Learning objectives
- Identify the main categories of linking words: addition, contrast, cause, consequence, sequence and exemplification
- Use linking words of addition correctly (moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides)
- Use linking words of contrast correctly (however, on the other hand, nevertheless, although, whereas)
- Use linking words of cause and consequence correctly (because, since, as, due to, therefore, thus, consequently)
- Use linking words of sequence and exemplification correctly (first, then, finally, for example, for instance, such as)
- Apply correct punctuation when using linking words at the start or in the middle of a sentence
- Combine two simple sentences into one well-linked sentence using an appropriate connector
Grammar & vocabulary
Addition
moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides, also, what is more — used to add another point that supports the same idea. Usually placed at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma. Examples: "The new library has more books. Moreover, it stays open until midnight." "She speaks French and Arabic fluently. In addition, she is learning Spanish." "He is intelligent; besides, he works extremely hard."
Contrast
however, on the other hand, nevertheless, although, though, even though, whereas, while, in spite of / despite. Punctuation rules: "however" at the start of a sentence is followed by a comma ("However, the exam was harder than expected."). "Although" and "even though" introduce a subordinate clause — put a comma after the clause if it starts the sentence ("Although it was raining, we went out."), and no comma is needed when the main clause comes first ("We went out although it was raining."). "Despite" and "in spite of" are followed by a noun or a gerund, never a full clause ("Despite the rain, we went out." / "In spite of being tired, she finished her homework."). "Whereas" and "while" link two contrasting clauses within one sentence, with a comma before them ("Ali prefers physics, whereas his sister prefers literature.").
Cause
because, since, as, due to, owing to — "because", "since" and "as" are followed by a clause (subject + verb); "due to" and "owing to" are followed by a noun phrase, not a full clause. Examples: "She stayed home because she was ill." "Since the weather was bad, the match was postponed." "The trip was cancelled due to heavy rain." (not "due to it was raining").
Consequence / result
therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, so — usually placed at the start of a new sentence or after a semicolon, followed by a comma. Examples: "He didn't study for the exam; therefore, he failed." "The company lost money for three years. As a result, it had to close several stores."
Sequence / time
first(ly), second(ly), then, next, subsequently, after that, finally, eventually — used to organize ideas or events in a clear order. Example: "First, preheat the oven. Then, mix the ingredients. Finally, bake for twenty minutes."
Exemplification
for example, for instance, such as, like, namely — "such as" and "like" introduce examples within a sentence; "for example" and "for instance" typically start a new clause or sentence, followed by a comma. Example: "Many Moroccan cities, such as Fes and Marrakech, attract tourists all year." "Some students struggle with time management. For example, they leave revision until the last minute."
Common mistakes
Using 'because of' before a full clause — 'because of' must be followed by a noun or noun phrase ('because of the rain'), not a clause ('because of it was raining'); use 'because' alone for a clause.
Forgetting the comma after introductory linking words like 'however', 'therefore' or 'for example' at the start of a sentence.
Confusing 'despite / in spite of' (+ noun or gerund) with 'although' (+ clause) — writing 'despite it was raining' instead of 'despite the rain' or 'although it was raining'.
Using 'besides' to mean 'except' — in this context, 'besides' is used to add a point, not to exclude something.
Overusing the same linking word (such as 'and' or 'but') throughout an essay instead of varying connectors to show precise relationships between ideas.
Worked example — Linking a paragraph
Passage
"Moroccan students face several challenges during exam season. Firstly, the workload increases dramatically as several subjects are tested within a short period. Moreover, many students juggle revision with family responsibilities. However, most students manage to organize their time effectively. As a result, the majority pass their exams successfully. Despite the pressure, this period also teaches valuable skills such as discipline and time management."
Explanation
"Firstly" opens a sequence, introducing the first challenge. "Moreover" adds a second challenge (addition). "However" introduces a contrast — a shift from difficulty to a more positive point. "As a result" signals the consequence of that organization. "Despite" is correctly followed by a noun phrase ("the pressure"), not a clause, to show contrast. "Such as" introduces two examples (discipline, time management) without needing a full sentence break.
3 practice exercises
Exercise 1
EasyChoose the correct linking word. 1) Amal loves reading; ___ (however / because), her sister prefers watching movies. 2) He was late for school ___ (because / despite) the bus broke down. 3) I enjoy sports, ___ (such as / for example) football and basketball.
Show answer
1) however 2) because 3) such as.
Exercise 2
MediumCombine each pair of sentences using the connector given in brackets. 1) It was raining heavily. We decided to go for a walk. (although) 2) She studied hard. She passed the exam with excellent grades. (as a result) 3) He is very talented. He is also extremely hardworking. (moreover)
Show answer
1) Although it was raining heavily, we decided to go for a walk. 2) She studied hard. As a result, she passed the exam with excellent grades. 3) He is very talented; moreover, he is extremely hardworking.
Exercise 3
HardFind and correct the linking-word error in each sentence. 1) The match was cancelled due to it was raining heavily. 2) Despite she was exhausted, she finished the marathon. 3) She was tired therefore she went to bed early.
Show answer
1) 'due to' must be followed by a noun phrase → 'The match was cancelled due to the heavy rain' (or 'because it was raining heavily'). 2) 'despite' must be followed by a noun or gerund, not a clause → 'Despite being exhausted, she finished the marathon' (or 'Although she was exhausted...'). 3) missing punctuation around the connector → 'She was tired; therefore, she went to bed early.'
3 exercices, c'est un début.
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FAQ
What is the difference between 'despite' and 'although'?
'Despite' is followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), never by a full clause — for example, 'despite the rain' or 'despite being tired'. 'Although' is followed by a full clause with a subject and a verb — for example, 'although it was raining' or 'although he was tired'.
Do you need a comma after 'however' at the start of a sentence?
Yes. When 'however' introduces a new sentence, it is followed by a comma — for example, 'However, most students passed the exam.'
Can 'because of' be followed by a full sentence?
No. 'Because of' must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, such as 'because of the rain'. To introduce a full clause with a subject and a verb, use 'because' alone, as in 'because it was raining'.