Linking words: Refined connections deserve refined connectors.
Inasmuch as you care about style...
Dearest Reader,
Linking words are like the joints in a very well-oiled prose machine, ensuring all elements blend to taste. One does not simply jump from point to point without first bridging the gap.
Therefore—and I begin with a linking phrase intentionally—we must learn how to sew our thoughts together with a quality of stitching that leads the reader seamlessly from start to finish.
A Brief Taxonomy of Linking Words (and Their Temperaments)
Linking words are also known as conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases. Some connect, some contrast, others add detail, and a few introduce cause and consequence. And some—how very British—simply soften the blow.
Let us consider a few of the more distinguished specimens:
To Add or Elaborate
Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, Not only that
These are the butlers of your prose. Impeccably dressed, always bringing more to the table.
“She disapproved of vulgarity. Moreover, she disapproved of almost everything.”
To Contrast
However, Nevertheless, On the one hand/On the other hand, Albeit, Still, Whereas, In contrast (to)
These suggest disagreement—but with the raised eyebrow of a diplomat, not the slap of a street brawl.
“He did not have all the necessary qualifications. Nevertheless, he was quite certain he deserved the job.”
To Show Cause and Effect
Therefore, Thus, As a result, Consequently, Hence
These act as the logical links in the chain—though occasionally more smoke than substance in academic essays.
“She had spent the inheritance on silks and champagne. Therefore, she was utterly bankrupt, but exquisitely dressed.”
To Soften or Hedge
Arguably, To some extent, It could be said (that), In certain circles
These are for when one wishes to make a point while remaining inoffensively agreeable—very British.
“It could be said that his performance was bold. Arguably, it was catastrophic.”
To Emphasise
Indeed, In fact, Certainly, Undoubtedly, Clearly
Best used sparingly. A single “indeed” may reinforce your point. Three in a row, and you sound like a pompous barrister with a fondness for their own voice.
“She claimed to have no interest in gossip; indeed, she could barely finish her tea before beginning another scandalous anecdote.”
To Explain a Reason
Owing to, Due to the fact that, Because (of), Since, Inasmuch as
These are the justifications, the little courtroom arguments we tuck into our prose.
“Owing to the weather, the garden party was postponed—though the cucumber sandwiches remained bravely assembled.”
To Conclude or Summarise
In summary, In conclusion, Overall, Finally
These are your curtain calls. They sweep in, nod politely, and draw the velvet shut.
“In summary, her talents were many, though punctuality was not among them.”
How to Use Linking Words Without Sounding Like a Bureaucrat
It is a delicate balance.
Use too few, and your writing may feel disjointed, like a waltz missing every third step.
Use too many, and you risk sounding like a legal disclaimer or an over-caffeinated essayist.
Here are a few guiding principles:
Place with care: Linking words are often used at the beginning or the middle of a sentence, rarely, if ever, at the end. Beginning a sentence with However is often elegant, placing it mid-sentence is occasionally useful, ending a sentence with it is a cry for help.
Match tone with tone: Do not drag Nevertheless into a sentence that would otherwise be happy with but.
Avoid repetition: “Moreover... Moreover... Moreover...” The King would not repeat himself. Nor should you.
In conclusion, the next time you are composing an email, drafting a letter, or penning your modern-day Pride and Prejudice, remember this: Transitions are not merely tools for logic—they are instruments of tone. They announce your sensibility, your control, your sense of rhythm.
Write with grace. Link with flair. One cannot build a compelling argument with “also, like, yeah.”
Linguistically yours,
Thomas
P.S.
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Thank you for reading, and may your words always find their perfect form.
Here'what I do. When writing the first draft of a document I include lots of these linking words to make sure I get the logic of what I'm saying over to the reader as clearly as possible. Then in later drafts I see how many of these linking words I can knock out to make the text less cumbersome while still retaining clarity and oherence.