Linking Words for IELTS Writing: The Complete Guide
Linking words (also called connectors, transitions, or cohesive devices) help your ideas flow smoothly from one to the next. They're essential for the Coherence and Cohesion criterion, which counts for 25% of your Writing score.
But here's the catch: both under-using AND over-using linking words can hurt your score. The Band 7 descriptors specifically mention that there may be "some under-/over-use" of cohesive devices—implying that Band 7+ essays get this balance right.
This guide shows you which linking words to use, when to use them, and how to avoid the common mistakes that limit scores.
What Examiners Look For
Band 6:
"Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical"
Band 7:
"Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under-/over-use"
Band 8:
"Manages all aspects of cohesion well"
The progression is clear: from mechanical use → appropriate range → skillful management.
Types of Linking Words
1. Addition (Adding Information)
Use when: Adding more points that support the same idea
| Word/Phrase | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | Neutral | Technology improves communication and education. |
| also | Neutral | It also creates new job opportunities. |
| furthermore | Formal | Furthermore, research supports this view. |
| moreover | Formal | Moreover, the economic benefits are significant. |
| in addition | Formal | In addition, governments must consider the costs. |
| additionally | Formal | Additionally, there are environmental impacts. |
| as well as | Neutral | Technology benefits education as well as business. |
Tip: "Furthermore" and "moreover" are often overused. Mix them with simpler connectors.
2. Contrast (Showing Difference)
Use when: Presenting opposing ideas or counterarguments
| Word/Phrase | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| but | Informal | Technology has benefits, but also drawbacks. |
| however | Formal | However, not everyone agrees with this view. |
| although/though | Neutral | Although this may be true, there are exceptions. |
| while/whereas | Neutral | While cities offer jobs, rural areas offer peace. |
| on the other hand | Formal | On the other hand, critics argue that... |
| nevertheless | Formal | Nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the costs. |
| despite/in spite of | Neutral | Despite these challenges, progress continues. |
| yet | Neutral | Technology is useful, yet has negative effects. |
Tip: "However" is the most versatile contrast connector for IELTS.
3. Cause and Effect (Showing Results)
Use when: Explaining why something happens or what results from it
| Word/Phrase | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| because/since/as | Neutral | Pollution is increasing because of industrialization. |
| therefore | Formal | Therefore, action is urgently needed. |
| consequently | Formal | Consequently, many species are endangered. |
| as a result | Formal | As a result, governments have introduced policies. |
| thus | Formal | Thus, we can conclude that intervention is necessary. |
| so | Informal | Resources are limited, so choices must be made. |
| due to/owing to | Neutral | This is due to economic pressures. |
| leads to/results in | Neutral | This leads to significant problems. |
4. Giving Examples
Use when: Providing specific illustrations of your points
| Word/Phrase | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for example | Neutral | For example, Japan has strict environmental laws. |
| for instance | Neutral | For instance, many companies now work remotely. |
| such as | Neutral | Countries such as Germany and France... |
| including | Neutral | Several factors, including cost and convenience... |
| to illustrate | Formal | To illustrate, consider the case of Sweden. |
| namely | Formal | Two factors are crucial, namely funding and expertise. |
Tip: "For example" and "such as" are sufficient for most essays. Don't overcomplicate.
5. Sequence and Organization
Use when: Ordering your points or moving through your argument
| Word/Phrase | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| firstly/first | Neutral | Firstly, technology improves communication. |
| secondly/second | Neutral | Secondly, it enhances education. |
| finally/lastly | Neutral | Finally, it creates economic opportunities. |
| to begin with | Neutral | To begin with, we must consider the costs. |
| next | Neutral | Next, we should examine the social effects. |
| then | Neutral | The government implemented reforms, then monitored results. |
Warning: Using "Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally" in every essay is mechanical and limits your score at Band 6.
6. Conclusion and Summary
Use when: Wrapping up your essay or a section
| Word/Phrase | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in conclusion | Formal | In conclusion, technology has transformed society. |
| to conclude | Formal | To conclude, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. |
| to summarize/in summary | Formal | In summary, both views have merit. |
| overall | Neutral | Overall, I believe this is a positive development. |
| in short | Neutral | In short, action is necessary. |
Tip: Use ONE concluding phrase. "In conclusion, to summarize, overall..." is redundant.
