Lesson 34 of 36 · advanced
Advanced Linking Words
Connect ideas formally with words like however, moreover, and therefore.
Contrast connectors
Use 'however', 'nevertheless', and 'on the other hand' to show contrast between ideas, usually starting a new sentence.
- The plan was risky. However, it worked.
- She was tired; nevertheless, she finished the race.
- I like the design. On the other hand, it's quite expensive.
Addition connectors
Use 'moreover', 'furthermore', and 'in addition' to add extra supporting information.
- The hotel is affordable. Moreover, it's close to the beach.
- He is talented; furthermore, he works incredibly hard.
- In addition to her salary, she receives a yearly bonus.
Result connectors
Use 'therefore', 'consequently', and 'as a result' to show a result or conclusion.
- It rained heavily; therefore, the match was cancelled.
- He didn't study; consequently, he failed the test.
- Sales increased. As a result, the company hired more staff.
Punctuation with connectors
These connectors usually follow a semicolon or start a new sentence, and are followed by a comma.
- She was exhausted; however, she kept going.
- The report was late. Consequently, the meeting was postponed.
More examples in context
These connectors are common in formal writing, essays, and professional emails.
- The product is expensive; nevertheless, customers love it.
- He missed the deadline. As a result, the client was upset.
- The city is beautiful. Furthermore, the people are very friendly.
- She wanted to go; however, she had no money.
- The team practiced hard. Consequently, they won the championship.
- The car is old. Moreover, it breaks down often.
Common mistakes to avoid
These are frequent linking-word errors, and how to correct them.
- ✗ It was raining, however we went outside. → ✓ It was raining. However, we went outside.
- ✗ He is smart, but however lazy. → ✓ He is smart, but lazy. (don't combine 'but' and 'however')
- ✗ Therefore, because it rained, we stayed in. → ✓ It rained. Therefore, we stayed in.
- ✗ She is kind moreover generous. → ✓ She is kind. Moreover, she is generous.
Quick practice
Fill in each blank with the best connector, then check your answer.
- The traffic was terrible; ___, we arrived on time. (answer: nevertheless)
- He is a great singer. ___, he writes his own songs. (answer: Moreover)
- She didn't sleep well; ___, she felt tired all day. (answer: consequently)
- The hotel was cheap. ___, it was very close to downtown. (answer: In addition)
- It was late. ___, they decided to stay overnight. (answer: Therefore)