Linking Words
A B1 guide to linking words for contrast, reason, and result — however, although, despite, in spite of, because, so, therefore, and nevertheless — including position rules and punctuation.
What Linking Words Do
Linking words (also called connectors) join ideas together. They show the relationship between two pieces of information — for example, that one is a reason for another, or a contrast with it.
It was raining, **so** we stayed in. (result)
**Although** it was raining, we went out. (contrast)
We could not go out **because** it was raining. (reason)
The tricky part at B1 is not the meaning — it is the grammar. Each linking word is followed by a different kind of word: a clause, a noun, or an -ing form. Punctuation matters too.
Linking Words for Contrast
These words show that the two ideas are surprising or opposite.
However and Nevertheless
However and nevertheless connect two complete sentences. They go at the start of the second sentence, followed by a comma. Nevertheless is more formal.
It was raining. **However,** we went for a walk.
The hotel was expensive. **Nevertheless,** we enjoyed our stay.
You can also place however in the middle of the sentence, between commas:
We, **however,** decided to stay.
Although and (Even) Though
Although and though are followed by a clause (subject + verb). They can come at the start or in the middle of the sentence. Even though is stronger.
| Position | Example |
|---|---|
| Beginning | **Although** it was raining, we went out. |
| Middle | We went out **although** it was raining. |
| With even though | **Even though** I was tired, I kept working. |
When although starts the sentence, use a comma after the first clause.
Despite and In Spite Of
Despite and in spite of mean the same as although, but they are followed by a noun or an -ing form, not a clause.
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
Despite the rain / Despite it raining | |
In spite of his tiredness / In spite of being tired |
Compare:
**Although** it was raining, we went out. (clause after although)
**Despite** the rain, we went out. (noun after despite)
**In spite of** the rain, we went out. (noun after in spite of)
**Despite** being tired, I kept working. (-ing form)
To turn a clause into a noun phrase after despite, you can use the fact that:
Despite **the fact that** it was raining, we went out.
| Connector | Followed by |
|---|---|
however | a full sentence (after a full stop or semicolon) |
although / though / even though | a clause (subject + verb) |
despite / in spite of | a noun, pronoun, or -ing form |
nevertheless | a full sentence |
Linking Words for Reason
These words explain why something happens.
Because
Because is followed by a clause (subject + verb). It can come at the start or in the middle.
I stayed home **because** I was ill.
**Because** I was ill, I stayed home.
When because starts the sentence, use a comma after the first clause.
Do not confuse because with because of. Because of is followed by a noun, not a clause.
We were late **because of** the traffic. (of + noun)
We were late **because** the traffic was bad. (clause)
Linking Words for Result
These words show what happened as a consequence.
So
So is the most common linking word for result. Use a comma before so between two main clauses.
I was tired**, so** I went to bed.
The film was boring**, so** we left.
Therefore
Therefore is more formal than so and is common in writing. It connects two complete sentences and is usually followed by a comma.
The flight was cancelled. **Therefore,** we had to book a new one.
She studied hard. **Therefore,** she passed the exam.
You can also use a semicolon:
She studied hard; **therefore,** she passed the exam.
| Connector | Style | Position |
|---|---|---|
so | neutral / informal | between two clauses, after a comma |
therefore | formal / written | usually starts a new sentence; follow with a comma |
Punctuation Quick Reference
| Pattern | Example | Comma? |
|---|---|---|
Sentence 1. However, sentence 2. | It was cold. However, we went out. | After however |
Although + clause, main clause. | Although it was cold, we went out. | After the first clause |
Main clause although + clause. | We went out although it was cold. | Usually no comma |
Despite + noun, main clause. | Despite the cold, we went out. | After the noun |
Main clause, so main clause. | It was cold, so we stayed in. | Before so |
Sentence 1. Therefore, sentence 2. | It was cold. Therefore, we stayed in. | After therefore |
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Better | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Despite it was raining, we went out. | Despite the rain, we went out. / Although it was raining, we went out. | After despite, use a noun or -ing form, not a clause. |
| Although it was late. We went out. | Although it was late, we went out. | Although joins two clauses with a comma; do not split with a full stop. |
| Because of I was tired, I went to bed. | Because I was tired, I went to bed. | Use because (not because of) before a clause. |
| It was raining, however we went out. | It was raining. However, we went out. / It was raining; however, we went out. | However connects two complete sentences, not two clauses with a comma. |
| In spite of the traffic was bad… | In spite of the bad traffic… / Although the traffic was bad… | In spite of is followed by a noun or -ing, not a clause. |
Practice: Exercises
___ it was raining, we went for a walk.
Summary
Linking words show how two ideas are related. The meaning is usually easy — the trick is the grammar that follows.
For contrast, use although / even though + clause, despite / in spite of + noun or -ing, or however / nevertheless between two complete sentences. For reason, use because + clause and because of + noun. For result, use , so between two clauses, or therefore to start a new sentence in more formal writing.
Pay attention to punctuation: a comma after an although-clause that starts the sentence; a comma after however and therefore; a comma before so. Mixing up despite and although is the most common mistake at B1, so when you write, ask yourself: Is the next word a clause, or is it a noun?