This guide is a usrer-friendly reference for improving the flow of English communication via words that connect—whether you're writing or speaking in business, academic, or everyday settings. It includes a wide range of linking words (also called connectors), many of which are used across both formal and informal contexts. Words are grouped by function and listed alphabetically, with formality labels, clear explanations, and real-world examples from both written and spoken usage.
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Words that connect ideas—within or between sentences—are known by various labels depending on the context. Common terms include linking words, connectors, and connectives. In grammar and linguistics, they are often called conjunctions (coordinating, subordinating, correlative) or discourse markers when used to organize extended speech or writing. In academic contexts, they may also be referred to as transitional devices or cohesive devices. All these terms describe words or phrases that guide the reader or listener through the logical flow of communication.
Different linking words suit different contexts. This guide includes a range of connectors used in business, academic, and informal English. Each entry is marked with a formality label—[Formal], [Neutral], or [Informal]—to help you choose the right word for your audience and situation. For example, “furthermore” is ideal for reports or essays, while “plus” is better suited to casual speech or informal writing.
Use these to add information, reinforce ideas, or introduce examples.
[Formal]
Adds extra information or emphasis.
Business: The new policy will streamline onboarding procedures. Additionally, it will reduce paperwork.
Academic: The study confirms the hypothesis. Additionally, it offers a new framework for analysis.
[Neutral]
Adds another point of equal importance.
Business: The company expanded into Europe. Also, it increased its R&D budget.
Academic: The author critiques the theory. Also, she suggests an alternative approach.
[Neutral]
Joins two related ideas or actions.
Business: The team delivered the report on time, and they also presented a strong case for expansion.
Academic: The paper defines key terms, and it outlines the methodology clearly.
[Neutral]
Adds a related item, often in lists.
Business: The proposal covers logistics as well as compliance.
Academic: The curriculum includes literature as well as composition.
[Formal]
Introduces a stronger or more important point.
Business: The audit revealed key discrepancies. Furthermore, several processes were found to be non-compliant.
Academic: The results support the initial claim. Furthermore, they challenge the standard interpretation.
[Formal]
Adds supplementary information.
Business: The sales figures exceeded expectations. In addition, customer retention improved.
Academic: In addition to primary sources, the paper uses interviews with experts.
[Formal]
Emphasizes an additional, often more significant, point.
Business: The division met its targets. Moreover, it launched two new product lines.
Academic: The theory is well-supported. Moreover, it aligns with recent empirical data.
[Neutral]
Emphasizes two related or surprising points.
Business: She not only improved the process, but she also reduced overhead costs.
Academic: The experiment not only confirmed previous results, but also revealed new insights.
[Informal]
Adds a casual or conversational point, often in speech or informal writing.
Business: We finished the pitch deck. Plus, the client loved the new design.
Academic: The article is well-researched. Plus, it’s easy to read.
[Neutral]
Introduces specific examples.
Business: The strategy includes several new channels, such as influencer partnerships and paid search.
Academic: Many poets, such as Keats and Shelley, explored themes of nature and mortality.
[Neutral]
Emphasizes an additional, often compelling, point.
Business: The solution is cost-effective. What's more, it's scalable.
Academic: The sample was diverse. What's more, it reflected national averages.
Use these to show differences, exceptions, or unexpected results.
[Formal]
Concedes a minor point while emphasizing the main idea.
Business: The feedback was positive, albeit with minor reservations.
Academic: The results were valid, albeit not statistically significant.
[Formal]
Introduces a concession or contrast.
Business: Although we followed protocol, the shipment was delayed.
Academic: Although the sample was limited, the findings were consistent.
[Neutral]
Highlights two simultaneous but contrasting considerations.
Business: We want to grow our customer base. At the same time, we must reduce acquisition costs.
Academic: The theory gained popularity. At the same time, criticism increased.
[Neutral]
Contrasts two ideas directly.
Business: He accepted the position, but he declined the relocation package.
Academic: The method is effective, but it’s time-consuming.
[Neutral]
Concedes a point but maintains the main idea.
Business: The team was behind schedule. Even so, they managed to meet the deadline.
Academic: The model is incomplete. Even so, it provides useful insight.
[Neutral]
Introduces a strong concession.
Business: Even though the figures were promising, investors remained cautious.
Academic: Even though the experiment was repeated, the results differed.
[Formal]
Introduces a contrast or exception, often after a full stop or semicolon.
Business: The data was promising. However, the client was not convinced.
