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)