Linking words, also known as transition words or phrases, are essential components of writing and speaking that help to connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs. They serve as the glue that holds a piece of writing together, ensuring that it flows logically and coherently. Common linking words include "and", "but", "or", and "so", as well as adverbs and phrases like "however", "therefore", "in addition", and "as a result."
Linking words are crucial because they enhance the readability and clarity of a text. Without them, writing can appear disjointed and confusing, making it difficult for readers or listeners to follow the author's line of thought. They help to signal relationships between ideas, such as cause and effect, contrast, addition, and sequence. For instance, using "however" indicates a contrast between two statements, while "therefore" signals a conclusion or result.
In the context of the TOEFL, using linking words effectively is particularly important. Using linking words appropriately can greatly improve a test taker's performance on the TOEFL. In the writing section, they help to create well-structured essays that are easy to follow, which can lead to higher scores. In the speaking section, linking words contribute to a smooth and fluent delivery, showing that the speaker can connect ideas effectively. Moreover, a good command of linking words reflects a higher level of language proficiency and a better understanding of the nuances of English.
The best way to learn linking words is through consistent practice. Practice daily by using linking words from this guide in your writing, such as short essays or summaries of articles and book chapters that require multiple transitions, and by speaking on various topics. This approach will help you become more familiar with linking words and how to use them effectively in both written and spoken communication.
Below is a huge list of linking words that you could use in TOEFL speaking and writing.
Table of Contents - How To Get Better At TOEFL Listening
Emphasis
1. Undoubtedly:
- Undoubtedly, the new policy will benefit the community significantly.
- The athlete's performance was, undoubtedly, the best we've seen this season.
2. Indeed:
- The experiment was successful, indeed, exceeding all expectations.
- Her dedication to the project was, indeed, impressive.
3. Obviously:
- Obviously, the test results show a significant improvement in the students' performance.
- It is obviously crucial to address the issue before it escalates.
4. Generally:
- Generally, people prefer working from home due to its flexibility.
- The weather is generally mild in this region during spring.
5. Admittedly:
- Admittedly, the task was more challenging than I had anticipated.
- He was, admittedly, unprepared for the exam.
6. In fact:
- In fact, the solution was simpler than we initially thought.
- The product's sales have, in fact, doubled since its launch.
7. Particularly / in particular:
- I enjoyed the entire book, but the final chapter was particularly thrilling.
- She has many hobbies, but in particular, she loves painting.
8. Clearly:
- Clearly, the new strategy is working, as sales have increased.
- He is clearly talented in music and art.
9. Importantly:
- Importantly, the project was completed on time and within budget.
- The presentation was not only informative but also, importantly, engaging.
10. It should be noted:
- It should be noted that attendance is mandatory for all sessions.
- It should be noted that the experiment was conducted under strict conditions.
Addition
1. In addition / additionally / an additional:
- In addition to his salary, he receives a yearly bonus.
- Additionally, we should consider the long-term impacts of the decision.
2. Furthermore:
- Furthermore, the study highlights the need for policy reform.
- The proposal is well-written; furthermore, it addresses all critical issues.
3. Also:
- She is not only a great singer but also an excellent dancer.
- He also suggested a few improvements to the plan.
4. As well as:
- He enjoys playing football as well as basketball.
- The company provides health insurance as well as retirement benefits.
5. Not only… but also:
- She is not only talented but also hardworking.
- The project was not only complex but also required a lot of teamwork.
6. Apart from this:
- Apart from this minor issue, the event was a success.
- Apart from this, everything else is on schedule.
7. Besides:
- Besides being a good student, he is also very helpful.
- There’s nothing on TV tonight. Besides, I need to study.
8. Moreover:
- Moreover, the plan is both practical and cost-effective.
- The report is thorough and, moreover, very well-organized.
Contrast
1. Even though:
- Even though it was raining, they decided to go hiking.
- She succeeded even though the odds were against her.
2. Despite:
- Despite the challenges, they managed to complete the project on time.
- He enjoyed the trip despite the bad weather.
3. In spite of:
- In spite of the delay, the event was a success.
- She managed to smile in spite of her disappointment.
