Linking Words and Phrases: English ЕГЭ 2025 Preparation

Linking words and phrases (also called connectives or transition words) are essential elements that create cohesion and coherence in English texts. They connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, making your writing flow logically and smoothly. In the ЕГЭ English exam, using a variety of appropriate linking devices can significantly improve your score in the writing section and help you better understand relationships between ideas in the reading section.

Theory for Exam Preparation

Linking words and phrases serve as signposts that guide the reader through your text. They indicate the relationships between ideas, such as addition, contrast, cause and effect, sequence, or examples. Using these connectives appropriately demonstrates your command of English and your ability to construct a coherent argument or narrative.

In the ЕГЭ writing tasks, examiners specifically look for the appropriate and varied use of linking words to connect ideas within and between paragraphs.

Types of Linking Words and Phrases

Linking words and phrases can be categorized according to their function in connecting ideas:

Addition and Enumeration

These connectives add information or list points in sequence:

Linking Words	Examples
and, also, as well as, moreover, furthermore, in addition, additionally, besides, what is more, not only...but also, apart from this/that, not to mention	The city has excellent public transportation. Moreover, it offers numerous cycling paths. The course is challenging as well as rewarding.
firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally, lastly, to begin with, next, then, subsequently, eventually	Firstly, we need to identify the problem. Secondly, we should analyze possible solutions. Finally, we must implement the best option.

Contrast and Concession

These connectives show differences, unexpected results, or contradictions:

Linking Words	Examples
but, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, still, although, though, even though, while, whereas, despite, in spite of, on the other hand, conversely, in contrast, instead, on the contrary, otherwise	He studied hard. Nevertheless, he failed the exam. Despite the rain, they continued with the outdoor event. Some people prefer city life, whereas others enjoy living in the countryside.

Cause and Effect

These connectives show reasons, results, and consequences:

Linking Words	Examples
because, because of, due to, owing to, as a result of, consequently, therefore, thus, hence, so, as a consequence, for this reason, that is why	He missed the train because he overslept. The company lost money last year. Consequently, they had to reduce staff. Due to the heavy snow, all flights were canceled.

Purpose

These connectives show the aim or intention:

Linking Words	Examples
to, in order to, so as to, so that, in order that, with the aim of, with the intention of, for the purpose of	She took a course in order to improve her qualifications. They arrived early so that they could get good seats.

Examples and Clarification

These connectives introduce examples or provide further explanation:

Linking Words	Examples
for example, for instance, such as, namely, that is, in other words, to illustrate, to clarify, specifically, particularly, especially	Many European cities, such as Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, attract millions of tourists each year. The results were inconclusive; in other words, we need to conduct more research.

Time and Sequence

These connectives show chronological order or temporal relationships:

Linking Words	Examples
when, whenever, as, while, after, before, since, until, once, as soon as, by the time, immediately, subsequently, later, meanwhile, in the meantime, at the same time, during, previously	After finishing university, she traveled around Asia for six months. He was watching TV while his wife was cooking dinner. We'll leave as soon as the rain stops.

Summarizing and Concluding

These connectives introduce a summary or conclusion:

Linking Words	Examples
in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up, in summary, overall, all in all, in short, finally, lastly, to summarize, in a nutshell	In conclusion, the advantages of this approach outweigh the disadvantages. To sum up, we need to act quickly to address these issues.

Position of Linking Words in Sentences

The position of linking words in a sentence can vary depending on the specific word and the intended emphasis:

Beginning of a Sentence

Many linking words and phrases can be placed at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma:

However, the results were not as expected.
Furthermore, we need to consider the environmental impact.
In conclusion, the project was a success despite initial challenges.

Middle of a Sentence

Some linking words can be placed in the middle of a sentence, often after a semicolon or between clauses:

The first attempt failed; however, the second attempt was successful.
The weather was terrible; nevertheless, they enjoyed their vacation.

End of a Sentence

A few linking words can be placed at the end of a sentence:

He didn't get the job he applied for. He wasn't qualified enough.
She wants to improve her English. She practices every day, therefore.

Important!

The position of linking words can affect the emphasis and sometimes the meaning of a sentence. Be careful with placement, especially in formal writing.