7. Emphasis
Use when: Highlighting important points
| Word/Phrase | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| particularly | Neutral | This is particularly important for developing nations. |
| especially | Neutral | Especially in recent years, this trend has accelerated. |
| notably | Formal | Notably, crime rates have decreased. |
| indeed | Formal | This is indeed a significant problem. |
| in fact | Neutral | In fact, the opposite may be true. |
8. Clarification
Use when: Explaining or making something clearer
| Word/Phrase | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in other words | Neutral | In other words, quality matters more than quantity. |
| that is | Neutral | Education should be holistic—that is, addressing all aspects of development. |
| to clarify | Formal | To clarify, I am referring only to developed nations. |
| specifically | Neutral | Specifically, I mean renewable energy sources. |
The Biggest Mistake: Over-Use
Many students stuff their essays with linking words, thinking more = better. This backfires.
Over-used (Band 5-6):
Firstly, technology improves education. Furthermore, it also enhances communication. Moreover, it creates jobs. Additionally, it helps healthcare. However, there are some problems. Nevertheless, I believe technology is positive. Therefore, governments should invest more.
This is mechanical and unnatural. The linking words don't add meaning—they just announce "here comes another point."
Natural (Band 7+):
Technology improves education by providing students with access to resources previously unavailable to them. It also enhances communication, enabling instant connection across continents. These benefits extend to healthcare, where telemedicine has expanded access to medical expertise. While some drawbacks exist, the overall impact of technology on society has been overwhelmingly positive, justifying continued investment.
Notice: Fewer linking words, but ideas still flow logically. The connections come from the content itself, not just from connectors.
How to Use Linking Words Effectively
Rule 1: One Linking Word Per Connection
Don't stack connectors.
"Furthermore, in addition, technology also helps..." →
"Furthermore, technology helps..."
Rule 2: Vary Your Connectors
Don't repeat the same word.
"However, some disagree. However, there is another view. However, critics argue..." →
"However, some disagree. On the other hand, there is another view. Nevertheless, critics argue..."
Better yet: Don't use three contrast connectors in a row. Structure your essay so you don't need that many.
Rule 3: Make Sure They're Necessary
Remove a linking word and see if the connection is still clear. If yes, the connector might be unnecessary.
Unnecessary: "Technology improves efficiency. Furthermore, it also reduces costs."
("Also" already shows addition—"furthermore" is redundant)
Cleaner: "Technology improves efficiency. It also reduces costs."
Rule 4: Use Linking Words That Fit the Logic
The connector must match the logical relationship.
"Technology improves education. However, it also creates jobs."
(There's no contrast between these ideas—wrong connector)
"Technology improves education. It also creates jobs."
Rule 5: Don't Start Every Sentence with a Connector
Mix sentences that have connectors with sentences that don't.
Mechanical:
Firstly, technology helps communication. Secondly, it improves education. Thirdly, it creates jobs. However, there are problems. For example, addiction is common.
Natural:
Technology has transformed how people communicate, enabling instant contact across the globe. Educational access has similarly expanded, with online resources available to students everywhere. These developments have generated new employment opportunities, though not without challenges. Addiction to digital devices has become increasingly common, particularly among young people.
Essential Linking Words (Learn These First)
If you're still building your vocabulary, master these common connectors first:
Addition: also, and, furthermore, in addition
Contrast: however, although, while, but
Cause/Effect: because, therefore, as a result
Example: for example, such as
Sequence: firstly, finally
Conclusion: in conclusion, overall
These cover most situations. Add more sophisticated alternatives as you become comfortable.
Quick Reference: When to Use What
| Purpose | Recommended Connectors |
|---|---|
| Adding a similar point | also, furthermore, in addition |
| Contrasting ideas | however, although, while |
| Showing cause | because, since, due to |
| Showing effect | therefore, as a result, consequently |
| Giving an example | for example, such as |
| Emphasizing | particularly, especially |
| Concluding | in conclusion, overall |
Key Takeaways
- Linking words show relationships—use them to connect ideas logically
- Avoid over-use—mechanical linking words limit your score to Band 6
- Vary your connectors—don't repeat the same words
- Match connector to logic—"however" for contrast, "therefore" for result
- Sometimes no connector is best—let ideas connect through content
- Keep it natural—if it sounds forced, simplify
The goal isn't to use as many linking words as possible. It's to guide your reader smoothly through your argument with appropriate cohesive devices.
Wondering if you're using linking words effectively? BandWriteCoach analyzes your cohesion patterns and identifies over-use or under-use that might be affecting your Coherence and Cohesion score.