What linkers really do

Linkers signal relationships: add, contrast, cause, result, example, sequence. Use them to make logic visible, not to decorate sentences.

Golden rules

• One clear linker per move
• Prefer short, familiar forms
• If the logic is obvious, you can omit the linker

Core linker sets you can trust

Addition
also, in addition, moreover, besides
Model: The policy raised revenue. In addition, it funded more buses.

Contrast
however, but, while, whereas, in contrast
Model: A increased, whereas B fell.

Cause
because, since, as
Model: Congestion rose because bus frequency fell.

Result
so, therefore, as a result, consequently
Model: Services improved; as a result, ridership grew.

Example
for example, for instance
Model: Some schools cut screen time. For example, phones are locked during class.

Sequence
first, next, then, finally
Model: First, collect tickets. Then, take the shuttle.

Emphasis or focus
in fact, indeed, in particular
Model: Attendance increased, in particular among evening workers.

Natural placement tips

• Start of sentence for strong guidance: However, costs rose.
• Mid sentence for softer tone: Costs rose, however, after the trial.
• Clause level for variety: While costs rose, service quality improved.

Punctuation

• After a sentence opener, use a comma.
• With but and so inside a sentence, a comma usually comes before.

Light swaps for heavy phrases

• due to the fact that → because
• on the other hand → however or by contrast
• with regard to → about
• it is worth noting that → notably

How many linkers per paragraph

Aim for 3 to 5 total in a 120 to 160 word paragraph. Overuse feels robotic.

Micro models by task

Task 2 body
Point: Core hours raise output. Because meetings cluster at midday, deep work remains in the morning. For example, a firm saw tasks finished rise by about 12 percent. Therefore, the policy should continue.

Task 1 body
City A rose from 20 to 35, whereas City B fell from 40 to 25. As a result, A finished the period highest.

GT letter
I am writing to request the May schedule. In addition, could you confirm room availability by Friday

Mini drills

Drill 1: Choose the best linker

1. Prices fell, ___ demand increased.

• Correct: while or whereas

1. The app reduced waiting time. ___, complaints dropped.

• Correct: As a result or therefore

Drill 2: Trim the heavy linker
Original: Due to the fact that buses were late, students missed class.
Better: Because buses were late, students missed class.

Common errors and quick fixes

• Stacking linkers: However, but… → keep one
• Vague this: This shows… what → add a noun: This result shows…
• Same linker repeated: however, however → rotate to by contrast or whereas
• Cause vs result mix: therefore with a cause clause → switch to because

Error tags for review

• OL = over linking
• RL = repeated linker
• CL = wrong connector logic
• DR = dangling reference after this
• HP = heavy phrase that can be trimmed

10 minute routine

1. 2 min: mark the moves in two body paragraphs (add, contrast, result).
2. 3 min: insert one short linker per move.
3. 3 min: replace any heavy phrase with a light swap.
4. 2 min: run error tags and remove extras.

Quick checklist

• One linker per logical move
• Short, common words over long phrases
• Mix positions: start, mid, clause level
• References clear with this + noun
• No repeated linkers in the same paragraph

Pocket list to memorise

• add: also, in addition
• contrast: however, whereas
• cause: because, since
• result: therefore, as a result
• example: for example
• sequence: first, then

Final advice
Plan the logic first, then choose the smallest linker that makes the connection obvious. Use this + noun to keep references clear. With light, varied connectors and disciplined placement, your writing flows naturally and scores higher.