formal writing to add another point

The data supports our theory. Furthermore, recent studies confirm it.

nevertheless

adv

In spite of what has just been said; stronger than 'however'

The task was difficult. Nevertheless, the team succeeded.

therefore

adv

For that reason; used to show a logical conclusion

Costs increased significantly. Therefore, prices had to be adjusted.

consequently

adv

As a direct result; emphasises the direct outcome

The bridge collapsed. Consequently, traffic was diverted for months.

although

conj

Even though; a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause

Although it was raining, they continued the match.

despite

prep

In spite of; a preposition followed by a noun or gerund

Despite the delays, the project was completed on time.

in addition

adv

Also; as well as what has been mentioned

In addition, we offer free delivery on orders over €50.

on the other hand

adv

From 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

adv

Because of something that happened; showing the outcome

The company invested in training. As a result, productivity improved.

for instance

adv

As an example; used to introduce a specific case

Some languages are tonal. For instance, Mandarin has four tones.

similarly

adv

In a similar way; drawing a parallel between two things

The UK faced supply issues. Similarly, Germany reported shortages.

in contrast

adv

Showing a clear difference between two things

Sales rose in Q1. In contrast, Q2 saw a sharp decline.

meanwhile

adv

At the same time; showing simultaneous events

The CEO was in talks. Meanwhile, staff prepared the presentation.

Game: Word Scramble -- Linking Words

Word 1 / 6Contrast
Click the letters

Matching: Linking Word to Function

0 / 6 pairs

Click on a word on the left and then on the matching translation on the right.

Exercise 3: Which Linking Word Fits?

1/40

The product is innovative. ___, it is affordable.

Sentence Builder: Sentences with Linking Words

0:00
Sentence 1 / 40 correct

Translation: The service was excellent. However, the food was slow.

Click the words below to build the sentence

Translation: German to English

Sentence 1 / 40 correct

German

Die Firma wächst schnell. Außerdem plant sie, neue Büros zu eröffnen.

außerdem = moreover / furthermore / in addition

Final Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Question 1 / 7

Which punctuation is correct?