Essay Linking Words for IELTS and ESL (with Examples)

Essay linking words for IELTS and ESL: functions, examples, and practice.

Introduction to Essay Linking Words for IELTS and ESL

Clear, logical essays don’t happen by accident. They’re built with essay linking words (also called transition words or IELTS connectors) that guide the reader through your ideas.

In IELTS Writing Task 2 and in academic essays generally, high-band responses use cohesive devices accurately and naturally. In this lesson prepared by Learn English Weekly, we'll show you which linkers to use, when to use them, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. There's lots of other IELTS related pages if you're curious; Look at the bottom of the page for the full list. Let's dive in.

Why linking words matter

Markers look for coherence and cohesion: does your essay flow? Do your ideas connect logically? Making use of linking words will help you:

  • Sequence points (firstly, secondly, finally)
  • Add support (in addition, moreover)
  • Contrast ideas (however, by contrast)
  • Show cause–effect (therefore, consequently)
  • Give examples (for instance, such as)
  • Conclude clearly (in summary, on balance)

Used well, they make your writing easier to read and more persuasive. Used poorly (overused, misused, or memorised), they lower clarity and may reduce your band score, so keep reading!

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How to choose the right linker (quick method)

  1. Decide the relationship between sentences: add? contrast? result? example?
  2. Pick one suitable linker (don’t stack several).
  3. Place it once per idea group (not every sentence).
  4. Check punctuation (e.g., However, … at sentence start needs a comma).
  5. Read aloud: if the sentence flows without the linker, keep it only if it adds clarity.

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Core linking words by function (with models)

A) Sequencing & signposting

  • Firstly / secondly / finally, to begin with, ultimately
    Model: Firstly, investment in public transport reduces congestion; secondly, it improves air quality.

B) Addition & reinforcement

  • In addition, moreover, furthermore, what is more, as well as
    Model: The scheme cut costs; moreover, customer satisfaction improved.

C) Contrast & concession

  • However, nevertheless, nonetheless, by contrast, on the other hand, whereas, while
    Model: Many support a shorter working week; however, some sectors require continuous cover.

Tip: Use whereas/while to contrast within one sentence; use however to contrast across two sentences.

D) Cause & effect

  • Therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, hence, leads to / results in / gives rise to
    Model: Peak-time pricing discourages car use; consequently, emissions fall.

E) Examples & clarification

  • For example, for instance, such as, namely, in particular
    Model: Some cities, for example Copenhagen, have cut traffic through cycling infrastructure.

F) Comparison & similarity

  • Similarly, likewise, in the same way
    Model: City A improved recycling; similarly, City B saw gains after education campaigns.

G) Emphasis & stance

  • Indeed, notably, crucially, it is important to note that, on balance
    Model: On balance, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs.

H) Qualification & hedging

  • to some extent, in many cases, tends to, appears to, is likely to
    Model: Remote work appears to improve retention in knowledge-based roles.

I) Summarising & concluding

  • In summary, in short, overall, to conclude, on balance, it is therefore recommended that
    Model: Overall, a mixed funding model is preferable; it is therefore recommended that councils pilot the approach.

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Placement & punctuation: simple rules

  • Sentence-initial linkers take a comma: However, … / Therefore, …
  • Mid-sentence contrast words use commas on both sides: … is, however, difficult to measure.
  • Whereas / while do not take commas when they join two clauses: Whereas A increased, B declined.
  • Avoid doubling linkers: However, nevertheless ✗

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Band-friendly variety without sounding memorised

Examiners want range and control, not fireworks. Mix:

  • A few sentence-level linkers (However, Therefore, In addition)
  • Several logic verbs (This leads to…, This suggests…)
  • Reference words (this issue, these findings, such policies)

Edit pass: remove filler (very, really, quite) and keep linkers that add structure.

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Common errors (and quick fixes)

  • Overuse: Every sentence begins with a linker → Keep only the ones that change the logic.
  • Wrong function: Using therefore for contrast → Replace with however / by contrast.
  • Comma splices: … therefore it is … → add punctuation: … . Therefore, it is …
  • Memorised strings: On the other hand, in a nutshell, as a matter of fact… → sounds unnatural. Use one precise linker.
Function Go-to Linking Words Model Example
Add in addition, moreover, furthermore In addition, the fees are regressive.
Contrast however, by contrast, whereas By contrast, rural areas lack coverage.
Result therefore, consequently, thus Thus, uptake increased by 18%.
Example for example, for instance, in particular For instance, older users benefited most.
Conclude overall, in summary, on balance On balance, the proposal should proceed.
Add
Words: in addition, moreover, furthermore
Example: In addition, the fees are regressive.
Contrast
Words: however, by contrast, whereas
Example: By contrast, rural areas lack coverage.
Result
Words: therefore, consequently, thus
Example: Thus, uptake increased by 18%.
Example
Words: for example, for instance, in particular
Example: For instance, older users benefited most.
Conclude
Words: overall, in summary, on balance
Example: On balance, the proposal should proceed.

Short practice models you can adapt

Paragraph starter (agree):
This essay argues that restricting city-centre traffic would improve health outcomes. Firstly, … In addition, … On balance, …

Paragraph starter (disagree):
While it is true that such bans can reduce emissions, they may also burden small businesses; however, targeted exemptions can mitigate this risk.

Cause–effect sentence:
Extended opening hours therefore increase access, which in turn boosts participation.

Counter-argument + rebuttal:
Critics may claim that compliance costs are excessive; however, this overlooks long-term savings from digital workflows.

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Conclusion

Linking words are the signposts of academic writing. Choose the function first, select a single, precise connector, and keep your tone controlled. Combine sentence linkers with logic verbs and reference words for a natural, high-band style.

‍Explore more writing guides next and build a clear and full understanding for IELTS and academic essays.

Glossary (key terms)

  • Linking word / connector (noun) — a word/phrase that shows the relationship between ideas.
  • Cohesion (noun) — how sentences are connected.
  • Concession (noun) — acknowledging the opposing view.
  • Hedging (noun) — cautious language to avoid over-claiming.
  • Reference word (noun) — words like this/these/such that link back to earlier ideas.

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Practise What You Learned

Q1 (MCQ): Which linker is best for contrast?
A) therefore  B) moreover  C) however  D) for example
Answer:

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Q2 (True/False): It is good practice to use a linker at the start of every sentence.
Answer:

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Q3 (Short answer): Give one linker that introduces a result.
Answer:

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Q4 (MCQ): Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A) However the policy worked well.
B) However, the policy worked well.
C) The policy worked well, however.
D) The policy worked well however.
Answer:

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Q5 (Short answer): Rewrite with a better linker: The cost increased, on the other hand, users were satisfied.
Answer:

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(Answers are listed below)

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Answers:

Q1: C) however

Q2: False

Q3: therefore / consequently / thus / as a result

Q4: B) However, the policy worked well. (A and D need a comma; C needs commas on both sides or rephrasing.)

Q5: The cost increased; however, users were satisfied.