How can I learn linking words in English?

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This deck has 98 cards at level B1, each with pronunciation audio and an example sentence.

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Linking words

Learn the connecting words that link ideas in English, like "however", "because", or "in addition", to sound more fluent in writing and speech.

B198 cards

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Terms in this deck

however
used to introduce a contrasting idea
although
used to introduce a fact that makes the main statement surprising
though
a more informal version of "although"
even though
a stronger version of "although"
on the other hand
used to introduce a different point of view
despite
in spite of something, usually followed by a noun or -ing form
in spite of
a synonym of "despite"
nevertheless
a formal way to say "however"
nonetheless
a synonym of "nevertheless"
whereas
used to compare two different facts
yet
used like "but", to introduce a surprising contrast
because
used to give a reason
because of
used to give a reason, followed by a noun
since
used to give a reason, similar to "because"
as
used to give a reason, similar to "because"
therefore
used to introduce a result or conclusion
thus
a more formal way to say "therefore"
so
used to introduce a result
as a result
used to introduce a consequence
consequently
a formal way to introduce a result
due to
used to give a reason, followed by a noun
that's why
an informal way to introduce a result
also
used to add another idea
moreover
a formal way to add another point
furthermore
a formal synonym of "moreover"
in addition
used to add another idea
besides
used to add another reason or idea
as well as
used to add another item or idea
first
used to introduce the first step or point
then
used to show what happens next
next
used to show what happens after
after that
used to show what happens next
finally
used to introduce the last step or point
meanwhile
used to describe something happening at the same time
eventually
used to show something happens after a long time
afterward
used to describe something that happens later
for example
used to introduce an example
for instance
a synonym of "for example"
such as
used to introduce examples of a category
namely
used to give the exact name or detail of something just mentioned
in conclusion
used to introduce the final summary of an essay or speech
to sum up
used to introduce a brief summary
overall
used to give a general summary of a situation
in summary
a synonym of "to sum up"
all in all
used to summarize by considering everything together
unless
used to introduce a condition meaning "if not"
as long as
used to introduce a necessary condition
provided that
a formal way to say "as long as"
so that
used to introduce a purpose or goal
in order to
used to introduce a purpose, followed by a verb
similarly
used to show that two things are alike
likewise
a synonym of "similarly"
in the same way
used to show that something happens in a similar way
in other words
used to explain something more simply
that is
used to explain or clarify what was just said
in fact
used to emphasize or add a surprising detail
actually
used to emphasize the truth about something
indeed
a formal way to emphasize agreement or truth
otherwise
used to describe what will happen if something doesn't occur
instead
used to show a replacement or alternative
on the contrary
used to strongly disagree with a previous statement
above all
used to emphasize the most important point
in general
used to describe something as usually true
in particular
used to focus on one specific thing among others
as a matter of fact
an informal way to say "in fact"
in other news
used casually to change the subject
apart from
used to exclude something or someone from a general statement
except for
used to exclude something from a general statement
as soon as
used to say something happens immediately after another thing
as if
used to compare something to an imagined situation
but
used to introduce a contrast, the most basic contrast word
and
used to join two ideas together, the most basic addition word
in contrast
used to directly compare two different facts
while
used to contrast two ideas, different from its time meaning ("while I was cooking")
still
used to introduce a contrast, similar to "however"
hence
a formal way to say "therefore"
in case
used to prepare for something that might happen
even if
used for a hypothetical condition, different from "even though" which is about a real fact
until
used to show the point in time when something stops or starts
especially
used to emphasize one thing more than others
in comparison
used to compare two things
not only... but also
used to add a second, often surprising point
on top of that
an informal way to add another point, often something negative
at last
an informal way to say "finally", after a long wait
in the end
used to describe what finally happened after a process
rather than
used to show a preference for one thing over another
as opposed to
used to directly contrast two things
albeit
a formal way to say "although", common in written English
conversely
a formal word used to present the opposite of what was just said
either... or
used to show a choice between two options
neither... nor
used to negate two options at the same time
both... and
used to include two things at the same time
too
used to add another idea, placed at the end of a sentence, different from "also" which goes in the middle
as well
a synonym of "too", placed at the end of a sentence
so as to
a synonym of "in order to"
last but not least
used to introduce a final point without making it seem less important
in a nutshell
an informal way to give a very brief summary
given that
a formal way to give a reason, similar to "since"

How to study this deck

Linking words join ideas and make your speech flow. Group them by function: contrast (however, although, on the other hand), cause and result (because, therefore, as a result) and addition (moreover, in addition). Practice writing a short paragraph using at least one connector of each type. They are key for essays and exams.

The trickiest words

despite / in spite of: they take a noun or -ing, not a clause: "despite the rain", not "despite it rained".
although / though: although is more formal and goes at the start; though is informal and can end a sentence.
however: it needs a semicolon or period before and a comma after.

Examples in context

I was tired. However, I finished the project.
The flight was delayed because of the storm.
She is talented. Furthermore, she works very hard.
I like outdoor sports, for example, hiking.
He studied hard in order to pass the exam.
Above all, remember to stay calm.
While he loves sports, his brother prefers reading.
I'd like tea rather than coffee.

Mini dialogue

A: Although it was raining, we went out.
B: However, we got wet, and therefore we came back.
A: Despite the cold, it was fun.
B: On the other hand, I am sick now.