Grammar
English Linking Words: The Complete Guide for Advanced Learners
Do your English texts sound choppy despite correct grammar? The secret ingredient you are missing is linking words -- connectors like however, moreover, and nevertheless. These small words make the difference between beginner-level writing and professional communication. In this interactive lesson, you will learn the most important English connectors sorted by function and practise their correct usage, including punctuation rules that German speakers particularly struggle with.
Topics
Learning Content
Using English Linking Words Correctly
Linking words (also called connectors or transition words) are the glue of good English texts. They logically connect sentences and paragraphs, showing your reader how your ideas relate -- whether you are adding, contrasting, concluding, or comparing.
For German speakers in particular, there are pitfalls: The punctuation with words like however, therefore, and moreover differs fundamentally from German. The notorious comma splice is one of the most common errors in English texts written by German speakers.
In this lesson, you will learn:
- 30+ linking words sorted into six functional groups
- Correct punctuation with semicolons, periods, and commas
- The difference between formal and informal connectors
- Common mistakes by German speakers and how to avoid them
- When to use although vs. despite and however vs. but
Includes interactive exercises and final test. Duration: approx. 25 minutes.
Email Vocabulary
0/6 learned
I am writing to...
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Please find attached...
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Could you please...
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I look forward to...
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Kind regards
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As discussed...
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Grammar Rule: Punctuation with Linking Words
Rule
Linking words like however, moreover, therefore, and nevertheless usually appear at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. When connecting two main clauses, a semicolon or period comes before the linking word. WRONG: 'The project failed, however we learned a lot.' CORRECT: 'The project failed; however, we learned a lot.' or 'The project failed. However, we learned a lot.'
Examples
"The costs were high. However, the results justified the investment."
Correct: Period before 'However', comma after.
"She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam easily."
Correct: Semicolon before 'therefore', comma after.
"The weather was bad, nevertheless we enjoyed the trip."
Wrong! A simple comma is not enough. Correct: 'The weather was bad; nevertheless, we enjoyed the trip.'
"Moreover, the company offers excellent training programmes."
Correct: 'Moreover' at the beginning of the sentence with a comma after it.
Tips
- •Beginning of sentence: However, ... / Moreover, ... / Therefore, ... (always with comma)
- •Two main clauses: Sentence 1; however, Sentence 2 (semicolon + comma)
- •Although, despite, and because are conjunctions and follow different rules
- •Don't confuse 'however' (conjunctive adverb) with 'but' (conjunction)
Warning
Common Mistake by German Speakers: In German, you can write 'Das Wetter war schlecht, trotzdem hatten wir Spaß' without any issue. In English, this creates a comma splice -- a very common error! Linking words like however, nevertheless, and therefore always need a period or semicolon before them, never just a comma.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks -- Insert Linking Words
The report was well-written. ______, it contained several factual errors.
Exercise 2: True or False?
'However' and 'but' can always be used interchangeably.
Linking Words by Function
The Six Functional Groups of English Connectors
To use linking words confidently, it helps to learn them by function -- not alphabetically. This way, you reach for the right word at the right moment.
1. Addition
When you want to expand or reinforce an idea: moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides, what's more, on top of that. In formal writing, prefer moreover or furthermore; in conversation, use also or on top of that.
2. Contrast
When expressing a contradiction or qualification: however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast, conversely. However is the most versatile and common contrast connector.
3. Cause and Effect
When showing a logical consequence: therefore, consequently, as a result, hence, thus, accordingly. Therefore is the most universal; hence and thus sound very formal.
Key Linking Words
15 words
however
advUsed to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous one
The plan was ambitious. However, it lacked funding.
moreover
advIn addition to what has been said; used to add a stronger point
The hotel was affordable. Moreover, it was centrally located.
furthermore
advIn addition; used in formal writing to add another point
The data supports our theory. Furthermore, recent studies confirm it.
nevertheless
advIn spite of what has just been said; stronger than 'however'
The task was difficult. Nevertheless, the team succeeded.
therefore
advFor that reason; used to show a logical conclusion
Costs increased significantly. Therefore, prices had to be adjusted.
consequently
advAs a direct result; emphasises the direct outcome
The bridge collapsed. Consequently, traffic was diverted for months.
although
conjEven though; a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause
Although it was raining, they continued the match.
despite
prepIn spite of; a preposition followed by a noun or gerund
Despite the delays, the project was completed on time.
in addition
advAlso; as well as what has been mentioned
In addition, we offer free delivery on orders over €50.
on the other hand
advFrom a different point of view; showing an alternative perspective
Working from home saves time. On the other hand, it can be isolating.
as a result
advBecause of something that happened; showing the outcome
The company invested in training. As a result, productivity improved.
for instance
advAs an example; used to introduce a specific case
Some languages are tonal. For instance, Mandarin has four tones.
similarly
advIn a similar way; drawing a parallel between two things
The UK faced supply issues. Similarly, Germany reported shortages.
in contrast
advShowing a clear difference between two things
Sales rose in Q1. In contrast, Q2 saw a sharp decline.
meanwhile
advAt the same time; showing simultaneous events
The CEO was in talks. Meanwhile, staff prepared the presentation.
Game: Word Scramble -- Linking Words
Matching: Linking Word to Function
Click on a word on the left and then on the matching translation on the right.
Formal vs. Informal
Formal and Informal Linking Words -- When to Use Which
A common mistake: German learners use overly formal connectors like furthermore or nevertheless in emails and everyday conversations. This sounds stiff and unnatural to native speakers.
The rule of thumb: The more formal the context, the more sophisticated the connector.
| Function | Formal (reports, essays) | Neutral (emails, presentations) | Informal (conversation, chat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast | nevertheless, nonetheless | however, on the other hand | but, still, though |
| Addition | furthermore, moreover | in addition, also | plus, and, on top of that |
| Cause | consequently, hence, thus | therefore, as a result | so, that's why |
| Example | namely, that is to say | for example, for instance | like, say |
In a business email, neutral connectors like however, therefore, and in addition are almost always the best choice. Formal variants like furthermore are better suited for reports and academic texts.
Exercise 3: Which Linking Word Fits?
The product is innovative. ___, it is affordable.
Tip
Pro Tip for Business Emails: Use a maximum of 2-3 different linking words per email. A text containing 'moreover', 'furthermore', 'however' in every sentence feels overloaded. Less is more -- choose deliberately and let simple sentences stand on their own without connectors.
Sentence Builder: Sentences with Linking Words
Translation: The service was excellent. However, the food was slow.
Translation: German to English
German
Die Firma wächst schnell. Außerdem plant sie, neue Büros zu eröffnen.
Final Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Which punctuation is correct?
More Lessons
English Proofreading for Academic Texts: What You Need to Know
Academic Writing in English: The Complete Guide for German Students
English Proofreading: 10 Tricks for Error-Free Texts
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