Linking Words

Linking words connect ideas: they show a contrast, give a reason or a result, add information or put things in order. What comes after them matters: some take a full clause (subject + verb), others a noun or an -ing form.

• Contrast

  although + clause; however starts a new sentence, with a comma; despite and in spite of + noun or -ing.

  Although it was cold, we went to the beach.

  It was cold. However, we went to the beach.

  Despite the cold, we went to the beach.

• Reason

  because + clause; because of + noun.

  We stayed in because it was raining.

  We stayed in because of the rain.

• Result

  so + clause, usually after a comma.

  It was raining, so we stayed in.

• Adding information

  also goes before the main verb (after be); too and as well go at the end.

  She also speaks German.

  She speaks German too.

• Order and examples

  First, Then, After that, Finally for steps; such as + noun for examples.

  First, wash the rice. Then boil the water.

  I like water sports, such as surfing and sailing.

Common mistakes

• ✗ Despite it was cold, we went out.→✓ Although it was cold, we went out.Despite takes a noun or -ing, not a clause.
• ✗ Although it was late, but we kept working.→✓ Although it was late, we kept working.Use although or but, never both in the same sentence.
• ✗ We stayed home because of it was raining.→✓ We stayed home because it was raining.Because of takes a noun (because of the rain).