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.