Linking Words - Learn Daily

Master IELTS Linking Words

Also known as Cohesive Devices. Using these correctly accounts for 25% of your writing score (Coherence and Cohesion). They act as signposts, guiding the examiner through your logic.

The Golden Rules of Linking

🎯 Quality over Quantity Do not put a linking word at the start of every single sentence. Band 7+ requires “unobtrusive” linking.

✍️ Punctuation Matters Transitional words at the start of a sentence usually require a comma immediately after them (e.g., However, …).

🎭 Show Variety Do not repeat “And” or “But”. Use the advanced alternatives below to show your Lexical Resource.

🚫 Avoid Informal Words Never use words like “Anyway,” “Besides,” “Like,” or “Plus” in Academic Task 1 or Task 2.

Essential Cohesive Devices by Category

Memorize 2-3 words from each category so you always have high-level vocabulary ready for your exam.

➕ Adding Information

Use these to build upon a point you have just made.

Furthermore, / Moreover, (Highly formal; starts a new sentence) Example: Furthermore, this approach significantly reduces urban pollution.
Additionally, / In addition, (Standard academic addition) Example: In addition, funding for the arts has been cut.
Not only… but also… (Complex grammar; excellent for Band 7+) Example: Not only is the policy costly, but it also takes years to implement.
Coupled with… (Followed by a noun phrase) Example: Coupled with rising inflation, this trend causes severe economic hardship.

⚖️ Contrast & Concession

Crucial for “Discuss both views” essays or opposing arguments.

However, (Starts sentence; standard opposite transition) Example: However, opponents of the scheme argue otherwise.
Nevertheless, / Nonetheless, (Highly formal; means “despite what was just said”) Example: Nevertheless, the long-term benefits remain clear.
Conversely, (Great for Task 1 to show opposite data trends) Example: Conversely, the birth rate in rural areas declined sharply.
Despite / In spite of (Followed strictly by a Noun or V-ing) Example: Despite the known health risks, people continue to consume sugary drinks.

➡️ Cause, Effect & Result

Essential for Problem & Solution essays.

Consequently, / As a result, (Starts sentence; shows direct outcome) Example: Consequently, many local businesses were forced to close.
Therefore, / Thus, (Formal concluding results. *Thus* is very advanced) Example: Thus, immediate action from the international community is required.
Owing to / Due to (Followed by a noun; means “because of”) Example: The delay in construction was largely due to heavy snowfall.
Stemming from (Explaining where a problem originated) Example: These societal issues are stemming from decades of poor urban planning.

🔍 Providing Examples

Every Task 2 body paragraph needs an example.

For instance, (A direct alternative to ‘For example’) Example: For instance, cities like Tokyo have successfully implemented this transport system.
To illustrate, (Highly formal; introduces a detailed example) Example: To illustrate, a recent university study showed a 20% increase in productivity.
Namely, (Used when specifying exactly what you mean) Example: The fund will support two key sectors, namely technology and healthcare.
Such as (Used mid-sentence; never starts a sentence) Example: Household pollutants such as plastic waste are dangerously prevalent.

📋 Sequencing & Transitioning

Vital for structuring paragraphs or Task 1 processes.

Initially, / Primarily, (Used for the first point or step) Example: Initially, the raw materials are collected and sorted.
Subsequently, (Highly formal alternative to ‘Next’ or ‘Then’) Example: Subsequently, the mixture is heated to a high temperature.
Turning to (Good transition in Task 1 when changing focus) Example: Turning to the projected figures for 2030, a sharp rise is expected.
Ultimately, (Used for the final step or final concluding point) Example: Ultimately, the finished product is packaged and shipped.

❗ Expressing Certainty & Emphasis

Make your Task 2 arguments sound authoritative.

Undoubtedly, / Unquestionably, (Shows absolute certainty) Example: Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence has changed modern workplaces.
Indeed, (Used to strengthen a point just made) Example: Indeed, climate change is the most pressing issue of our time.
Evidently, / Clearly, (Shows that the evidence is obvious) Example: Evidently, the current healthcare system is failing the elderly.

🤔 Conditionals (New)

Used to show that one thing depends on another.

Provided that / Providing that (A formal way to say ‘If’) Example: Provided that taxes are lowered, small businesses will thrive.
Unless (Means ‘Except if’) Example: Unless stricter laws are enforced, the crime rate will continue to rise.
Assuming that (Accepting something as true for the sake of argument) Example: Assuming that the population grows, housing demand will soar.

🔄 Clarification & Rephrasing (New)

Used to explain a complex point more simply.

In other words, (Explaining a previous point in a new way) Example: In other words, the strategy is completely unsustainable.
That is to say, (Making a statement more specific) Example: That is to say, students are focusing on passing exams rather than actual learning.
To put it simply, (Breaking down a complex idea) Example: To put it simply, the cost of living has outpaced wages.

🏁 Conclusion & Summary

Keep these simple, formal, and accurate.

In conclusion, (The gold standard for ending Task 2) Example: In conclusion, while there are notable drawbacks, the advantages outweigh them.
To summarize, / In summary, (Excellent alternatives for concluding) Example: To summarize, government intervention in this sector is absolutely vital.
Overall, (The absolute best word to start a Task 1 overview) Example: Overall, it is clear that both consumption trends increased over the period.

How to Structure Them in Sentences

Using linking words incorrectly will lower your grammar score. Note the exact punctuation in these examples.

Start of a Sentence

Most cohesive devices sit at the front of a sentence, followed by a comma.

✅ Furthermore, the economic benefits are undeniable.
✅ Nevertheless, this policy has severe drawbacks.

Middle of a Sentence (Conjunctions)

To join two independent clauses, use a comma + coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).

✅ Taxes are rising, and wages are stagnating.
✅ The city expanded, but the population fell.

Middle of a Sentence (Prepositions)

Words like ‘Despite’ or ‘Due to’ are followed by a noun, NOT a full sentence.

✅ Despite the high cost, people buy it.
❌ Despite it costs a lot, people buy it. (Grammar Error)

💡

Pro Tip: Concluding Your Essay Keep it simple. Examiners prefer “In conclusion,” or “To summarize,”. Do NOT use informal phrases like “To sum up,” “In a nutshell,” or “All in all.”