Focus
Connectors (also called cohesive devices) bind ideas into a coherent argument. IELTS Writing directly scores you on Cohesion and Coherence — weak connectors cap you at band 6.
FOUNDATIONS · Theory
Connectors & Linking Words
Theory lesson in Grammar Essentials
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# Connectors & Linking Words
01
Section
The Eight Functional Categories
| Function | Connectors |
|---|---|
| Adding | furthermore, moreover, in addition, also, besides |
| Contrasting | however, nevertheless, on the other hand, whereas, although |
| Causing | because, since, as, due to, owing to |
| Resulting | therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, hence |
| Sequencing | first, then, subsequently, finally, meanwhile |
| Exemplifying | for example, for instance, such as, to illustrate |
| Concluding | in conclusion, to sum up, overall, in short |
| Clarifying | in other words, that is to say, specifically |
02
Section
Use Each Connector Correctly
"However" vs "Although"
| Use | Example | |
|---|---|---|
| However | Sentence connector (starts a new sentence) | Exercise is beneficial. However, some people avoid it. |
| Although | Conjunction (inside one sentence) | Although exercise is beneficial, some people avoid it. |
❌ Exercise is beneficial, although some people avoid it. (wrong — although doesn't work there) ✅ Exercise is beneficial; however, some people avoid it.
"Because" vs "Due to"
| Follows with | Example | |
|---|---|---|
| Because | a clause (subject + verb) | The flight was delayed because it snowed. |
| Due to | a noun phrase | The flight was delayed due to snow. |
❌ Due to it snowed, the flight was delayed. ✅ Due to the snow, the flight was delayed.
"And" vs "Moreover"
And is fine for short connections. Moreover should introduce a distinct stronger point.
- He is tall and quite athletic.
- The policy is expensive. Moreover, it is ineffective.
Using moreover to link trivial additions sounds clumsy.
03
Section
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Overusing "firstly, secondly, finally" > ❌ Firstly, I believe X. Secondly, I believe Y. Thirdly, I believe Z. Finally, I conclude...
This is a tell-tale sign of memorised template writing. Band 6 at best. Vary your connectors.
Mistake 2: Wrong punctuation > ❌ I like tea, however I prefer coffee. (comma splice) > ✅ I like tea. However, I prefer coffee. > ✅ I like tea; however, I prefer coffee. > ✅ I like tea, but I prefer coffee. (coordinating conjunction, one sentence)
Mistake 3: Mixing registers > ❌ The data shows rapid growth. Plus, it shows volatility. (too informal) > ✅ The data shows rapid growth. Furthermore, it shows volatility.
Mistake 4: Connector at the start AND end > ❌ Because he was tired, so he went home. > ✅ Because he was tired, he went home. > ✅ He was tired, so he went home.
04
Section
Band-7+ Connector Substitutions
| Band 5 | Band 7+ |
|---|---|
| and | moreover / furthermore / in addition |
| but | however / nevertheless / that said |
| so | consequently / as a result / therefore |
| also | additionally / similarly / by the same token |
| because | due to / owing to / as a consequence of |
Use no more than one connector per sentence at the start. Sprinkling three connectors into every paragraph sounds unnatural.
05
Section
Writing Task 2 Paragraph with Good Connectors
Some argue that university education should be free for everyone. Proponents of this view point out that free education reduces inequality. However, making education free comes with significant costs. Firstly, someone must pay — usually taxpayers. Furthermore, free education may lower the perceived value of a degree. On balance, a middle ground, such as income-contingent loans, may be more practical.
Notice: 6 connectors across 6 sentences. Varied. Each one does a distinct job. This is the band-7 rhythm.
06
Section
Quick Self-Test
Choose the best connector.
- She worked hard; ___ (however / because / furthermore), she did not get the promotion.
- ___ (Although / However), the plan had flaws, it was adopted.
- The price increased ___ (because / due to) rising oil prices.
- He missed the bus. ___ (Therefore / Although), he was late.
- Several factors contribute: the economy, ___ (for instance / in addition), has not recovered.
Answers:
- however •
- Although •
- due to •
- Therefore •
- for instance