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40 linking words for essays
Linking words show the reader how your ideas fit together: whether you are adding a point, giving a reason, showing a result or changing direction. Used well, they make an essay easy to follow. Used too often, they make it sound mechanical.
Each linking word below appears inside a full sentence of the kind you might write in a school essay, a university assignment or a project report, on topics such as air pollution, online learning, social media, recycling, housing, health and AI in education.
The words are grouped by job, from adding and contrasting to hedging and concluding. At the end, you will find the most common linking mistakes students make and how to fix them.
Adding a point
In addition, online learning allows students to review recorded lessons at their own pace.
'In addition' adds another point; it is a safe, formal choice at the start of a sentence.
Furthermore, recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to Hong Kong's already crowded landfills.
'Furthermore' adds a point that makes your argument stronger; use it once or twice per essay.
Regular exercise improves physical health. Moreover, it has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
'Moreover' adds a further, often stronger point; do not start every sentence with it.
Another significant factor is the cost of private tutoring, which many families struggle to afford.
'Another … is' adds a point without a linking word at all, which gives your writing variety. factor: Full explanation →
AI tools can mark simple exercises, as well as give students instant feedback on their writing.
'As well as' adds a second idea inside the same sentence; it is followed by a noun or an -ing word.
Contrasting ideas
However, the survey only included 50 students, so the results may not apply to all schools.
'However' introduces a contrast; put a comma after it and start a new sentence before it.
On the one hand, social media helps teenagers stay connected with friends. On the other hand, it can expose them to cyberbullying.
'On the one hand… On the other hand' compares two sides of the same issue; use them as a pair.
Although public housing rents are low, the waiting time for a flat is now more than five years.
'Although' starts a clause that contrasts with the main clause; do not add 'but' as well.
Electric buses produce no exhaust fumes, whereas diesel buses are a major source of roadside pollution.
'Whereas' compares two different things in one sentence; put a comma before it.
Despite the government's efforts, the recycling rate in Hong Kong remains low.
'Despite' is followed by a noun or an -ing word, not a full clause: 'despite the efforts', not 'despite the government tried'.
Cause and effect
As a result, the evidence suggests that smaller classes lead to better exam performance.
'As a result' introduces a result of what came before; it is a formal alternative to 'so'. evidence: Full explanation →
Many young people spend over six hours a day online. Consequently, they get less sleep than they need.
'Consequently' shows that one thing happens because of another; it sounds formal and serious.
Due to the high cost of land, new flats in Hong Kong are among the smallest in the world.
'Due to' gives a reason and is followed by a noun phrase, not a full clause.
Air quality is worst in winter because winds carry pollutants from the mainland.
'Because' gives a reason inside the same sentence; avoid starting a sentence with 'Because' unless both clauses follow.
The school replaced plastic bottles with water fountains, which led to a 40% drop in plastic waste.
'Led to' links a cause to its effect; it works well when you report results in a project.
Giving examples
For example, students in rural areas often lack a stable internet connection.
'For example' introduces an example in a new sentence; put a comma after it.
Some apps, such as Duolingo and Quizlet, use games to keep learners motivated.
'Such as' gives examples inside a sentence and is followed by nouns, not a full sentence.
For instance, a study in Singapore found that students who exercised before class concentrated better.
'For instance' means the same as 'for example'; use both to avoid repeating yourself.
Air pollution affects vulnerable groups, in particular young children and the elderly.
'In particular' points to the most important example from a larger group.
This is illustrated by the rapid growth of food delivery apps, which has increased plastic packaging waste.
'This is illustrated by' introduces a real-world example that supports the point you have just made.
Sequencing and steps
First, we designed a questionnaire on students' sleeping habits.
'First' starts a sequence of steps; it is shorter and more common today than 'Firstly'.
We then analysed the responses to identify patterns between screen time and sleep.
'Then' moves to the next step; it can go before the verb instead of at the start of the sentence. analyse: Full explanation →
Next, we interviewed five teachers to understand how AI tools are used in their lessons.
'Next' introduces the following step in a process; put a comma after it.
Once the data had been collected, we compared the results of the two groups.
'Once' means 'as soon as' or 'after'; it shows that one step depends on another finishing.
Finally, we assessed whether the recycling scheme had changed students' behaviour.
'Finally' introduces the last step or point; it is more natural than 'Lastly' in most essays. assess: Full explanation →
Emphasising a point
Indeed, the number of students using AI chatbots doubled within a single year.
'Indeed' confirms and strengthens what you have just said; use it sparingly.
Most importantly, the new policy must be affordable for low-income families.
'Most importantly' marks your strongest point; save it for the one that matters most.
It is worth noting that the survey was carried out during the exam period.
'It is worth noting that' draws attention to a detail the reader might miss.
In fact, a significant number of teenagers report feeling worse after using social media.
'In fact' adds a surprising or stronger detail that supports your point. significant: Full explanation →
Clearly, the cost of housing is one of the most serious problems facing young people in Hong Kong.