4. However:
- The proposal is interesting; however, it needs more research.
- She agreed to the plan; however, she had some reservations.
5. Nevertheless:
- It was raining heavily; nevertheless, they continued their journey.
- The task was difficult; nevertheless, they completed it on time.
6. Whereas:
- He likes tea, whereas his sister prefers coffee.
- She is very outgoing, whereas her brother is quite shy.
7. On the one hand/on the other hand:
- On the one hand, the policy could save money; on the other hand, it might lead to job losses.
- On the one hand, I enjoy the challenge; on the other hand, it can be very stressful.
Order
1. First / firstly, second / secondly, third / thirdly:
- First, we need to gather all the materials. Second, we should organize them. Third, we can start the project.
- Firstly, ensure you have all the information. Secondly, analyze the data. Thirdly, draw your conclusions.
2. Next, last, finally:
- We will review the proposal next. Last, we will vote on it. Finally, we will implement the decision.
- First, mix the ingredients. Next, bake for 30 minutes. Finally, let it cool before serving.
3. In addition, moreover:
- In addition, we should consider hiring more staff to handle the workload.
- The report is concise; moreover, it provides actionable recommendations.
4. Further / furthermore:
- We need to reduce costs. Further, we should explore new markets.
- The study is comprehensive; furthermore, it offers new insights.
5. Another:
- Another important factor to consider is the budget.
- We need to hire another engineer for the project.
6. In conclusion:
- In conclusion, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of the new method.
- In conclusion, we recommend adopting the proposed changes.
7. To summarize:
- To summarize, the project was a success due to the team's hard work.
- To summarize, the main points discussed were budget, timeline, and resources.
Result
1. Hence:
- The company's revenue increased dramatically; hence, they decided to expand their operations.
- She saved a significant amount of money; hence, she could afford to buy a new car.
2. As a result:
- The new policy was poorly implemented; as a result, the company faced numerous complaints.
- She studied diligently for weeks; as a result, she passed the exam with flying colors.
3. As a consequence (of):
- The team missed the project deadline; as a consequence, they had to work overtime.
- He didn't follow the instructions; as a consequence, the experiment failed.
4. Therefore:
- The team failed to meet the project deadline; therefore, they had to work overtime.
- She didn't set an alarm; therefore, she overslept and missed the meeting.
5. Thus:
- The storm caused significant damage; thus, many residents had to evacuate their homes.
- He didn't complete his homework; thus, he was unprepared for the test.
6. Consequently:
- He didn't follow the safety protocols; consequently, he got injured.
- The software was not updated; consequently, it became vulnerable to attacks.
Illustration
1. For example:
- Many animals are nocturnal; for example, owls and bats are active during the night.
- He enjoys various sports; for example, he plays soccer and basketball.
2. For instance:
- There are several ways to conserve energy; for instance, turning off lights when not in use.
- She has visited many countries; for instance, France, Japan, and Brazil.
3. That is:
- Some fruits are rich in vitamin C; that is, oranges, lemons, and grapefruits.
- He prefers quiet activities; that is, reading and drawing.
4. Such as:
- He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
- The store offers many services such as gift wrapping and delivery.
5. Namely:
- Some popular programming languages, namely Python and JavaScript, are widely used in web development.
- The committee members, namely John, Sarah, and Mike, will lead the project.
Comparison
1. Similarly:- Both the US and Canada have high standards of living; similarly, they offer comprehensive healthcare systems.
- The new software is user-friendly; similarly, the hardware is easy to operate.
2. Likewise:
- She loves reading books; likewise, her brother enjoys writing.
- The first course was excellent; likewise, the dessert was delicious.
3. Just as:
- The project was challenging, just as we anticipated.
- She is talented in sports, just as her sister is.
4. Just like:
- The situation unfolded just like a movie plot.
- He solved the problem just like a professional.
5. Similar to:
- Her teaching style is similar to that of her mentor.
- The two proposals are similar to each other in many ways.
6. Compare:
- When you compare their test scores, you can see who studied harder.
- It's interesting to compare the two different approaches to the same problem.
7. Compared to / with:
- The cost of living in the city compared to the countryside is significantly higher.