Academic: The hypothesis was well-structured. However, the evidence was lacking.
[Formal]
Shows contrast despite a condition or obstacle.
Business: In spite of the limited budget, the marketing campaign was a success.
Academic: In spite of the complexity, the algorithm performed well.
[Formal]
Concedes a point while maintaining the main idea.
Business: The team lacked experience. Nevertheless, the project was a success.
Academic: The data was incomplete. Nevertheless, the conclusion was valid.
[Formal]
Concedes a point but emphasizes the main idea.
Business: She was the least experienced candidate. Nonetheless, she delivered the most compelling pitch.
Academic: The theory is controversial. Nonetheless, it continues to influence policy.
[Formal/Neutral]
Introduces a contrasting point or alternative perspective.
Business: The new software is expensive. On the other hand, it could significantly boost productivity.
Academic: Previous studies focused on urban areas. On the other hand, rural communities remain under-researched.
[Neutral]
Indicates something happens despite circumstances.
Business: The system had failed multiple times. Regardless, the vendor was given another chance.
Academic: The paper was overdue. Regardless, it was accepted for review.
[Neutral]
Contrasts with previous information, often unexpectedly.
Business: The proposal lacked detail. Still, the board approved it.
Academic: The study is small. Still, the conclusions are valuable.
[Neutral]
Introduces a concession, often at the end of a sentence.
Business: The transition was difficult, though the team adapted quickly.
Academic: The results were inconclusive, though they raised important questions.
[Neutral]
Contrasts two simultaneous ideas or actions.
Business: While the proposal had merit, it lacked sufficient data to support the investment.
Academic: While the evidence is compelling, it does not prove causation.
[Neutral]
Contrasts, often with an unexpected result.
Business: The system has been upgraded, yet users continue to report delays.
Academic: The method was precise, yet the outcomes varied widely.
Use these to show reasons, results, or logical consequences.
[Neutral]
Shows cause or time relationship.
Business: As demand increases, we plan to scale our operations accordingly.
Academic: As the experiment progressed, the variables became more difficult to control.
[Neutral]
Shows the consequence of a previous action or situation.
Business: The client canceled the order. As a result, we revised our Q4 projections.
Academic: Several sources were excluded. As a result, the literature review lacked depth.
[Neutral]
Indicates reasoning or evidence for a decision.
Business: Based on our findings, we recommend postponing the investment round.
Academic: Based on the survey data, the hypothesis was adjusted.
[Formal]
Shows a direct result or effect.
Business: Profits dropped sharply. Consequently, the board called an emergency meeting.
Academic: The participants misunderstood the task. Consequently, the data were inconsistent.
[Neutral → Formal]
Shows cause or reason.
Business: Due to high demand, we increased production.
Academic: Due to sample contamination, the test was repeated.
[Formal]
Explains reason (literary/formal; less common in modern business English).
Business: The project was underfunded, for the board withheld final approval.
Academic: The theory was flawed, for it ignored several key variables.
[Neutral]
Prepares for a possible situation or problem.
Business: In case there is a delay in customs, we’ve prepared a local backup plan.
Academic: In case of contamination, all samples were stored separately.
[Formal]
Introduces a possible future condition.
Business: In the event that market conditions deteriorate, we will delay the launch.
Academic: In the event that the hypothesis fails, alternative models will be explored.
[Formal]
Shows cause or reason.
Business: Owing to supply chain issues, delivery has been delayed.
Academic: Owing to high variability, the results are considered inconclusive.
[Neutral]
Sets a condition for something to happen.
Business: Provided that all conditions are met, funding will be released next quarter.
Academic: Providing the sample remains stable, measurements will continue.
[Neutral]
Gives a reason or cause.
Business: Since the team completed the prototype ahead of schedule, we were able to begin testing early.
Academic: Since participants varied in age, results were adjusted accordingly.
[Neutral]
Shows result or consequence.
Business: The product failed the quality check, so we halted distribution.
Academic: The experiment produced irregular readings, so the trial was repeated.
[Formal]
Shows logical result or conclusion.
Business: We missed the revenue target. Therefore, bonuses will be reduced this quarter.
Academic: The data did not support the hypothesis. Therefore, it was rejected.
[Formal]
Shows logical conclusion or result.
Business: The data was incomplete. Thus, the conclusion was flawed.
Academic: The method was too narrow. Thus, further research is required.
[Neutral]
Sets a negative condition.
Business: We won’t proceed unless we receive written confirmation.
