This document provides a list of linking words that can be used to connect sentences and paragraphs in a coherent manner. It categorizes linking words based on their function, such as addition, cause and effect, comparison, condition, contrast, emphasis, examples, explanation, generalization, stating the obvious, summary and conclusion, support, and time and order. Mastering these linking words allows writers to construct paragraphs that are meaningful, comprehensive, and cohesive.

1. English-Linking
Words
Creating concise
paragraphs

2. Linking Words
In order to construct paragraphs that are
meaningful, comprehensive and whole,
linking your sentences with words that
connect your sentences, permits harmony
and a unifying flow.

3. Addition
To add more
information in your
sentence or
paragraph
apart from this, as
well as, besides,
further/furthermore
in addition,
moreover, nor, not
only…but also, too,
what is more

4. Cause and effect
In the event of cause
and effect
Accordingly, as a
consequence, as a
result, because of
this, consequently,
for this reason,
hence, in order to,
owing to this, so, so
that, therefore, this
leads to thus

5. Comparison/Similar ideas
In comparing or
giving similar ideas.
In comparison, in the
same way,
likewise, similarly

6. Condition
Condition If, in that case,
provided that,
unless

7. Contradiction
Contradiction if, in that case,
provided that,
unless
actually, as a matter
of fact, in fact

8. Contrast/Opposite
Contrast or opposite
ideas
although, but, despite,
in spite of, even so,
however, in contrast,
nevertheless, on the
contrary, on the
other hand, whereas
yet

9. Emphasis
To emphasise a
point, idea or
statement.
Chiefly, especially,
importantly,
indeed, in detail, in
particular,

10. Examples
Examples For example, for
instance, such as .
thus, as follows

11. Explanation/Equivalence
Explanation or
equivalence
In other words,
namely, or rather,
this means, this
means, to be more
precise.

12. Generalisation
Generalisation as a rule, for the most
part, generally, in
general, normally,
on the whole, in
most cases, usually

13. Stating the obvious
Stating the obvious Clearly, naturally,
obviously, surely

14. Summary and Conclusion
Summary and
Conclusion
Finally, in brief, in
conclusion, in
short, in summary,
overall, to
conclude

15. Support
Support Actually, as a matter
of fact, in fact,
indeed

16. Time and order
Time and order At first, eventually,
finally, first(ly),
second (ly), in the
first/second place,
initially, lastly

17. Example
William Shakespeare was a 16th century writer,
who wrote plays and poetry. He wrote plays
such as the famous Romeo and Juliet,
Macbeth, Othello as well as poetry for instance
Sonnet 116. In addition, he was also known as
an actor and featured in some of his own plays.
One of the interesting facts of the 16th century
dramas and plays is that women were not
allowed to act on stage. A man would be
entitled to play a role of a man and also a
woman. In summary Shakespeare, in this day
and age, still remains a well respected writer.

18. Reference
Writing concise paragraphs. 2012. English
Department-University of Johannesburg.