Linking words
Source: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/writing-fundamentals/writing-paragraphs/usage-linking-words/ Parent: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/writing-fundamentals/writing-sentences/
Linking words are an important way of developing a logical flow of ideas. They act as signposts for the reader so they can follow the way the writer has organised their ideas.
Develop cohesion
Linking words and phrases show the relationship between different ideas. They can show contrast, comparison, a sequence, add additional information, provide emphasis, and show cause and effect.
Example
In this example, notice how the writer uses linking words to develop the flow of their argument.
The Australian preferential voting system ensures the chosen candidate reflects the choice of most voters. In this system, voters rank candidates in order of preference on their ballots, instead of picking just one (Liu, 2024). For example, if no candidate gets more than half of the first-choice votes, the candidate with the least votes is removed. Consequently, their votes are given to the next preferred candidate on those ballots. Therefore, this process helps to ensure that the winning candidate has wider support among voters.
Show connections between the ideas
Linking words enable the writer to show the connections between ideas.
Example
In this example, notice how the use of linking words emphasises the writer’s analysis of their research.
One factor within the team that seems to be important is the notion of team cohesiveness. Significantly, team cohesiveness enables a diverse group of individuals to work towards common goals. Maxwell (2011, p.107) argues that highly cohesive teams ‘have clear goals and successful outcomes’. For example, cohesive teams are more likely to work well together, have enthusiasm for their work (Brown 2009) and so achieve a high rate of success (Zheng & Hui 2008). Therefore, team cohesiveness has been shown to enhance team effectiveness.
Common linking words
All sentences in a paragraph need to relate to the main idea in the topic sentence. The reader should be able to see how each sentence flows from the previous one and how each is connected to the topic sentence. Linking words and phrases weave sentences together to create a cohesive paragraph.
Common linking words and phrases
Sequence
- First, firstly, second, third, thirdly
- Next, last, finally
- In conclusion
- To summarise
- The first
- The/a second
- One
- Another
Addition
- In addition
- Furthermore
- Also
- And
- As well as
- An additional
- Moreover
Cause
- For
- Because
- Since
- As
- Because of
- To cause
Effect
- So
- As a result
- As a consequence
- Therefore
- Thus
- Consequently
- Hence
- To result from
- Due to
- As a result/consequence of
- To result in
- To affect
Emphasis
- Undoubtedly
- Indeed
- Obviously
- Generally
- Admittedly
- In theory/fact
- Particularly
- Especially
- Clearly
Comparison
- Similarly
- Likewise
- Also
- Too
- As
- Just as
- And
- Like
- Just like
- Similar to
- Be similar to/ the same as
- Be alike
- Not only... but also
- To compare to/with
Contrast
- However
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- Still
- Although, even though, though
- But
- Yet
- Despite, in spite of
- In contrast, in comparison
- While, whereas
- On the other hand
- On the contrary
Example
- For example
- For instance
- That is
- Such as
- Including
- Namely
Related resources
More information related to this topic can be found here:
[### Writing cohesively
Good academic writing has a clear flow. Each phrase or sentence is linked to those that come before and after. Explore what makes academic writing cohesive.](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/writing-fundamentals/academic-style/be-cohesive/)
Keywords
Embed this page