The document discusses the importance of linking words in writing to connect ideas and facts effectively. It categorizes these connectors into various types, including those indicating cause, result, purpose, addition, contrast, examples, rephrasing, emphasis, time, and summarization. A comprehensive list of specific connectors for each category is provided, along with examples of their usage.

1. Linking
words Jose A. Alcalde
Writing a text involves necessarily linking or connecting ideas and facts among them. Obviously
depending on the relationship of those connections we will use specific linking words. Here is a
comprehensive list of connectors classified according to their meaning and function.
A) Connectors of Cause, Result and Purpose.
Connectors of Cause refer to WHY something happened or WHAT caused it: BECAUSE (OF),
SINCE, AS, DUE TO, OWING TO, AS A RESULT OF…
We didn’t run the marathon because of the heavy rain.
They arrived late because the train was delayed.
The school principal was delighted since many students had achieved great results.
Some people went to the hospital as they had been eating poisoned food.
The price of tomatoes increased due to the long drought in the last months.
Owing to the great demand, some products are out of stock right now.
The number of victims was low as a result of a quick intervention by the firefighters.
Connectors of Result are: SO, THEREFORE, CONSEQUENTLY / AS A CONSEQUENCE, FOR
THIS REASON, AS A RESULT…
We hadn’t bought enough fruit so we could not prepare the fruit salad properly.
Some people do not follow the rules. Therefore, there are usually problems.
I didn’t apologise. Consequently, I was expelled from the club according to the rules.
As a consequence of the crime rate, this part of the city should be avoided at all costs.
I suffer from claustrophobia. For this reason, I can´t stand small places.
When they arrived it was late. As a result, all the shops were closed.
*Most connectors of Cause and Result are followed by a clause with a subject and a verb.
Connectors of Purpose include the reason for an action: IN ORDER (NOT) TO, AS AS (NOT) TO
and TO. Spanish students tend to use “for” but this is incorrect. These connectors are always
followed by the base form of a verb.
In order not to interfere with the results, all contestants will leave the room.
I eat little sugar so as to be fit.
I am saving to buy a bigger car.
B) Connectors of Addition, Contrast and Example.
Connectors of Addition provide more information or link similar ideas: ALSO, AS WELL (AS),
MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE, BESIDES, WHAT’S MORE, IN ADDITION TO, APART FROM,
NOT ONLY – BUT ALSO, …
Some jobs are difficult to get. Also, they require specific training.
We were moving to another house as well as chaning schools for our children.
The group finished first and they did a great job as well.
The elections were complicated. Moreover, the counting process was very slow.

2. Spain is a top touristic destination. Furthermore, the number of visitors keeps growing.
She plays the violin extremely well. Besides, she can dance ballet since she was 5.
You came late last night. What’s more, it is the second time this week!
In addition to a university degree, candidates must vahe a high level of English.
Apart from the certificate, you must bring some extra copies of your CV.
They did not only break into the house but also destroyed our furniture.
Connectors of Contrast are used to link opposite or different ideas: ON THE OTHER HAND, BUT,
ALTHOUGH / THOUGH / EVEN THOUGH, DESPITE / IN SPITE OF, HOWEVER,
NEVERTHELESS, WHILE, WHEREAS…
We like sport events, On the other hand, we don’t like very crowded places.
She lives quite far from the center but she does not use public transport to get around.
Although / Though / Even though she is my best friend, there are things I wouldn’t tell her.
Despite / In spite of their high salary, they keep living in the same old, tiny house.
Despite / In spite of earning a lot of money, they live a simple life.
Despite / In spite of the fact that they earn a lot of money, they live a simple life.
I am from Ireland. However, I have never been to the Celtic Games.
I am a vegetarian while / whereas my brother eats all kinds of meat.
Connectors of examples are FOR INSTANCE, FOR EXAMPLE, SUCH AS or LIKE.
There are plenty of things you can do for the environment, for example / for instance / such as /
like recycling, reducing and reusing.
C) Connectors to Rephrase. These linkers are used to clarify or rephrase something: THAT IS (TO
SAY), IN OTHER WORDS, TO PUT IT ANOTHER WAY…
Some gadgets are superficial, that is (to say), they are not really necessary.
She can’t get her computer working, in other words, she won’t be able to finish on time.
We didn’t know how bad it was. To put it another way, the situation totally was out of control.
D) Connectors to Emphasize.They are used to give emphasis: AS A MATTER OF FACT,
ACUTALLY, OBVIOUSLY, ABOVE ALL, DEFINITELY…
People are more environmentally-friendly. As a matter of fact, they are recycle more and more.
It was a difficult decision. Actually, it took me a long tome to make my mind up.
We don’t want to vahe loud neighbours. Obviously, we prefer to live in a quite building.
Thy like Mexican food, above all enchiladas and tacos.
We should get married soon, definitely, in a couple of months I think.
E) Connectors of Time or Sequence. These linkers show some kind of temporal or logical
sequence: FIRSTLY / FIRST / FIRST OF ALL, SECONDLY / SECOND, THEN, NEXT, LATER,
AFTER THAT, BEFORE THAT, FINALLY…
F) Connectors to Summarise. When we are about to finish our text or speaking, we must show so
to the readers / audience by using some of these linkers: IN CONCLUSION / COMING TO A
CONCLUSION / TO CONCLUDE, SUMMING UP / TO SUM UP, IN A NUTSHELL / IN SHORT / IN
BRIEF, ON THE WHOLE, ALL IN ALL… In writing they are usually followed by a comma.