1/15
00:00

Learn more about this topic →

AA.1 Learn how to use linking words to connect ideas

Loading questions...

Go to the practice →

What are linking words?

Linking words are words and phrases that connect ideas in writing. They help readers understand how one idea relates to another.

Examples of Linking Words:
  • also
  • because
  • another
  • so
  • then
Note

Think of linking words as bridges that connect your thoughts and sentences together.

Why are linking words important?

Using linking words makes your writing clear and easy to follow. They show relationships between ideas such as cause and effect, sequence, or adding new information.

Examples:
  • “I stayed inside because it was raining.”
  • “We went to the park. Also, we had a picnic.”
  • “Another reason I like dogs is that they are playful.”
Note

Good writers use linking words to help readers see how ideas fit together smoothly.

Types of linking words

Different linking words show different kinds of connections. Here are three common types you will use in your writing:

Types and Examples:
  • Adding ideas: also, another, in addition
  • Showing cause and effect: because, so, since
  • Showing sequence: first, then, next
Note

Choose the linking word that best matches the relationship between your ideas.

Using "also"

Also is used to add more information to what has already been said.

Examples:
  • “I like apples. I also like bananas.”
  • “We played soccer. We also went swimming.”
Note

Use also when you want to add another idea that is similar.

Using "because"

Because is used to show the reason for something.

Examples:
  • “I stayed inside because it was raining.”
  • “She is happy because she won a prize.”
Note

Use because to connect an action with its reason.

Using "so"

So is used to show the result or outcome of something.

Examples:
  • “It was cold, so I wore a jacket.”
  • “She studied hard, so she did well on the test.”
Note

Use so to show what happened as a result of something else.

Using "but"

But is used to show a difference or contrast between two ideas.

Examples:
  • “I wanted to play outside, but it was raining.”
  • “He is small, but he runs fast.”
Note

Use but when two ideas do not fully agree or match.

Using "then"

Then is used to show what happens next in order or time.

Examples:
  • “First, we ate lunch. Then, we went outside.”
  • “He washed his hands, then sat at the table.”
Note

Use then to show what comes right after something else.

Using "next"

Next is used to show the step that follows in a sequence of events.

Examples:
  • “We packed our bags. Next, we left for the trip.”
  • “Mix the flour and sugar. Next, add the eggs.”
Note

Use next when explaining steps or events in order.

Using "after"

After is used to show that one event happens later than another.

Examples:
  • “We cleaned up after the party.”
  • “She read a book after finishing her homework.”
Note

Use after to show that something happens later in time.

Using "before"

Before is used to show that one event happens earlier than another.

Examples:
  • “Wash your hands before dinner.”
  • “She practiced piano before the concert.”
Note

Use before to show that something happens earlier in time.

Using "for example"

For example is used to give a specific case that shows a bigger idea.

Examples:
  • “Many fruits are healthy. For example, apples give you fiber.”
  • “There are many sports. For example, soccer is played worldwide.”
Note

Use for example when you want to explain with a specific case.

Using "another"

Another is used to add one more thing or idea to what has already been said.

Examples:
  • “I want another slice of pizza.”
  • “Another reason I like summer is swimming.”
Note

Use another to add one more person, place, or thing.

Using "and"

And is used to join words or ideas that are similar or equal.

Examples:
  • “I like milk and cookies.”
  • “She sings and dances.”
Note

Use and to join ideas of equal importance.

Using "finally"

Finally is used to show the last step or event in a sequence.

Examples:
  • “First we packed our bags. Finally, we left for vacation.”
  • “He studied hard all week. Finally, the test day came.”
Note

Use finally to show the last step or ending in a process or story.

Tips for using linking words

When writing informative and explanatory texts, linking words help organize your ideas. Use them to guide your reader from one thought to the next.

Helpful Tips:
  • Do not overuse the same linking word. Try different ones.
  • Make sure the linking word matches the meaning of your sentence.
  • Use linking words at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence when needed.
Note

Practicing linking words will make your writing stronger and easier to understand.

Go to the practice →