FCE linking words: a guide by function and register
FCE linking words are the connectors (however, in addition, as a result, for instance) that show how your ideas relate, and they directly affect your Organisation mark. The trick is to choose the right one for the function and the register, and to punctuate it correctly. This page is part of our B2 First Writing guide and groups the most useful linkers by function.
By Eleanor BennettLast updated:
Why linking words matter
Linking words help the reader follow your argument. Examiners look at how well your text is connected when they give the Organisation mark, and a varied, accurate range of linkers also shows off your Language.
But more is not better. A text where every sentence starts with Moreover or Furthermore sounds mechanical. Good writers also connect ideas with referencing words (this, these, such, the former), relative clauses (which means that...) and repeated key nouns. See how FCE Writing is marked for what examiners notice.
A note on register - Formal / neutral linkers suit essays, reports and formal letters. - Informal linkers suit emails to friends and many articles. - Most neutral linkers (however, also, because) work everywhere.
A note on position and punctuation - However, Moreover, As a result usually start a sentence and are followed by a comma. - Although, because, while, whereas join two clauses in one sentence. - Despite and in spite of are followed by a noun or an -ing form, never a full clause.
Addition: adding another point
| Use it to… | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Neutral (any task) |
|
| Formal (essay, report, formal letter) |
|
| Informal (friendly email, article) |
|
Contrast: showing the other side
| Use it to… | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Neutral (any task) |
|
| Formal (essay, report, formal letter) |
|
| Informal (friendly email, article) |
|
Cause and effect: explaining why and what happens
| Use it to… | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Giving a reason |
|
| Giving a result (neutral and formal) |
|
| Giving a result (informal) |
|
Sequencing: ordering ideas and events
| Use it to… | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Ordering arguments (essay, report) |
|
| Telling events in order (article, email) |
|
| Time links |
|
Examples: supporting your points
| Use it to… | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Neutral and formal |
|
| Informal |
|
Concluding: summing up
| Use it to… | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Essay and report |
|
| Review |
|
| Article and informal email |
|
Common mistakes with linking words
Trap: Despite it was raining, we went out.
Fix: Despite needs a noun or -ing: Despite the rain... / Despite it raining... Or use Although it was raining...
Trap: Although it was expensive, but we bought it.
Fix: Use only one linker: Although it was expensive, we bought it. or It was expensive, but we bought it.
Trap: On the other hand used just to add another point.
Fix: On the other hand introduces a contrasting side. To add, use In addition or What is more.
Trap: In the other hand / By the other hand.
Fix: The correct form is on the other hand.
Trap: At the end, I recommend it. (meaning finally)
Fix: In the end means finally, after some time. At the end needs of: at the end of the film. To conclude, use Overall or In conclusion.
Trap: Moreover and Furthermore in an email to a friend.
Fix: In informal writing use Plus, Also or On top of that.
Trap: Starting a paragraph with But or And.
Fix: In an essay or report, start with However or In addition instead.
Worked example: improving the linking in a paragraph
The task
Improve the linking in this essay paragraph: Public transport is cheap. It is good for the environment. Many people still use cars. Buses are slow. Buses are not frequent.
- 1.
Find the relationships: the first two sentences are advantages (addition), the third is a contrast, and the last two give reasons for that contrast (cause).
- 2.
Join the two advantages: Public transport is not only cheap but also better for the environment.
- 3.
Introduce the contrast with a neutral-formal linker: Despite this, many people still prefer to use their cars.
- 4.
Give the reasons and combine the repeated subject: This is mainly because buses tend to be slow and infrequent.
- 5.
Read it again: the five short sentences are now three connected ones, the repetition of buses is gone, and the logic is clear to the reader.
Answer
Public transport is not only cheap but also better for the environment. Despite this, many people still prefer to use their cars. This is mainly because buses tend to be slow and infrequent.
FCE linking words: frequently asked questions
How many linking words should I use in an FCE essay?
There is no magic number. Use a linker wherever the relationship between ideas would otherwise be unclear, and vary them. Six to ten well-chosen linkers in an essay is typical.
Is 'Firstly, Secondly, Finally' acceptable?
Yes, it is correct and clear, but it is basic. Mix it with linkers that show meaning, such as What is more or On the other hand, to show range.
What is the difference between 'however' and 'although'?
However usually starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma. Although joins two clauses in one sentence: Although it is cheap, it is slow.
Can I start a sentence with 'Because'?
Only if the sentence includes the main clause too: Because it was late, we took a taxi. A sentence like Because it was late. on its own is incomplete.
Which linkers sound too formal for an informal email?
Moreover, Furthermore, Nevertheless, Consequently and In conclusion sound stiff in an email to a friend. Use Plus, Still, So and Anyway instead. See the email and letter guide for more.