1.

Understanding Linking Words

Linking words (also called cohesive devices or connectors) help connect ideas in writing and speaking.
They show relationships such as addition, contrast, cause and effect, and sequence.

• Placement: Some linking words can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

• Comma Usage:

o When a linking word starts a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma (However,

she refused the offer.).

o When linking words appear in the middle, a comma may not be needed (She refused
the offer despite the incentives).

Common categories of linking words:

• Addition: Furthermore, in addition, moreover

• Contrast: However, on the other hand, whereas, nevertheless, yet, on the other hand,
whereas, still, nonetheless, conversely

• Cause & Effect: Therefore, as a result, consequently, otherwise, in turn, as

• Reasoning & Concession: Since, regardless, even though, regardless of the fact that, in
spite of the fact that, due to, despite

• Sequence: First, next, finally, so as, in order not to

2. Understanding Despite / In Spite of

• Both despite and in spite of mean the same thing: they indicate contrast, showing that one
fact makes another surprising.

• They are followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a gerund (-ing form of a verb).

• They are NOT followed by a full clause (subject + verb).

� Despite the rain, we went for a walk.

� In spite of his fear, he gave a great speech.
� Despite feeling sick, she completed the exam.
� Despite he was tired, he kept working. (Incorrect – needs a noun or gerund)

➡ If you want to use a full clause, use although or even though instead.
3. Understanding Although / Even Though

• These words also show contrast, but they must be followed by a full clause (subject +
verb).

• Even though is stronger/more emphatic than although.

� Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

� Even though he was tired, he kept working. � Although she studied hard, she didn’t pass the
test.

4. Comma Rules & Sentence Placement

• At the beginning of a sentence: If the contrast phrase comes first, use a comma.

� Although it was expensive, she bought the dress.

� Despite the difficulty, he finished the project.

• In the middle of a sentence: No comma is needed.

� She bought the dress although it was expensive.

� He finished the project despite the difficulty.

• Despite / In spite of cannot be followed by ‘that’:

� Despite that he was late, he got the job. (Incorrect)
� Despite being late, he got the job. (Correct)

5. Summary of Usage

Linking Word Followed by Example

Noun / Pronoun /
Despite / In spite of Despite the cold, they went swimming.
Gerund (-ing verb)
Full Clause (Subject +
Although / Even though Although it was cold, they went swimming.
Verb)
Nevertheless / Yet / On He was tired; nevertheless, he continued
Full Clause
the other hand working.
Therefore / As a result / She studied hard; therefore, she passed the
Full Clause
Consequently exam.
Full Clause / Noun
Since / Because / Due to Since it was raining, we stayed inside.
Phrase
You need to submit your assignment by Friday;
In turn / Otherwise / As Full Clause
otherwise, you will receive a penalty.
Activity 1: Choose the Correct Words and Phrases

Choose the correct words and phrases. Sometimes two answers are possible.

1. She runs a successful company even though / regardless of the fact that / despite never
graduating.

2. Some jobs bring people empowerment, whereas / in turn / since others limit their potential.

3. Smoking should be banned entirely as / since / in spite of the fact that studies show that it
only causes diseases.

4. Prices are higher, and yet / regardless / whereas food quality is down.

5. He decided to invite them due to / despite / regardless the fact that I specifically told him not
to.

6. If you don’t stop using social media, you’ll get addicted. This in turn / therefore / otherwise
will make you miserable.

7. Stop eating chocolate, even though / otherwise / and yet you’ll get fat.

8. We decided to start the meeting due to / despite / even though his absence.

9. We should be quiet so as / whereas / in order not to disturb her.

Compare your answers with a partner and discuss why each choice is correct.

Activity 2: Rewrite the Arguments Using the Words in Brackets

Rewrite the following arguments using the words in brackets. Make any necessary changes:

1. You have to go to school because you'll be grounded if you don't. (Otherwise)

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2. New experiences might be exciting for many people, but this doesn’t change the fact that
living in a foreign country makes them miss home. (Regardless)

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3. People in New York are very rude. This is why you shouldn’t move there. (Since)

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4. Nobody wants to ban knives even though, just like guns, they can be used to kill. (Yet)

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5. If we trust AI with different areas of our lives, we will lose our freedom bit by bit. Next thing you
know, we will be completely dependent on machines. (In turn)

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6. Free internet access should be considered a basic human right. Otherwise, the development
of poorer regions will be stalled. (As)

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7. More than five million people have watched her video, but only twenty people watched mine.
She must be smarter. (Whereas)

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