IELTS Linking Words: The List, How to Use Them and What Examiners Reward
Key Takeaways
- Linking words count towards Coherence and Cohesion in Writing and Fluency and Coherence in Speaking, one of the four criteria in each.
- IELTS asks for a range of cohesive devices used appropriately, not a high number of them; a linker in every sentence reads as mechanical.
- Learn a small set for each job: adding, contrast, cause and result, examples, and sequence.
- The grammar after a linker matters: despite and due to take a noun, although and because take a clause.
- Speaking needs less formal linkers than Writing: also, but, having said that and that is why sound natural.
Table of Contents
- How do linking words affect your IELTS score?
- Linking words for adding an idea
- Linking words for contrast
- Linking words for cause and result
- Linking words for examples
- Linking words for sequence and conclusion
- Linking words for IELTS Speaking
- What mistakes with linking words cost marks?
- What does natural linking look like?
- Practice: choose the right linking word
- How should you practise IELTS linking words?
IELTS linking words are the words and phrases that join your ideas: however, as a result, for example, in addition. In Writing they count towards Coherence and Cohesion, and in Speaking towards Fluency and Coherence. Each is one of the four criteria for its paper. Examiners reward linking words that are accurate and varied. They do not reward a high number of them: a linker in every sentence reads as mechanical and can hold your score down.
This guide groups the most useful linking words by what they do, shows each one used correctly, points out the mistakes that cost marks, and ends with a short practice exercise.
For the rest of your vocabulary, read our IELTS vocabulary guide. For the Writing paper as a whole, see IELTS Writing tips.
How do linking words affect your IELTS score?
IELTS names linking words in its own descriptions of how Writing and Speaking are marked:
- Writing. On its Academic Writing format page, IELTS says Coherence and Cohesion “assesses how clear and fluent your writing is, and how you organise ideas and information”. It includes ordering your ideas logically and using a range of cohesive devices, such as linking words, pronouns and conjunctions, appropriately.
- Speaking. On its Academic Speaking format page, IELTS says Fluency and Coherence includes putting your ideas in a logical order and using cohesive devices, including linking words, appropriately, so that what you say is not difficult to follow.
Two words in those descriptions matter most: range and appropriately. Repeating moreover five times is not a range. Using however where there is no contrast is not appropriate. Linking words are also only part of cohesion: pronouns such as this, these and it, and words that refer back to an earlier idea, do much of the work in high-scoring answers.
Linking words for adding an idea
| Linking word | Example |
|---|---|
| in addition | Public transport reduces traffic. In addition, it cuts air pollution. |
| moreover / furthermore | The scheme is cheap to run. Moreover, it is popular with residents. |
| also | Online courses are flexible. They are also cheaper than campus courses. |
| as well as | The library offers books as well as quiet study rooms. |
| not only … but also | Exercise not only improves health but also lifts mood. |
Moreover and furthermore are formal. They suit Writing Task 2 and sound stiff in Speaking, where also or and another thing is is more natural.
Linking words for contrast
| Linking word | Example |
|---|---|
| however | Cars are convenient. However, they are expensive to maintain. |
| although / even though | Although the city is crowded, it has many green spaces. |
| while / whereas | Sales rose in Europe, whereas they fell in Asia. |
| despite / in spite of | Despite the rain, the event went ahead. |
| on the other hand | Living alone gives you freedom. On the other hand, it can be lonely. |
| nevertheless | The plan was costly. Nevertheless, the council approved it. |
Watch the grammar here. Although joins two clauses in one sentence; however usually starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma. Despite is followed by a noun or an -ing form, never a full clause: “despite the rain” or “despite feeling tired”, not “despite it rained”. And never use although and but in the same sentence.
Linking words for cause and result
| Linking word | Example |
|---|---|
| because / because of | Many people cycle because it is cheaper. Many people cycle because of the cost. |
| since / as | As prices have risen, fewer families eat out. |
| due to / owing to | The flight was delayed due to fog. |
| as a result / consequently | Rents doubled. As a result, many young people moved away. |
| therefore / thus | The data is incomplete. Therefore, the conclusion is uncertain. |
| so | It was late, so we took a taxi. |
| this means that | Fewer students are choosing science. This means that there may be a shortage of engineers. |
Because is followed by a clause; because of and due to are followed by a noun. “Due to the cost” is correct; “due to it is expensive” is not.
Linking words for examples
| Linking word | Example |
|---|---|
| for example / for instance | Some jobs can be done from home. For example, many accountants now work remotely. |
| such as | Team sports such as football teach cooperation. |
| a good example of this is | Technology can save lives. A good example of this is the use of drones to deliver medicine. |
| in particular / especially | Air pollution harms children, in particular those with asthma. |
Such as introduces a noun inside the sentence; for example usually introduces a whole new sentence. In Writing Task 2, IELTS asks you to support your ideas with evidence and examples, so these phrases do real work there.
Linking words for sequence and conclusion
| Purpose | Linking words |
|---|---|
| Ordering points | first, second, finally; to begin with; another reason is |
| Describing a process (Writing Task 1) | first, next, then, after that, once this is done, finally |
| Comparing data (Writing Task 1) | similarly, likewise, by contrast, in comparison |
| Summing up | in conclusion, to sum up, overall |
Overall is the natural way to open the overview paragraph in Writing Task 1. In conclusion belongs at the end of a Task 2 essay, not in Speaking, where it sounds scripted.
