Linking words are an essential part in debates to expand your sentences and to avoid repeating the subject. Here we have complied a list of common linking phrases and some examples to help you use them.
Linking words and phrases
| Addition – to add an idea |
| additionally, and, also, apart from this, as well (as), in addition, moreover, further, furthermore, too |
Examples:
- It is commonly known that genetically modified food is currently not permitted in Japan, additionally other countries take a similarly cautious approach.
- The use of landmines in war torn countries has created havoc as well as leaving a legacy of wounded people.
| Condition – to provide a condition |
| if, in that case, provided that, unless |
Examples:
- I will concede the point provided that my opponent does also.
- The security council has announced the deployment of troops to West Africa unless the nations declare it to be unnecessary.
| For comparison – to show how things are similar |
| correspondingly, equally, for the same reason, in a similar manner, in comparison, in the same way, on the one hand, similarly, too |
Examples:
- Terrorism has become a dominant issue for the our present era, equally the rise in awareness surrounding Climate Change has taken over the public conscientiousness.
- Diplomacy is the cornerstone of a country’s influence, correspondingly a masterful use and understanding of tactfulness is the key characteristic of successful people.
| For contrast – to show how things are different |
| alternatively, although, but, conversely, despite, even so, even though, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, on the contrary, contrary to, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, on the other hand, rather, still, though, yet, whereas, while. |
Examples:
- President Trump who was furious at attempts to discredit him, was nonetheless ever popular.
- While people who are disabled are treated poorly at work, respect for people needing additional needs has somewhat improved.
| For emphasis – to put forward an idea more forcefully |
| again, in fact, interestingly, indeed, it should be noted (that), more important(ly), most importantly, to repeat, (un)fortunately, unquestionably |
Examples:
- More importantly, why has the use of plastic increased while knowledge of their destructive capability grown.
- The weather was set to change and more more foggy, and indeed, the next day it was more difficult to see more than 100 feet in front of you.
| For illustration – to provide examples |
| a further instance of this is…, an example of this is…, for example, for instance, such as, thus, as follows |
Examples:
- I deeply oppose the use of taxation to encourage people to have healthier lives, for example …
- There have been a number of instances where the government has used violence against its own people, such as …
| For restatement – for rephrasing statements |
| in other words, more simply, namely, simply put, to put it differently / another way, such as, that is |
Examples:
- My previous statement in this subject, namely, my opinion of how women ought to be treated equally at work …
- Simply put a nuclear power station is a large factory which draws power from heat created from special rocks.
| The cause of things – to attribute the reasons for something occurring |
| a / the consequence of, because, due to, for, the effect of …, since, the result of … |
Examples:
- The opposition does not think of the effects of having extra police patrolling the streets …
- Due to the introduction of the car, the number of deaths caused on the roads fell significantly.
| The effect of things – to show the effect of something |
| accordingly, as a result/consequence, consequently, for this reason, hence, so, therefore, thus |
Examples:
- This cannot apparently be done for insects or for birds; Dr Stevenson accordingly, and accurately, writes how the two animals can be united into two groups …
- Consequently, during the summer months and except other times of the year elephants keep to the inner and more dense parts of the forest.
| For concession / qualification – conceding something |
| admittedly, although, clearly though, even though, however, indeed, obviously |
Examples:
- This can certainly become a real concern, although the chances are rather slim.
- Although he was a king, the son was raised like a commoner and regularly taken out of the palace grounds.
| Generalisation – making a general statement |
| as a rule, for the most part, generally, in general, in most cases, normally, on the whole, usually |
Examples:
- The internet, for the most part, is an enormously useful tool.
- Generally speaking, the need for reform is of urgent need.
| Time order – to indicate a chronological sequence |
| first, second, third (etc), next, before, earlier, finally, following, given the above, later, meanwhile, subsequently, then, to conclude, while |
Examples:
- The UN sent an envoy to South East Asia and subsequently decided more time was needed to come to a decision.
- Given the above, our team fully supports the motion and hopes more will be done to alleviate the suffering of the poor and homeless.