Master Linking Words & Connectors
The most comprehensive linking words module online: 33 exercises with 635 questions and sentences. Research-backed content targeting real learner errors like "despite of", clause/noun confusion, and register mismatches.
Welcome to the most comprehensive linking words exercises collection online. Our exercises specifically target the errors that B1-C1 learners actually make, based on learner corpus research. Master the difference between although vs despite vs however (the #1 confusion), learn the critical clause vs noun distinction, and understand when to use formal vs informal connectors.
Our exercises cover contrast connectors (although, despite, however, nevertheless), cause and effect (because, therefore, consequently), addition connectors (moreover, furthermore, besides), and purpose connectors (to, in order to, so that). Perfect for IELTS, Cambridge FCE/CAE, and academic writing. All exercises are completely free with no login required!
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33 Linking Words Exercises
635 questions and sentences targeting real learner errors. Exercises marked NEW are research-backed additions focusing on high-error areas.
Contrast: Although, Even Though, Though
Learn to use although, even though, and though with clauses. Transformation practice - connector provided.
Contrast: Despite, In Spite Of
Practise using despite and in spite of with nouns and gerunds. Requires structural transformation.
Contrast: Despite vs In Spite Of vs Although vs Though
Choose the right connector: despite + noun, in spite of + noun, although/though + clause.
Contrast: However, Nevertheless, Yet, Still
Choose the correct sentence connector for academic and business writing.
Although, Despite or However: Multiple Choice
Choose although, despite or however by what follows the gap
Contrast: Although vs Despite vs However
THE KEY EXERCISE. Choose based on structure: clause, noun, or new sentence.
Error Correction: Although, Despite, However
Click the wrong chunk and fix real mistakes with clauses, noun phrases, and however punctuation.
Contrast: While vs Whereas
TIME: while + -ing/clause (during). CONTRAST: whereas (formal contexts).
Contrast: Mixed Practice (All Types)
All contrast connectors interleaved. Tests true mastery, not pattern recognition.
Cause: Because, Since, As
Learn to explain reasons with because, since, and as. Transformation practice.
Cause: Because vs Because Of
Critical distinction: because + clause, because of + noun. Stop the common errors.
Result: Therefore, So, Consequently
Learn result connectors for formal and informal contexts. Transformation practice.
Result: So vs Therefore vs Consequently
'So' for chatting, 'therefore' for essays. Same meaning, different register.
Cause and Effect Linking Words: Multiple Choice
Choose because, because of, due to, so or as a result
Contrast and Result
Listen and type B2 sentences with although, however, nevertheless, therefore, and consequently.
Besides, In Addition To or Moreover: Multiple Choice
Choose the linking word that fits what follows the gap: a noun or -ing form, or a new clause with its own subject and verb.
Addition: Moreover, Furthermore, Besides
Practise adding extra information with formal connectors. Transformation practice.
Also, Too, As Well or Either: Multiple Choice
Choose the word and its place: in the middle of the clause, or at the end of a positive or negative one.
Addition: Also vs Too vs As Well
Also = flexible position. Too/As well = end only. Master placement rules.
Purpose Connectors (To, So That, For): Multiple Choice
Choose to, so that or for (or so as not to) to show purpose
Purpose: To, In Order To, So That
'So that' + clause vs 'to' + infinitive. Formal = 'in order to'. Negative = 'so as not to'.
Reason, Purpose and Addition
Listen and type B2 sentences with because, so that, in order to, moreover, and furthermore.
Mixed: However vs Because vs Therefore
Choose contrast (however), cause (because/since/as), or result (therefore) based on meaning.
Register: Formal vs Informal Connectors
Critical for IELTS/Cambridge. Match connector register to context (email vs essay).
Contrast: Whereas, Albeit, Conversely, Notwithstanding (C1)
Master sophisticated contrast connectors for academic and professional writing.
Formal: Hence, Whereby, Lest (C1)
Three distinct formal connectors: result (hence), method (whereby), prevention (lest).
