English Linking Words: Connectors to Speak and Write Better

People who speak English in short, separate sentences (“I went. It was good. It was expensive.”) sound robotic. Linking words connect those ideas and make speech and writing natural: “I went, and it was good, but it was a bit expensive.”

By function

Adding

Connector	Example
and	”It’s cheap and fast.”
also	”She also speaks French.”
plus	”It’s close, plus it’s cheap.”
besides	”Besides, I don’t have time.”
on top of that	”On top of that, it started raining.”

Contrast

Connector	Example
but	”I like it, but it’s expensive.”
however	”It’s good. However, it’s expensive.”
although	”Although it’s late, I’ll call her.”
even though	”Even though I studied, I failed.”
on the other hand	”On the other hand, it’s very safe.”

Cause and result

Connector	Example
because	”I stayed home because I was sick.”
since	”Since you’re here, let’s start.”
so	”I was tired, so I went to bed.”
that’s why	”That’s why I love this city.”
as a result	”As a result, sales went up.”

Examples and clarification

Connector	Example
for example / for instance	”Some fruits, for example mangoes, are…“
like	”I love sports like tennis.”
I mean	”It’s hard. I mean, not impossible.”
in other words	”In other words, we need more time.”

Sequence and wrapping up

Connector	Example
first, then, after that	”First, open the file. Then, save it.”
finally / in the end	”In the end, we decided to stay.”
anyway	”Anyway, let’s get back to work.”
overall	”Overall, it was a great trip.”

Speech vs. formal writing

In conversation	In formal writing
but	however, nevertheless
so	therefore, consequently
also, plus	furthermore, moreover
anyway	in conclusion

Using “furthermore” in a casual chat sounds like a speech. In conversation, prefer the short ones.

How to start using them

Pick five connectors from the list and use them out loud during the week while narrating your day. In shows, notice how characters use “I mean”, “anyway” and “so” constantly to organize what they say. In Telidioma, clicking a connector shows its role in that sentence. To practice them in speech, see how to improve your English conversation.