B2business

Linking Words - Business English

Type your answer in each blank and press Enter to check it, or use Check answers below. A cue in (brackets) is the word to put in the right form.

Linking words (also called connectors) join ideas so your writing and speech flow logically instead of sounding like a list of separate facts. At B1-B2 the main challenge is not learning the words but using the right type in the right place, because each type follows different grammar. Conjunctions such as "because", "although" and "but" join two clauses inside one sentence: "We raised our prices because costs went up." Prepositions such as "despite", "due to" and "in spite of" are followed by a noun or an -ing form, not a full clause: "Despite the higher costs, sales stayed strong." Linking adverbs such as "however", "therefore" and "moreover" connect two separate sentences and usually take a comma: "Sales fell in March. However, they recovered by June." Group connectors by meaning so you can pick the right one: addition (and, moreover, furthermore), contrast (but, however, although, whereas), reason (because, since, due to), result (so, therefore, consequently) and condition (if, provided that, even if). A common pitfall is mixing the structures, for example writing "Despite the costs went up" instead of "Although the costs went up" or "Despite the rising costs". When in doubt, check whether what follows is a clause or a noun phrase, and the choice usually becomes clear.

Let's practise. Type each answer and press Enter, I'll check it with you.

  1. The project was delayed unexpected supply chain issues.
  2. We need to increase our marketing budget; , we must reduce unnecessary travel expenses.
  3. the high cost of raw materials, the company decided to proceed with the merger.
  4. The presentation was excellent, the data visualization was slightly confusing.
  5. We cannot sign the contract today we are still reviewing the legal clauses.
  6. the market volatility, our stock price remained remarkably stable.
  7. You should finalize the report by Friday; , you will miss the deadline for the board meeting.
  8. The team worked overtime every day to ensure the launch was successful.
  9. the CEO was unavailable, the CFO led the quarterly briefing.
  10. We have seen a rise in sales; , we have also noticed a decrease in profit margins.
  11. Please send the invitation to all stakeholders they are based in different time zones.
  12. the lack of funding, the startup managed to develop a working prototype.
  13. The client requested a discount, we could not lower the price any further.
  14. We will implement the new software; , we will provide extensive training for all staff.
  15. the sudden change in leadership, the department's goals remained the same.
  16. The merger was successful both companies shared a similar corporate culture.
  17. I will call the vendor tomorrow; , I will send a formal follow-up email.
  18. the meeting was scheduled for 9:00 AM, several participants arrived late.
  19. We must improve our customer service; , we risk losing our most loyal clients.
  20. The shipment arrived on time, it was missing several key components.
  21. the economic downturn, our division achieved record-breaking growth.
  22. The manager approved the budget; , she requested a detailed breakdown of expenses.
  23. We are looking for a candidate with experience, they must also be fluent in German.
  24. we have limited resources, we must prioritize the most profitable projects.
  25. The negotiations were difficult; , both parties eventually reached a fair agreement.

Common questions

What is the difference between 'although', 'despite' and 'however'?

All three show contrast but follow different grammar. 'Although' is a conjunction + clause: 'Although the deadline was tight, we delivered.' 'Despite' (and 'in spite of') is a preposition + noun or -ing: 'Despite the tight deadline, we delivered.' 'However' is a linking adverb joining two sentences, usually with a comma: 'The deadline was tight. However, we delivered.'

When do I use a comma or a semicolon with linking words?

Use a comma after a linking adverb that starts a sentence: 'Costs rose. Therefore, we adjusted the budget.' Use a semicolon when you keep both ideas in one sentence: 'Costs rose; therefore, we adjusted the budget.' With conjunctions like 'because' or 'although' you normally need no comma mid-sentence, but add one if the linker starts the sentence: 'Although costs rose, we managed.'

How do I choose between 'because', 'because of' and 'due to'?

'Because' is a conjunction followed by a full clause (subject + verb): 'The meeting was cancelled because the client was ill.' 'Because of' and 'due to' are prepositions followed by a noun phrase: 'The meeting was cancelled because of the client's illness.' In professional writing 'due to' sounds slightly more formal, but both work. Never put a clause after 'because of' or 'due to'.