- Her salary is low compared to her experience and qualifications.
Summary
1. Hence:
- The data was corrupted; hence, the analysis was inaccurate.
- The results were positive; hence, the project was greenlit.
2. As a result:
- The weather was unfavorable; as a result, the event was postponed.
- The machinery broke down; as a result, production halted.
3. As a consequence:
- He forgot to set his alarm; as a consequence, he missed the meeting.
- She neglected her health; as a consequence, she fell ill.
4. Therefore:
- She followed a strict diet and exercise regimen; therefore, she lost weight.
- The policy was effective; therefore, the company saw improvements.
5. Thus:
- He didn't submit his assignment on time; thus, he received a lower grade.
- The proposal lacked details; thus, it was rejected.
6. Consequently:
- The market demand increased; consequently, production had to be ramped up.
- The company cut costs; consequently, their profits increased.
Reason
1. In fact:
- He is very talented; in fact, he won several awards.
- In fact, she is the youngest person to achieve this milestone.
2. Because:
- She didn't go to the party because she was feeling sick.
- They canceled the trip because of the bad weather.
3. Since:
- Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
- Since he had already seen the movie, he chose to read a book instead.
4. As:
- As it was getting dark, they decided to head home.
- He took the day off as he was not feeling well.
5. Because of:
- The game was postponed because of the heavy rain.
- She was late because of the traffic jam.
6. With this in mind:
- With this in mind, they decided to revise their strategy.
- The team prepared thoroughly, with this in mind, they felt confident about the presentation.
Condition
1. If:
- If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
2. In that case:
- The event might be canceled; in that case, we will refund the tickets.
- You might need more resources; in that case, let us know immediately.
3. In case:
- Take an umbrella in case it rains.
- In case of an emergency, call this number.
4. Unless:
- You won't succeed unless you put in the effort.
- The project will fail unless we get additional funding.
Concession
1. However:
- The plan was good; however, it was not executed well.
- She is talented; however, she lacks experience.
2. On the other hand:
- He is very strict; on the other hand, he is fair.
- The design is beautiful; on the other hand, it is not practical.
3. Meanwhile:
- The meeting started on time; meanwhile, John was stuck in traffic.
- She was cooking dinner; meanwhile, the kids were playing outside.
4. Nevertheless:
- It was a tough challenge; nevertheless, they managed to succeed.
- He was tired; nevertheless, he continued working.
5. Nonetheless:
- The weather was bad; nonetheless, they went for a hike.
- She didn't feel well; nonetheless, she attended the meeting.
6. Still:
- He was late; still, he managed to finish the task.
- She was nervous; still, she gave a great performance.
7. Although / even though:
- Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
- Even though she was tired, she stayed up to finish her work.
8. Though:
- He failed the test, though he studied hard.
- Though she was injured, she continued the race.
9. Yet:
- She was tired yet continued to work.
- It was cold yet he went swimming.
10. Despite / in spite of:
- Despite the rain, they continued the game.
- In spite of his fear, he spoke in front of the audience.
12. In contrast (to) / in comparison:
- In contrast to her brother, she is very outgoing.
- In comparison to last year, the company has grown significantly.
13. While:
- She was singing while he played the guitar.
- While it rained outside, they stayed warm indoors.
14. Whereas:
- He is an extrovert, whereas his sister is an introvert.
- The north of the country is mountainous, whereas the south is flat.
15. On the contrary:
- The results were not disappointing; on the contrary, they were better than expected.
- He is not lazy; on the contrary, he works very hard.
Generalization
1. As a rule:
- As a rule, she avoids eating junk food.
- As a rule, meetings are held every Monday.
2. For the most part:
- For the most part, the project was successful.
- For the most part, the audience enjoyed the performance.
3. Generally / In general:
- Generally, people are satisfied with the service.
- In general, the weather here is quite mild.
4. Overall:
- Overall, the trip was enjoyable.
- Overall, the company's performance has improved.
5. On the whole:
- On the whole, the changes were positive.
- On the whole, the team did a great job.
6. In most cases:
- In most cases, this treatment is effective.
- In most cases, children learn by observing adults.