🧷 Linking words & cohesion · IELTS Writing Vocabulary · 50 words

🃏 Learn this set with free flashcards →

furthermore /ˌfɜːðəˈmɔː(r)/ adv	used to add another point that supports what you have just said; formal Public transport reduces congestion. Furthermore, it lowers carbon emissions.
moreover /mɔːrˈəʊvə(r)/ adv	used to add a stronger or more important point; formal Online learning is flexible; moreover, it is often cheaper than classroom courses.
in addition phrase	used to introduce an extra point; use "in addition to + noun/-ing" inside a sentence In addition, remote work allows employees to spend more time with their families.
what is more phrase	used to add an even more important point; slightly less formal than "moreover" Cycling is good for health; what is more, it costs almost nothing.
not only ... but also phrase	used to add a second, often surprising point; after "Not only" at the start, invert the verb Tourism not only creates jobs but also helps to preserve traditional crafts.
similarly /ˈsɪmələli/ adv	in a similar way; used to show that two points are alike Similarly, schools should teach financial skills alongside academic subjects.
likewise /ˈlaɪkwaɪz/ adv	in the same way; formal Parents should limit children's screen time; likewise, teachers should encourage outdoor play.
however /haʊˈevə(r)/ adv	used to introduce a contrasting statement; usually followed by a comma Technology has made life easier. However, it has also made people less active.
on the other hand phrase	used to present a different or opposite side of an argument; often follows "on the one hand" On the other hand, living in a big city can be extremely expensive.
whereas /ˌweərˈæz/ conj	used to compare two facts and show they are different; joins two clauses Older people prefer printed newspapers, whereas younger people read news online.
whilst /waɪlst/ conj	formal British form of "while"; used for contrast or time Whilst some argue that zoos protect animals, others believe they are cruel.
nonetheless /ˌnʌnðəˈles/ adv	despite what has just been said; formal The policy is expensive; nonetheless, it is necessary for public safety.
in contrast phrase	used to show a clear difference between two things Urban areas have many job opportunities. In contrast, rural regions often lack employment.
conversely /ˈkɒnvɜːsli/ adv	in an opposite way; used when the second idea reverses the first Higher taxes may reduce smoking; conversely, lower prices could encourage it.
despite /dɪˈspaɪt/ prep	without being affected by something; followed by a noun or -ing, not a clause Despite the high cost, many families choose private schools.
in spite of phrase	same meaning as "despite"; followed by a noun or -ing form In spite of government warnings, many people still drive after drinking.
although /ɔːlˈðəʊ/ conj	used to introduce a clause that contrasts with the main clause Although nuclear power is efficient, its waste is difficult to manage.
even though phrase	a stronger form of "although", stressing a surprising contrast Even though fast food is unhealthy, its popularity continues to grow.
on the contrary phrase	used to reject a statement and say the opposite is true; not the same as "on the other hand" Video games are not always harmful; on the contrary, some improve problem-solving skills.
as a result phrase	used to introduce the effect of something mentioned before Many factories have moved abroad. As a result, unemployment has risen in some towns.
therefore /ˈðeəfɔː(r)/ adv	for that reason; formal and common in academic writing Obesity is linked to poor diet; therefore, schools should provide healthy meals.
thus /ðʌs/ adv	as a result of this; very formal Public transport is cheap and fast, thus reducing the need for private cars.
hence /hens/ adv	for this reason; very formal, often followed by a noun phrase Housing in cities is expensive, hence the growth of the suburbs.
due to phrase	because of; followed by a noun phrase Many species are disappearing due to the destruction of rainforests.
owing to phrase	because of; formal; followed by a noun phrase Owing to rising living costs, many young adults still live with their parents.
as a consequence phrase	as a result, often of something negative; formal Forests have been cleared for farming; as a consequence, flooding has become more common.
accordingly /əˈkɔːdɪŋli/ adv	as a suitable result of what has just been mentioned; formal The population is ageing; accordingly, more funding is needed for healthcare.
for instance phrase	used to give an example; same as "for example" Some countries, for instance Finland, have very short school days.
such as phrase	used to introduce examples inside a sentence; followed by nouns Renewable sources such as wind and solar power are becoming cheaper.
namely /ˈneɪmli/ adv	used to give exact details about something just mentioned Two factors explain this trend, namely rising incomes and cheaper flights.
to illustrate phrase	used to introduce an example that explains a point more clearly To illustrate, a single plastic bottle can take up to 450 years to decompose.
a case in point phrase	a clear example of what has just been described Singapore is a case in point: strict laws have made its streets remarkably clean.
in particular phrase	especially; used to focus on one item in a group Young people, in particular, are vulnerable to online advertising.
notably /ˈnəʊtəbli/ adv	used to mention an important example Several nations, notably Norway, have encouraged electric car ownership.
indeed /ɪnˈdiːd/ adv	used to confirm and strengthen a previous point Exercise benefits mental health. Indeed, many doctors now prescribe it for depression.
in fact phrase	used to add more detail or to correct a wrong idea Many believe that cities are unsafe; in fact, crime rates have fallen in most of them.
in other words phrase	used to explain the same idea more simply The scheme is self-funding; in other words, it costs taxpayers nothing.
above all phrase	most importantly Above all, education should prepare children to think for themselves.
firstly /ˈfɜːstli/ adv	used to introduce the first point in a list Firstly, larger cities offer a wider range of job opportunities.
subsequently /ˈsʌbsɪkwəntli/ adv	happening after something else; formal The factory was closed in 2010 and subsequently turned into a museum.
meanwhile /ˈmiːnwaɪl/ adv	at the same time, often showing contrast between two situations The rich are getting richer; meanwhile, wages for the poor have stagnated.
provided that phrase	only if a particular thing happens Students can work part-time, provided that it does not affect their studies.
unless /ənˈles/ conj	except if Traffic will keep getting worse unless public transport is improved.
otherwise /ˈʌðəwaɪz/ adv	used to say what will happen if something is not done Governments must act now; otherwise, the effects of climate change will be irreversible.
in conclusion phrase	used to start the final paragraph of an essay In conclusion, the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the drawbacks.
to sum up phrase	used to introduce a short summary of the main points To sum up, both individuals and governments must take action to reduce waste.
all things considered phrase	after thinking about all the facts; good for a balanced conclusion All things considered, I believe that working from home is beneficial for most employees.
on balance phrase	after considering all the arguments on both sides On balance, the advantages of tourism appear to outweigh its disadvantages.
overall /ˌəʊvərˈɔːl/ adv	considering everything; also used to start a Task 1 overview Overall, social media has had a positive effect on communication.
ultimately /ˈʌltɪmətli/ adv	in the end; used to state the most basic or important point Ultimately, it is parents who are responsible for their children's behaviour.