Linking words or Connectors are vital for the writing to be natural and understandable. Linking devices are neither nouns, nor verbs. They give writing cohesion and exhibits how the parts of the text relate to each other.
Linking words differ in three major ways:
1. Position in the text
Some linking words typically form a relation between clauses “within” a sentence. It is a terrible approach to start a sentence with the following words:
but so and because until then such as
A different sort of linking device is used to create a relationship “between” sentences. These words must start with a capital letter and are usually directly followed by a comma:
Moreover, However, Furthermore, Therefore, Nevertheless, In conclusion
However, majority of linking words can either start a sentence or form a relation between sentences. The inclination is up to the student.
2. Function of linking words
The major functions of Linking Words are as follows:
- Addition of extra information to the main point,
- Contrasting ideas / information / data,
- Stating cause and effect,
- Showing accurately when something happened (narrating),
- Stating purpose (why?) and opinion,
- Listing examples,
- Making conclusions and giving importance
3. Grammatical differences
Some linking words should always be followed by a clause (Subject + Verb + Object).
Example: why because while so when whereas although
Other types of linking words should be followed by a noun phrase (Linking word + (the) + Noun/Pronoun or gerund)
Example: despite because of in spite of during
The majority of linking devices can be followed by either a noun phrase or a clause.
Linking words - complicated cases
But and However,
'but' is used to “contrast” clauses “within a sentence”
Example: I like going to the cricket match, but I can never go on Fridays.
'However,' also has the same purpose, but is used to show “contrast between sentences”
Example: I have always enjoyed going to the cricket match. However, I can never go there on Fridays.
Though, although, even though & In spite of / despite
'Although' should always join two clauses, but its position can vary. It can either start a sentence or come in the middle.
Example: Although it didn’t rain at all, we enjoyed the vacation.
Or We enjoyed the vacation although it didn’t rain at all.
In Spoken English 'though' can be used in place of 'although' when it is used for the second clause.
Example: Mr. Devon didn't get the contract though he had all the essential credentials."
'though' can also be put at the ending of a sentence.
Example: The plan of the house isn't very lovely. I like the yard though."
'Even though' is a stronger version of 'although'
Example: Even though Katerine was really tired, she couldn't sleep properly.
'Despite' or 'In spite of' must be followed by a noun, pronoun (that, this, what etc.) or ~ING.
Example: In spite of the heavy rain, the students went to the seashore.
Or The students went to the seashore in spite of the heavy rain.
It is ordinary to use the phrase 'In spite of the fact (that)....' or ‘Despite the fact (that)....'
Example: Mr. Kiron is quite vigorous in spite of the fact that he smokes 20 cigarettes per day.
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