List of Commonly Used Linking Words

Function Coordinators Subordinators Transitions

Link independent Link an independent clause with Link independent clauses within
clauses within a a dependent clause or phrase
a sentence.
sentence. within a sentence.
Link sentences within a
paragraph.

Punctuation Use a comma before aWhen the dependent clause is When the transition begins the
coordinator: at the beginning of the sentence, it should be followed
I researched the sentence, it should be followed by a comma:
topic, and I created by a comma: First, I researched the topic.
the presentation. After I researched the Then, I created the
topic, I created the presentation.
presentation.
When the transition connects
Do not use a comma when the two independent clauses, a
dependent clause is at the end semi-colon comes before it and
of the sentence: a comma follows it:
I created the presentation after I researched the
I researched the topic. topic; afterwards, I created
the presentation.

Showing And Before Afterward(s)

time,
beginning, As At first
during,
ending
As long as Initially

At the same time (as) Meanwhile

Every time Meantime

Since Simultaneously

So long as Eventually

The Finally
first/second/next/last
time

When

Whenever

While

By the time

Till

Until

Showing a And After Next

sequence
 As soon as Subsequently

Ever since Then

Following Thereafter

Later First

Once Firstly

Initially

To begin

Next

Second

Secondly

Then

Third

Thirdly

Finally

Last

Lastly

Showing So In all
conclusion
In summation

In conclusion

To conclude

Showing But Although By comparison

contrast
Either or Despite By contrast

Yet Even though Conversely

In spite of However

Instead of In contrast

Though Instead

Whereas Nevertheless

While Nonetheless

On the contrary
 On the other hand

Otherwise

Showing Neither nor In other words

similarity

Either or Likewise

Similarly

Adding And Additionally

information
Also

Besides

Further

Furthermore

In addition

Moreover

Adding For example

example
For instance

In particular

Showing For As a result of

cause
Because

Due to (the fact that)

In order to

Resulting from

Since

Showing So (If) then Accordingly,

effect
resulting in As a result,

So that Consequently,

then Hence,

Therefore,

Thus,

Showing Even if
condition
 If then

In case

Provided that

Providing

Unless

Whether or not