Punctuation with Linking Words

Proper punctuation with linking words is essential for clarity:

When a linking word or phrase begins a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma: However, the situation has improved. In addition, we need to consider other factors.
When a linking word connects two independent clauses, use a semicolon before and a comma after the linking word: The museum was closed; therefore, we went to the park instead. He didn't study; consequently, he failed the exam.
Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor) connecting two independent clauses are preceded by a comma: She was tired, but she continued working. It was raining, so we stayed indoors.

Common Errors with Linking Words

Be aware of these common mistakes when using linking words:

Overuse

Using too many linking words can make your writing seem forced or artificial:

Incorrect: Firstly, I woke up. Then, I brushed my teeth. After that, I had breakfast. Subsequently, I went to work. Finally, I arrived at the office.
Better: I woke up, brushed my teeth, and had breakfast before going to work.

Incorrect Choice

Using a linking word that doesn't accurately reflect the relationship between ideas:

Incorrect: It was raining heavily. Therefore, I took my umbrella with me yesterday.
Correct: It was raining heavily. So, I took my umbrella with me.

Double Connectives

Using two linking words that serve the same function:

Incorrect: Although it was raining, but we still went for a walk.
Correct: Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.
Correct: It was raining, but we still went for a walk.

Incorrect Register

Using informal linking words in formal writing or vice versa:

Informal (inappropriate for academic writing): Anyway, the results show a positive trend.
Formal (better for academic writing): Nevertheless, the results show a positive trend.

Formal vs. Informal Linking Words

In the ЕГЭ writing tasks, it's important to use the appropriate register. Here's a comparison of formal and informal linking words:

Function	Formal	Informal
Addition	furthermore, moreover, in addition, additionally	also, plus, what's more, on top of that
Contrast	however, nevertheless, nonetheless, conversely	but, though, still, anyway
Cause/Effect	consequently, therefore, thus, hence	so, that's why, because of this
Example	for instance, to illustrate, namely	like, such as
Conclusion	in conclusion, to summarize, in summary	all in all, to wrap up

Practice Examples

Choose the most appropriate linking word to complete each sentence.

The weather was terrible; ________, we decided to go hiking anyway.
________ the high cost of living, many people still prefer to live in the city center.
The company has invested in new technology; ________, productivity has increased significantly.
She speaks several languages, ________ English, French, and Spanish.
________ we finish this project, we can start working on the next one.

Answers:

1. The weather was terrible; nevertheless, we decided to go hiking anyway. (contrast)

2. Despite the high cost of living, many people still prefer to live in the city center. (concession)

3. The company has invested in new technology; consequently, productivity has increased significantly. (cause and effect)

4. She speaks several languages, including English, French, and Spanish. (example)

5. Once we finish this project, we can start working on the next one. (time)

Identify and correct the errors in the use of linking words in the following sentences.

Although it was expensive, but I decided to buy it anyway.
I was late for the meeting because of I overslept.
She studied hard. Therefore she passed the exam with distinction.
He didn't prepare for the presentation, so that he was nervous.
We visited Paris, London also Rome during our European tour.

Corrections:

1. Although it was expensive, I decided to buy it anyway. (Remove "but" - double connective error)

2. I was late for the meeting because I overslept. (Remove "of" - incorrect preposition use)

3. She studied hard. Therefore, she passed the exam with distinction. (Add comma after "Therefore")

4. He didn't prepare for the presentation, so he was nervous. (Replace "so that" with "so" - incorrect choice)

5. We visited Paris, London, and Rome during our European tour. (Replace "also" with "and" - incorrect listing)

Key Points to Remember

Use linking words to connect ideas and create a logical flow in your writing
Choose linking words that accurately reflect the relationship between ideas
Avoid overusing linking words or using them incorrectly
Pay attention to punctuation when using linking words
Use formal linking words for academic and formal writing tasks
Vary your use of linking words to demonstrate a rich vocabulary

Exam Tip!

In the ЕГЭ writing tasks, using a variety of appropriate linking words can significantly improve your score. Aim to use at least 2-3 different types of linking words in each paragraph, but make sure they accurately reflect the relationships between your ideas.