You probably already use and, but, and so. Great start! In this lesson, we’ll level up your connectors so your English sounds smoother, clearer, and more professional. You’ll learn when to use however vs. but, how to show cause and result (because/so/therefore), how to add ideas (also/in addition), and how to sequence events (first/then/finally). You’ll practice after each mini-lesson so it sticks.

Why linking words matter

• They guide your reader or listener through your ideas.
• They make your stories and emails feel organized and polite.
• They help you compare, contrast, give reasons, and give examples without repeating yourself.

Here’s our roadmap:

• Adding information
• Contrast and concession
• Cause and result
• Sequencing and time
• Clarifying and giving examples

We’ll also learn punctuation tips and common mistakes to avoid.

Adding information: also, in addition, moreover

Use these when you want to add a second (or third) point.

• also (neutral, common)
• in addition (slightly more formal)
• moreover (formal; often in writing)

Position:

• Also usually comes after the subject in speaking/writing: “She also plays guitar.”
• At the beginning of a sentence, use a comma: “Also, the venue has parking.”
• In addition and moreover normally start a new sentence: “In addition, the class includes materials.”

The hotel was cheap; , it was very clean.

Quick check: punctuation

When you start a sentence with in addition or moreover, add a comma after it.

• “In addition, there will be a Q&A.”
• “Moreover, the data support our conclusion.”

Contrast and concession: but, however, although, on the other hand, despite

Use these to show differences.

• but (neutral)
• however (more formal; often starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon)
• although/even though (introduce a clause)
• on the other hand (introduces a contrastive point)
• despite / in spite of + noun/-ing

Punctuation:

• However usually takes a comma after it: “However, the store was closed.”
• Although does NOT use a comma immediately after it; the comma goes after the first clause if it’s at the beginning: “Although it rained, we played.”

Cause and result: because, so, therefore, as a result

Use these to explain reasons and consequences.

• because + clause (reason)
• so + clause (result)
• therefore (formal written result; usually with a comma after it)
• as a result (result; also needs a comma after it at the beginning)

It started to snow, we decided to cancel the hike.

Sequencing and time: first, then, after that, finally, meanwhile

Use these to organize stories, instructions, or processes.

• first/at first, then/next, after that, finally
• meanwhile shows two actions at the same time in different places.

Example:

• “First, preheat the oven. Then, mix the ingredients. After that, pour the batter. Finally, bake for 30 minutes.”

Clarifying and giving examples: that is, in other words, for example (e.g.)

Use these to explain or illustrate.

• that is / in other words: restate more simply
• for example / for instance: give an example

Example: “Our team will expand—that is, we will hire two more designers.”

Mini-dialogue practice

Put the lines of this conversation in a logical order. Pay attention to contrast, addition, and result.

Common mistakes to avoid

Although it was raining, but we played football. → Although it was raining, we played football. Don’t use **although** and **but** together. Despite of the traffic, we arrived on time. → Despite the traffic, we arrived on time. Use **despite + noun/-ing** (no "of"). Or say **in spite of** + noun/-ing.

More practice: connect the idea smoothly

Choose the best option and think about tone (neutral vs. formal).

Quick vocabulary recap

• also / in addition / moreover → add information
• but / however / although / on the other hand / despite → contrast
• because / so / therefore / as a result → reason/result
• first / then / after that / finally / meanwhile → sequence/time
• that is / in other words / for example → clarify/example

Cultural note: polite disagreement and softening

In professional English, we often soften disagreement:

• “I see your point. However, I have a different view.”
• “On the other hand, we should consider the budget.” Adding a softener first (“I see,” “Perhaps,” “It seems that…”) sounds cooperative. Overusing but in meetings can feel direct; mixing in however and on the other hand feels more diplomatic.

Try it in real life

• Write a short email with three paragraphs: (1) update, (2) contrast/challenge, (3) result/next steps. Use at least four connectors from today.
• Tell a two-minute story about last weekend. Use sequencing (first/then/after that/finally) and one contrast.
• When you read an article, underline connectors and ask: What is the writer doing here—adding, contrasting, explaining a result, or giving an example?

You’ve learned a toolkit of linking words. With a little practice, your English will flow more naturally—and your readers and listeners will thank you. Keep connecting those ideas!