Master Linking Words & Connectors
Complete collection of 8 interactive exercises with 165 practice questions covering contrast, cause & effect, and addition connectors
Welcome to the most comprehensive linking words exercises collection online. Linking words (also called connectors or discourse markers) are essential for fluent English writing and speaking. Whether you're learning although vs despite, mastering however and nevertheless, or practicing because, since, and as, our systematic approach will help you connect ideas naturally.
Our exercises cover three main categories: contrast connectors (although, despite, however), cause and effect (because, therefore, consequently), and addition connectors (moreover, furthermore, besides). Perfect for B1-B2 learners preparing for Cambridge, IELTS, or TOEFL exams. All exercises are completely free with no login required!
8
Exercises
165
Questions
1.5h
Total Time
0/8
Completed
The 8 Linking Words Exercises
Contrast: Although, Even Though, Though
easyLearn to use although, even though, and though with clauses to express contrast
Contrast: Despite, In Spite Of
mediumPractice using despite and in spite of with nouns and gerunds
Contrast: However, Nevertheless, Yet, Still
mediumMaster formal contrast connectors for academic and business writing
Cause & Effect: Because, Since, As
easyLearn to explain reasons and causes with these common connectors
Cause & Effect: Therefore, So, Consequently
mediumMaster result connectors for formal and informal contexts
Addition: Moreover, Furthermore, Besides
mediumPractice adding extra information with formal and informal connectors
Mixed Linking Words Practice
mediumPractice all types of linking words in mixed contexts
Linking Words Final Test
hardComprehensive test covering all linking word types
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
- Practice 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
- Practice with timed writing tasks
Related Grammar Topics
After mastering linking words, strengthen your grammar with these related topics:
Explore Other Grammar Topics
Continue practicing with these related exercises
Zero Conditional
EasyPractice general truths and scientific facts with if/when clauses
20 questions
First Conditional
EasyLearn to express real future possibilities and likely outcomes
20 questions
Second Conditional
MediumMaster hypothetical situations in the present or future
20 questions
Present Simple
EasyTransform present simple statements into reported speech
20 questions
Past Simple
EasyConvert past simple sentences to indirect speech
20 questions
Present Continuous
MediumReport ongoing actions and temporary situations
20 questions