B2daily

Linking Words - Daily English

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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. I wanted to go for a run, (conjunction) it started raining heavily.
  2. (conjunction) the weather was terrible, we decided to stay indoors and watch a movie.
  3. She studied very hard; (adverb), she passed the exam with flying colors.
  4. We can go to the Italian restaurant (conjunction) we go to the sushi bar.
  5. (conjunction) I was tired after work, I went straight to the gym.
  6. He didn't have enough money; (adverb), he couldn't buy the new smartphone.
  7. You should take an umbrella (conjunction) it looks like it might rain later.
  8. (conjunction) having a lot of homework, Mark went out with his friends.
  9. I will call you (conjunction) I arrive at the airport.
  10. They decided to walk to the park (conjunction) it was a beautiful sunny day.
  11. She is not only a talented singer (conjunction) a brilliant dancer as well.
  12. (conjunction) the heavy traffic, we arrived at the meeting on time.
  13. I'll finish my chores, (conjunction) then I will join you for coffee.
  14. (conjunction) he is very busy, he always finds time to call his parents.
  15. The flight was delayed; (adverb), we missed our connecting flight.
  16. You can borrow my car (conjunction) you promise to drive carefully.
  17. (conjunction) the grocery store was closed, we had to order pizza instead.
  18. He works as a chef, (conjunction) his brother is a lawyer.
  19. (conjunction) the high price, many people still want to buy that luxury watch.
  20. I'll stay at home (conjunction) it rains tomorrow.
  21. We had a great time on vacation, (conjunction) the hotel was quite small.
  22. (conjunction) I don't like spicy food, I tried the curry anyway.
  23. She didn't study for the test; (adverb), she failed it.
  24. You should eat more vegetables (conjunction) they are good for your health.
  25. (conjunction) the sun comes out, we will go for a walk in the garden.

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'.