Linking Words

Grammar Basics

Using Linking Words

Linking words are essential in writing. Depending on their location in the phrase, they may or may not need to be separated by a comma. However, usually when such words are placed at the beginning of a sentence, they are followed by a comma:

Firstly, it’s important that people take care of their health.

For example, one could argue that too much TV is bad for children.

Below are some examples.

Listing and Ordering

First,

Secondly,

Lastly,

Last but not least,

Finally,

Adding Information

In addition,

Additionally,

Furthermore,

Moreover,

also

Giving Examples

For example,

For instance,

To demonstrate,

To clarify,

In detail,

In other words,

Results and Consequences

As a result,

Consequently,

Therefore,

Thus,

For this reason,

Hence,

Highlighting and Stressing

In particular,

Specifically,

Obviously

Clearly

Of course

Concessions and Contrasts

However,

Nonetheless,

On the other hand,

Despite

In spite of

By contrast,

Alternatively,

In comparison,

Reasons and Causes

because

Owing to

Due to

Since

Giving your Opinion

In my opinion,

In my view,

I think [that]

I believe [that]

I admit [that]

I agree [that]

I disagree [that]

For Conclusions

In conclusion,

To conclude,

To sum up,

In summary,

To reiterate,