Formal: Inasmuch as, Insofar as (C1)
Formal extent connectors vs informal alternatives (because, as far as).
Mixed: All Connector Types (B2-C1)
Contrast, cause/effect, addition, purpose - all interleaved at advanced level.
Final Test: All Connector Types (B1-B2)
Choose the correct connector: contrast, cause, result, or addition. 25 questions.
Final Test: Progressive B1 to C1
30 questions with progressive difficulty. Q1-10: B1, Q11-20: B2, Q21-30: C1.
Sequence and Time
Follow the order of practical instructions and events through sequence and time linkers.
Concession
Recognise although, even though, despite and nevertheless in balanced arguments.
Examples and Clarification
Use linkers that introduce examples, restate meaning and make precise corrections.
What Are Linking Words?
Linking words (also called connectors, conjunctions, or discourse markers) are words and phrases that connect ideas in your writing and speaking. They show relationships between sentences and paragraphs. English has three main types:
Contrast Connectors
Show unexpected results or differences
although, despite, however, yet
Cause & Effect
Show reasons and results
because, therefore, so, consequently
Addition
Add extra information
moreover, furthermore, besides
Why are linking words important? They make your writing more coherent and professional. Without them, your sentences feel choppy and disconnected. With them, your ideas flow naturally from one to the next.
Linking Words Quick Reference
| Type | Linking Words | Grammar Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast (clause) | although, even though, though | + subject + verb | "Although it rained, we went out." |
| Contrast (noun) | despite, in spite of | + noun/gerund | "Despite the rain, we went out." |
| Contrast (sentence) | however, nevertheless, still | New sentence | "It rained. However, we went out." |
| Cause | because, since, as | + clause (reason) | "I stayed home because I was tired." |
| Effect | therefore, consequently, so | + result clause | "I was tired, so I stayed home." |
| Addition | moreover, furthermore, besides | New sentence/clause | "It's cheap. Moreover, it's reliable." |
Recommended Learning Path
- 1. Contrast with Clauses - Start with although, even though, though (10 min)
- 2. Contrast with Nouns - Learn despite and in spite of (10 min)
- 3. Sentence Connectors - Master however, nevertheless, yet, still (10 min)
- 4. Cause Words - Practice because, since, as (10 min)
- 5. Effect Words - Learn therefore, so, consequently (10 min)
- 6. Addition Words - Use moreover, furthermore, besides (10 min)
- 7. Mixed Practice - Combine all types (12 min)
- 8. Final Test - Assess your mastery (15 min)
Common Linking Words Mistakes
1. Using "despite" with a clause
"Despite it was raining, we went out."
"Despite the rain, we went out." OR "Although it was raining, we went out."
Despite + noun/gerund, not a clause. Use although for clauses.
2. Saying "despite of"
"Despite of the weather, we had fun."
"Despite the weather, we had fun." OR "In spite of the weather, we had fun."
"Despite of" is always wrong. It's "despite" (no "of") or "in spite of" (with "of").
3. Using "because of" with a clause
"Because of I was tired, I went home."
"Because I was tired, I went home." OR "Because of my tiredness, I went home."
"Because" + clause. "Because of" + noun only.
4. Wrong position for "however"
"I was tired however I kept working."
"I was tired. However, I kept working." OR "I was tired; however, I kept working."
"However" needs a full stop or semicolon before it, and a comma after.
Frequently Asked Questions about Linking Words
Tips for Mastering Linking Words
Learning Strategy
- Learn linking words in pairs of similar meaning
- Pay attention to what follows: clause vs noun
- Notice linking words when reading English texts
- Practise using them in your own writing
- Start with informal ones (but, so, because)
For Exams (IELTS, Cambridge)
- Use a variety of linking words for higher scores
- Prefer formal connectors in academic writing
- Don't overuse - one per paragraph is often enough
- Make sure the logic is correct, not just grammar
- Practise with timed writing tasks
Related Grammar Topics
After mastering linking words, strengthen your grammar with these related topics:
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