Academic: Unless otherwise noted, all figures are estimates.
[Neutral]
Sets a positive condition.
Business: The offer remains valid as long as payment is received by Friday.
Academic: As long as the temperature is controlled, the reaction will proceed normally.
Use these to present options, alternatives, or conditions.
[Neutral]
Presents two alternatives.
Business: Either we renegotiate the contract now, or we face legal action later.
Academic: Either the participants misunderstood the task, or the instructions were unclear.
[Neutral]
Negates two alternatives.
Business: Neither the supplier nor the distributor accepted the revised terms.
Academic: Neither the control group nor the experimental group showed significant change.
[Neutral]
Presents a contrasting alternative or counterpoint.
Business: The premium package is more expensive. On the other hand, it offers better long-term value.
Academic: The first theory is widely accepted. On the other hand, the newer model addresses recent data.
[Neutral]
Sets a strict condition for something to happen.
Business: The contract will be extended only if performance improves.
Academic: The extension is granted only if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA.
[Neutral]
Offers alternatives or options.
Business: You can attend the training on Monday, or you can join the Wednesday session.
Academic: Students may submit a paper, or they can take a final exam.
[Neutral]
Shows the consequence of not following the previous action.
Business: We could reduce costs by automating. Otherwise, we must cut staff.
Academic: The draft must be submitted by Friday. Otherwise, it will not be reviewed.
Use these to indicate time relationships or duration.
[Neutral]
Sets a deadline.
Business: Please submit the report by 5 p.m. Friday.
Academic: All assignments must be uploaded by midnight.
[Neutral]
Indicates a period of time.
Business: We experienced a spike in traffic during the campaign launch.
Academic: Attendance dropped during the final exam period.
[Neutral]
Indicates duration.
Business: The client has retained us for six months.
Academic: The experiment ran for four weeks.
[Neutral]
Indicates something happening at the same time as something else.
Business: The legal team was drafting the contract. Meanwhile, the finance team conducted a risk assessment.
Academic: The students worked on their essays. Meanwhile, the professor graded the midterms.
[Neutral]
Indicates up to a point in time.
Business: The team will work remotely until the renovations are complete.
Academic: The lab is closed until further notice.
[Neutral]
Indicates simultaneous actions or contrasts.
Business: While traveling, he continued to lead the team remotely.
Academic: While one group conducted the experiment, the other recorded the results.
Use these to highlight or reinforce a point.
[Formal]
Highlights the most important consideration.
Business: Above all, we value transparency.
Academic: Above all, this study shows a need for further research.
[Formal]
Reinforces or emphasizes a previous statement.
Business: The innovation was bold. Indeed, it redefined the industry standard.
Academic: The theory is widely accepted. Indeed, it forms the basis of current research.
[Neutral]
Reinforces or clarifies a previous statement.
Business: The CEO responded swiftly. In fact, the issue was resolved within hours.
Academic: The hypothesis was well supported. In fact, it exceeded expectations.
Use these to introduce hypothetical situations or comparisons.
[Neutral]
Introduces a hypothetical comparison.
Business: He spoke as if he had already made the final decision.
Academic: She acted as if the theory had been proven.
[Neutral]
Introduces a hypothetical comparison.
Business: She reacted as though the news were completely unexpected.
Academic: He presented the data as though the outcome was inevitable.
[Neutral]
Introduces a hypothetical condition.
Business: Even if we lower the price, the client may not accept the proposal.
Academic: Even if the results vary slightly, the trend remains consistent.
Use these to clarify or restate an idea.
[Formal]
Specifies exact details following a general statement.
Business: We focused on three markets, namely the US, Canada, and Germany.
Academic: The intervention improved two key areas, namely engagement and comprehension.
[Neutral]
Restates for clarity or emphasis.
Business: The project is paused. In other words, all activities are on hold.
Academic: The results were inconclusive. In other words, further study is needed.
[Neutral]
Clarifies or specifies a previous statement.
Business: We are targeting early adopters—that is, clients who value innovation.
Academic: The study focused on a specific demographic—that is, individuals aged 18–25.
Whether you’re aiming to write a polished report, deliver a persuasive presentation, or simply make your everyday conversations clearer, choosing the right connecting words can make a significant difference. By consulting this guide, you can confidently select connectors that fit your context and audience, ensuring your ideas are linked smoothly and your message is understood.
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Authors: Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, Director, The English Center and Alexandra Roberts, BA, English teacher.