Linking words for IELTS Speaking
Speaking needs less formal linkers. Examiners listen for answers that are easy to follow, not for essay vocabulary. Natural choices include:
- To add: also, and another thing is, on top of that
- To contrast: but, though, having said that, then again
- To give a reason: because, the main reason is, that’s why
- To give an example: for example, like, for instance
- To buy thinking time: that’s an interesting question, let me think, well
- To finish a Part 2 talk: so that’s why, all in all
“Having said that, I do think it depends on the person” sounds fluent. “Furthermore, it is pertinent to note” in answer to a question about your hometown does not.
What mistakes with linking words cost marks?
- Using too many. Starting every sentence with a linker makes writing mechanical. Many sentences need no linker at all, because the order of ideas already makes the connection clear.
- Using the wrong meaning. Moreover adds; it cannot introduce a contrast. Therefore shows a result; it cannot introduce an example.
- Wrong grammar after the linker. “Despite it was late” and “due to it is cheap” are errors that also cost marks under Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
- Doubling up. “Although the plan was cheap, but it failed” uses two contrast words for one contrast. Keep one.
- Punctuation with however. “It was cheap, however it failed” is a run-on sentence. Write “It was cheap. However, it failed.” or “It was cheap; however, it failed.”
- Memorised strings. Phrases like “last but not least” and “in a nutshell” are easy to spot and add nothing.
What does natural linking look like?
Here is a short Writing Task 2 paragraph, written by Galvanize, on whether cities should ban cars from their centres. The linking words are in bold.
Banning cars from city centres would make streets safer and cleaner. For example, a city that removes parking from its centre gives pedestrians space that cars used to take. However, a ban only works if people have another way to travel. In cities with poor public transport, it would simply push traffic into the surrounding areas. For this reason, any ban should come after investment in buses and trains, not before it.
There are three linking words in five sentences, each doing a different job: an example, a contrast and a result. The two uses of it refer back to the ban, which is cohesion without a linking word. The first and fourth sentences need no linker at all.
Practice: choose the right linking word
Choose the best linking word for each gap. The answers are below.
- The museum is free. ______, it is rarely busy. (However / Therefore / For example)
- ______ the high cost, many families still choose private schools. (Although / Despite / Because)
- Some foods, ______ sugar and white bread, raise blood sugar quickly. (such as / for example / in addition)
- The factory closed. ______, hundreds of people lost their jobs. (As a result / On the other hand / Moreover)
- Sales of e-books grew, ______ sales of printed books stayed the same. (whereas / therefore / because)
- ______ the population is ageing, governments will need more care workers. (Despite / Since / However)
Answers: 1. However (the second sentence contrasts with what you would expect). 2. Despite (followed by a noun, “the high cost”). 3. such as (introduces nouns inside the sentence). 4. As a result (the job losses are a result of the closure). 5. whereas (a contrast between two trends). 6. Since (gives the reason; it is followed by a clause).
How should you practise IELTS linking words?
- Learn five or six per function, not fifty. A small set you use accurately beats a long list you misuse.
- Underline the linkers in your practice essays. If there is one in every sentence, remove half and read it again.
- Check the grammar that follows each linker. Clause or noun? New sentence or same sentence?
- Record yourself in Speaking practice. Listen for formal essay words that sound out of place in conversation.
To test your Writing and Speaking under real conditions, take the free IELTS mock test. To see what your practice scores add up to, read our guide to IELTS band scores, and for Speaking specifically, see our IELTS Speaking tips.
If you are taking IELTS for study abroad, our counsellors can help you set a band target for the universities on your list. Talk to an admissions counsellor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are linking words in IELTS?
Words and phrases that connect ideas, such as however, as a result, for example and in addition. IELTS counts them as cohesive devices, along with pronouns and conjunctions.
Do linking words increase my IELTS band score?
They help when they are accurate and varied. IELTS assesses whether you use a range of cohesive devices appropriately. Using too many, or using them with the wrong meaning, can hold your score down.
Which IELTS criterion includes linking words?
In Writing it is Coherence and Cohesion. In Speaking it is Fluency and Coherence. Each is one of the four criteria for its paper.
How many linking words should I use in an IELTS essay?
There is no target number. Use one where it makes a connection clearer. Many sentences need none, because the order of your ideas already shows how they connect.
Can I use 'moreover' and 'furthermore' in IELTS Speaking?
You can, but they sound formal in conversation. Also, on top of that or and another thing is sound more natural when you speak.
What is the difference between 'although' and 'however'?
Although joins two clauses in one sentence: Although it was cheap, it failed. However usually starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma: It was cheap. However, it failed.
Is 'despite' followed by a clause?
No. Despite and in spite of are followed by a noun or an -ing form, such as despite the rain or despite feeling tired. Use although before a full clause.
Which linking words are best for Writing Task 1?
Overall to open the overview, then words for comparison and sequence, such as similarly, by contrast, whereas, first, next and finally.
Should I memorise phrases like 'last but not least'?
It is better not to. Memorised strings are easy to spot and add nothing to your meaning. Simple, accurate linkers work better.
Are pronouns part of cohesion in IELTS?
Yes. IELTS lists pronouns alongside linking words and conjunctions as cohesive devices. Words such as this, these and it, used to refer back to an earlier idea, link your writing without a linker.
How can I practise linking words?
Learn five or six per function, underline them in your practice essays to check you are not overusing them, and check the grammar that follows each one.