'Clearly' shows you think the point is obvious from your evidence; only use it after you have given that evidence.
Hedging: being careful with claims
Online learning may suit independent learners better than students who need close support.
'May' shows a possibility, not a certainty; it keeps your claim accurate.
Teenagers who exercise regularly tend to sleep better and perform better at school.
'Tend to' shows a general pattern that is not true in every case.
It seems that students are more willing to recycle when bins are placed in every classroom.
'It seems that' presents a conclusion carefully, based on what you observed.
To some extent, the results support our hypothesis that screen time affects sleep.
'To some extent' shows that something is partly, but not completely, true. hypothesis: Full explanation →
These findings could be interpreted as a sign that students rely too much on AI tools.
'Could be interpreted as' offers one possible meaning of your data without claiming it is the only one. interpret: Full explanation →
Concluding
In conclusion, a combination of stricter emission controls and better public transport is the most effective approach to reducing air pollution.
'In conclusion' opens your final paragraph; follow it with your answer to the question, not a copy of the essay. approach: Full explanation →
Overall, the benefits of AI in education outweigh the risks, provided that teachers guide its use.
'Overall' gives your general judgement after looking at all the points.
On balance, banning phones in schools does more good than harm.
'On balance' gives your final view after weighing both sides; it suits argumentative essays.
To sum up, the project shows that small changes in school routines can make a real difference to students' health.
'To sum up' introduces a short summary of your main points.
Taken together, these findings suggest that housing policy should focus on young families.
'Taken together' combines several results into one conclusion; it suits reports and research projects.
Phrases explained in full
Common mistakes
✗ Firstly, … Secondly, … Thirdly, … Lastly, …
✓ The main reason is… Another reason is… Finally, …
Numbering every paragraph makes an essay read like a list. Mix in openings such as "The main reason is…" and "Another factor is…".
✗ Moreover, … Moreover, … Moreover, …
✓ In addition, … Also, … A further problem is…
Using "Moreover" again and again sounds repetitive. Vary your linkers, or leave them out when the link is already clear.
✗ As we all know, social media is harmful to teenagers.
✓ Research suggests that heavy social media use may harm teenagers' mental health.
"As we all know" assumes agreement and gives no evidence. Point to research and hedge the claim instead.
✗ Although online learning is flexible, but it can be lonely.
✓ Although online learning is flexible, it can be lonely.
Use "although" or "but", not both. "Although X, Y" or "X, but Y".
✗ Recycling saves resources, however many people do not do it.
✓ Recycling saves resources. However, many people do not do it.
"However" cannot join two full sentences with a comma. Use a full stop or a semicolon before it and a comma after it.
✗ Besides, the government should build more public housing.
✓ In addition, the government should build more public housing.
"Besides" is informal. In an essay, "In addition" or "Furthermore" sounds more academic.
✗ On the other hand, AI can also help teachers mark homework.
✓ In addition, AI can help teachers mark homework.
"On the other hand" introduces the opposite side, not an extra point in the same direction. Use "In addition" for that.
✗ In conclusion, social media has advantages and disadvantages, as I said above.
✓ In conclusion, social media brings real benefits, but schools should teach students how to use it safely.
A conclusion should give a clear position or recommendation, not just repeat that there are pros and cons.
Tips
- Link ideas, not sentences. A linking word should show a real relationship. If two sentences already connect clearly, you may not need one.
- Mix it up. Starting every paragraph with "Moreover" or "Firstly" quickly sounds like a list. Try "Another reason is…" or "A further problem is…".
- Use a comma after an opening linker. "However, the data…", "For example, many students…".
- "However" cannot join two full sentences. Write "It is cheap. However, it is slow." or "It is cheap; however, it is slow."
- Hedge your claims. Words like "may", "tend to" and "to some extent" make your argument more accurate, and examiners notice.
- Keep formal writing formal. "Besides", "And so" and "But" at the start of a sentence are fine in speech, but "In addition", "As a result" and "However" suit essays better.
FAQ
Should I write "Firstly" or "First"?
Both are correct. "First" is more common in modern writing and slightly shorter; "Firstly" is fine in British English. Just be consistent, and do not feel you must number every paragraph. "The main reason is…" often reads better.
Can I use "On the other hand" without "On the one hand"?
Yes, but only to show the other side of the same issue, such as a disadvantage after an advantage. It does not mean "also" or simply "but". For an extra point, use "In addition"; for a simple contrast, use "However".
What can I use instead of "In conclusion"?
"To conclude", "Overall", "In summary", "Taken together" and "On balance" all work. More important than the word is what follows it: sum up your main points and answer the question, rather than repeating the whole essay.
Where can I put "however" in a sentence?
At the start ("However, the results…"), in the middle with two commas ("The results, however, were mixed.") or occasionally at the end. It cannot join two full sentences with just a comma.
Is "As we all know" OK in an essay?
It is best avoided. It assumes the reader agrees with you and adds no information. If the fact needs support, give evidence: "According to a 2024 survey, …". If it does not, simply state it.
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