Using linking words

Linking words or phrases help you to build a logical argument in your assignment by linking one statement to another. An assignment without linking words reads like a series of unrelated statements with no flow.

Linking words can be used to

• link the flow of ideas in your writing
• guide your reader towards the next stage of your argument
• link paragraphs together.

Which words link these sentences?

Find out how good you are at linking sentences and paragraphs together in this 'linking words' activity. You will need your OU computer username and password to access the activity. (Activity adapted from Coe, N., Ernest, P. and Rycroft, R (1983) Writing Skills. A Problem-Solving Approach, Cambridge University Press.)

Some linking words and phrases

To add a point

• Also…
• In addition, …
• Similarly, …
• Not only did …, but … also
• Moreover, …
• Furthermore, …

To contrast two points

• However, …
• Although …
• On the other hand …
• Yet, …
• Nevertheless, …
• In contrast, …

To illustrate, or to give an example

• For example, …
• Clearly, …
• That is, …
• …, namely,

To move on to the next point

• Then, …
• After this / that …
• Subsequently, …

To note consequences

• So, …
• Therefore, …
• As a result, …
• Consequently, …
• Despite …
• Since …

To summarise or conclude

• Finally, …
• In conclusion, …
• To conclude, …
• To summarise, …

To introduce a list of ideas

• Firstly, … (or 'The first point to note is …')
• Secondly, … (or 'The second point to note is …')
• Finally, … (or 'The next point to note is …')