Linking words

Linking words help link sentences to other sentences and

paragraphs to other paragraphs. These linking words help
to:
 increase cohesion in your writing by connecting your
ideas.
add clarity to your writing so you say exactly what you
want
to say.

The function of linking words

Linking words can be used in your writing to help the
reader see connections between ideas.

To add information
And, furthermore, in addition, moreover, besides … , apart
from …and, as well as

To show cause and effect

therefore, thus, hence, consequently, as a result, for this
reason, accordingly, because, since, as, otherwise

To contrast/contradict information
in contrast, on the other hand, conversely, however,
nevertheless, meanwhile, on the contrary, despite
this,whereas, while, although, even though, but

To emphasize and highlight

in fact, indeed, obviously, undoubtedly, clearly, it is evident
that, as a matter of fact

To equate/show similarity
in the same way, similarly, likewise

To refer back
as noted above, as stated previously, originally, in the past,
earlier, formerly

To present alternatives
alternatively, on the other hand, then, again

To provide examples
for example, for instance, in this case, to illustrate this, …
exemplify, … is observed

To show a sequence
finally, subsequently, first of all, to begin with, at first,
firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc.
after, before, when, while, as, until

To summarize and simplify

on the whole, in brief, to conclude, in conclusion, in
summary, to sum up, in other words

To show an idea is limited or uncommon

seldom, not many, few, a limited number, a few,…is
restricted, … is rare

To show an idea is widespread

several, the majority, most, a high proportion, a large
percentage, a substantial number, significant, typically