Linking Expressions | IELTS Essay Vocabulary
We use certain words or phrases to show how ideas flow between sentences. These are called discourse markers. These cohesive elements improve your writing and make it easy to understand what you are trying to say.
There are lots of linking structures / discourse markers in English. It is impossible to learn all of them. It is not necessary either. The most common examples are given below. Note that linking expressions usually come at the beginning of a sentence. They are not conjunctions and they do not connect clauses. They can be removed without causing any ungrammaticality. Of course, some meaning will be lost if cohesive elements are removed from a sentence.
Words used to focus or link
As regards
As for
With reference to
Regarding
Speaking of
Words used to balance contrasting points
While
Whereas
On the other hand
Words used to emphasize a contrast
Nevertheless
However
Still
Yet
In spite of
Words used to show similarity
In the same way
Similarly
Concession
Of course
It is true that
Words used to present the counter argument
Even so
However
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
All the same
Words used to contradict
On the contrary
Words used to dismiss what has already been said
At any rate
At least
Anyway
Anyhow
Words used to suggest that you are changing the subject
Incidentally
By the way
Words used to show the structure of what we are saying
First/firstly, second/secondly, lastly, finally
For one thing, for another thing
To start with / to begin with
In the first / second / third place
Words used to add information to what has already been said
Moreover, furthermore (formal)
In addition, what is more, besides, on top of that
Words used to generalize
On the whole, in general
In most cases
Broadly speaking
To a great extent
Words used to give examples
For instance, for example
In particular
Words used to show logical consequence
Therefore
Consequently
As a result
Hence, thus, so, then
Words used to make things clearer or to give more information
Actually
In other words
That is to say
Words used to express your opinion
I think, I feel, I reckon
In my opinion / view
I believe that
Words used to show your attitude to what you are saying
Honestly
Frankly
No doubt
Words used to sum up what has already been said
In conclusion
To conclude
In short
To sum up
