48 Essential English Connectors for Coherent Writing and Speaking
Connectors are the glue of English. They link ideas, show logical relationships, and transform choppy sentences into flowing, coherent prose. Whether you are writing an essay, a business email, or speaking in a meeting, the right connector signals exactly how your ideas relate — and instantly sounds more educated and precise.
48 items · 6 topics
"Furthermore"
adds a stronger or more important point to what was just said
"The results were positive. Furthermore, the costs were lower than expected."
"Moreover"
introduces an additional fact that reinforces the argument
"She speaks three languages. Moreover, she has lived abroad for five years."
"In addition"
introduces an extra point on the same topic
"The report covers the data. In addition, it includes recommendations."
"Besides"
adds another consideration, often with a slightly informal tone
"I don't want to go. Besides, it's already too late."
"Not only … but also"
emphasises two related points, the second being surprising or stronger
"She is not only talented but also incredibly hard-working."
"What is more"
adds a point that is even more significant than the previous one
"The project was completed on time. What is more, it came in under budget."
"As well as"
joins two elements to show they both apply
"He studies medicine as well as working part-time."
"On top of that"
adds another point, often to build emphasis or complaint
"The flight was delayed. On top of that, our luggage was lost."
"However"
introduces a contrasting statement; very common in formal writing
"The plan looked good. However, the results were disappointing."
"Nevertheless"
concedes a point but then reasserts the main argument
"It was raining heavily. Nevertheless, they decided to continue."
"On the other hand"
presents the opposing side of an argument or situation
"Living in a city offers many opportunities. On the other hand, it can be stressful."
"In contrast"
highlights a clear difference between two things
"The first sample was rough. In contrast, the second was perfectly smooth."
"Although"
introduces a concessive clause before or after the main clause
"Although the film was long, I enjoyed every minute of it."
"Despite"
shows that something happened in spite of an obstacle; followed by a noun or gerund
"Despite the bad weather, the event was a great success."
"Whereas"
compares two contrasting facts in the same sentence
"He prefers coffee, whereas she drinks only tea."
"Even though"
a stronger form of "although", emphasising surprise at the contrast
"Even though she had studied all night, she still felt nervous."
"Therefore"
draws a logical conclusion from the preceding statement
"The data was incomplete. Therefore, the results cannot be verified."
"As a result"
describes what happened because of something else
"There was a power cut. As a result, the meeting was cancelled."
"Consequently"
formal connector indicating a direct and significant outcome
"He missed the deadline. Consequently, the contract was terminated."
"Because"
introduces the reason or cause of the main clause
"She left early because she had a train to catch."
"Due to"
indicates the cause; followed by a noun or noun phrase
"The match was postponed due to heavy rain."
"Hence"
a formal synonym for "therefore"; links cause to consequence
"The sample size was too small; hence the findings are not conclusive."
"Thus"
introduces an outcome or logical conclusion; common in academic writing
"Temperatures rose sharply. Thus, the glaciers began to melt faster."
"Since"
explains the reason or grounds for something
"Since the shop was closed, we went home empty-handed."
"If"
the basic conditional connector introducing a hypothetical or real condition
"If you practise every day, your English will improve rapidly."
"Unless"
means "if not"; introduces a negative condition
"Unless you leave now, you will miss the bus."
"Provided that"
a formal conditional meaning "on the condition that"
"You may borrow the car, provided that you return it by six."
"As long as"
expresses a condition that must remain true for the result to hold
"As long as you keep trying, there is always hope."
"In case"
introduces a precautionary action or reason
"Take an umbrella in case it rains."
"On condition that"
a very formal way of stating a requirement or stipulation
"They agreed to the deal on condition that delivery was guaranteed."
"Assuming that"
introduces a premise that is taken as true for the purpose of argument
"Assuming that the data is correct, the model predicts strong growth."
"Otherwise"
states what will happen if the condition is not met
"Study the vocabulary tonight. Otherwise, the test will be very hard."
"In order to"
introduces the purpose or goal of an action; slightly formal
"She worked overtime in order to meet the deadline."
"So that"
introduces a result or purpose clause with a finite verb
"He spoke slowly so that everyone could understand."
"To"
the simplest and most common way to express purpose with an infinitive
"I went to the library to find a reference book."
"For the purpose of"
a formal expression of intended goal or aim
"This form must be completed for the purpose of registration."
"With the aim of"
states a specific goal or objective; used in formal and academic contexts
"The team met with the aim of finalising the strategy."
"So as to"
a formal alternative to "in order to", often used with negative infinitives
"Speak quietly so as not to wake the children."
"With a view to"
expresses an intention directed towards a future outcome
"They signed the agreement with a view to expanding into new markets."
"Lest"
a very formal connector meaning "in case" or "for fear that"; often negative in feel
"She double-checked the report lest there should be any errors."
"First of all"
signals the very first point or step in a series
"First of all, preheat the oven to 180 degrees."
"Subsequently"
describes something that happens after and as a result of a previous event
"The report was submitted. Subsequently, the board approved the budget."
"Meanwhile"
refers to something happening at the same time as another action
"The engineers worked on the engine. Meanwhile, the designers finished the interface."
"Finally"
introduces the last point or the end of a process
"Finally, allow the mixture to cool before serving."
"Then"
introduces the next step or the result of a previous action
"Mix the ingredients. Then pour the batter into the tin."
"After that"
refers to what comes next in time or process
"We visited the museum. After that, we had lunch by the river."
"At the same time"
indicates two events occurring simultaneously
"She was studying for her exams. At the same time, she was working part-time."
"To begin with"
introduces the first element in a list or argument; slightly more formal than "first"
"To begin with, let us look at the historical context."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a connector and a discourse marker?
A connector (also called a linking word or cohesive device) joins ideas within or between sentences to show a logical relationship such as addition, contrast, or cause. A discourse marker is a broader term: it includes connectors but also covers expressions that organise spoken discourse, signal attitude, or manage conversation (e.g. "well", "you know", "right"). All connectors function as discourse markers, but not all discourse markers are connectors in the strict grammatical sense.
Can I use the same connector repeatedly in a piece of writing?
Avoid overusing any single connector. Repeating "however" five times in one paragraph makes writing feel mechanical. English offers rich synonyms — "nevertheless", "nonetheless", "yet", and "that said" all express contrast with slightly different nuances. Varying your connectors shows vocabulary range and makes the writing more engaging for the reader.
Are connectors used differently in formal and informal English?
Yes — register matters enormously. "Furthermore", "consequently", and "in spite of" belong to formal and academic writing. In casual speech or informal emails, native speakers prefer "also", "but", "so", "because of", and "even though". Using overly formal connectors in conversation can sound stilted, while using casual ones in an essay looks unprofessional.
How do I know whether to use a comma after a connector?
Connectors that introduce a new clause at the start of a sentence — "However,", "Nevertheless,", "As a result," — are normally followed by a comma. Mid-sentence connectors such as "although", "because", and "since" do not require a comma before them unless the clause they introduce comes first. When in doubt, read the sentence aloud: a natural pause usually indicates where a comma belongs.
Does hearing connectors in real English videos really help me learn them?
Absolutely. Reading a list of connectors gives you passive knowledge. Hearing "nevertheless" or "as a result" used naturally in a documentary, lecture, or conversation — with correct stress, intonation, and surrounding context — moves that knowledge into active use far faster. Comprehensible Input, where you listen to authentic English just above your current level, is the most reliable route to internalising connectors so they come to mind automatically when you write or speak.
The fastest way to internalise connectors is hearing them used naturally in real speech and writing.
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