Linking words in IELTS Writing: how to use them naturally

Linking words, also called cohesive devices or connectors, help the reader follow your argument. Used well, they make an essay feel smooth and logical. Used badly, they make it feel mechanical, and that can hold back your Coherence and Cohesion score. This guide explains what examiners look for and how to link ideas naturally.

Coherence and cohesion: what is the difference?

Coherence is about the logic of your essay: the order of your ideas, the purpose of each paragraph, and whether the argument moves forward.

Cohesion is about the language that connects sentences and paragraphs. This includes:

linking words (however, as a result, for example)
referencing (this, these, it, they, such)
substitution and synonyms (one, do so, this issue)

Linking words are only one part of cohesion. Many candidates focus on them and forget the other two.

What examiners notice

In general terms, the public band descriptors describe the difference like this:

At band 5, linking words may be missing, inaccurate or overused, and the writing can be repetitive because referencing and substitution are not used.
At band 6, linking devices are used, but the connections may be faulty or mechanical, and references are not always clear.
At band 7, a range of devices is used appropriately, though there may be some underuse or overuse.
At band 8, cohesion is managed well throughout.

The key word is appropriately. Examiners are not counting your linking words. They are judging whether each one is the right choice for the meaning.

Why overusing "Moreover" and "Furthermore" hurts

Look at this paragraph:

Firstly, social media helps people stay in touch. Moreover, it is free. Furthermore, it is fast. In addition, people can share photos. Additionally, it helps businesses.

Every sentence starts with a linker, but there is no real connection between the ideas. It is a list with decorations. The band descriptors use the word mechanical for this kind of linking at band 6, so it can keep your score for this criterion around that level.

There are three problems:

The linkers add no meaning. Each one simply says here is another point.
There is no development. None of the ideas is explained.
The rhythm is unnatural. Skilled writers do not start every sentence the same way.

A better version uses fewer linkers and more logical connection:

Social media makes it easy for people to stay in touch, particularly with friends and relatives who live abroad. Because messages and video calls are free and instant, families separated by long distances can share daily news in a way that was impossible a generation ago.

Here the connections come from because, a relative clause, and the logic of the ideas themselves.

Linking words by function

Choose a linker for its meaning. Here are common options, with notes on accuracy.

Adding an idea

In addition, Furthermore, Moreover, Also, as well as, not only ... but also

Use Moreover and Furthermore when the second point strengthens the first, not for every new point.

Contrasting

However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, In contrast, although, while, whereas, despite

On the other hand introduces the other side of an argument, not just any different point.
Although is followed by a clause: Although it is expensive, ...
Despite is followed by a noun or an -ing form: Despite the cost, ... / Despite being expensive, ...

Cause and effect

because, since, as, due to, as a result, therefore, consequently, which means that

Because + clause: because prices rose
Due to + noun: due to rising prices

Giving examples

For example, For instance, such as, in particular, a good example of this is

Such as is followed by nouns, not a full sentence: subjects such as maths and science.

Concluding

In conclusion, To sum up, Overall

Use one of these once, at the start of your conclusion. In conclusion in a body paragraph confuses the reader.

Linking inside sentences

Some of the best cohesion happens in the middle of sentences, not at the start. Compare:

Cities are crowded. Therefore, many people move to the suburbs.
Because cities are increasingly crowded, many families move to the suburbs, where housing is cheaper.

The second sentence links three ideas using because and a relative clause. It also shows grammatical range.

Referencing

Referencing means using words like this, these, it, they, such and the former / the latter to point back to earlier ideas instead of repeating them.

Repetitive: Many governments tax sugary drinks. Taxing sugary drinks reduces consumption. Reducing consumption improves health.
With referencing: Many governments tax sugary drinks. This policy tends to reduce consumption, which in turn can improve public health.

A useful habit is to put a noun after this: this policy, this trend, this problem. It makes your reference clearer than this on its own.

Make sure each pronoun has one obvious meaning. In Parents and teachers disagree, and they think that ..., it is not clear who they are.

Substitution and synonyms

Substitution replaces a word or phrase so you do not have to repeat it.

Some students prefer printed books, while others prefer digital ones. (ones = books)
Governments could reduce traffic, but few have chosen to do so. (do so = reduce traffic)

Synonyms and paraphrase also help: young people can become teenagers, the younger generation or school leavers, as long as the meaning really is the same.

Before and after

Before:

Firstly, tourism brings money. Tourism brings money to local people. Moreover, tourism creates jobs. Furthermore, tourism helps culture. In addition, tourism improves roads.

After:

The most obvious benefit of tourism is economic. Visitors spend money in local hotels, restaurants and shops, and this income supports many jobs, often in areas with few other employers. In addition, governments can use tourism revenue to improve infrastructure, so roads and airports built for visitors also benefit residents.

The revised paragraph uses only two explicit linkers (In addition and so), but it is much more cohesive because of referencing (this income) and a clear line of logic.

Common mistakes with linking words

Starting almost every sentence with a linker.
Using a linker with the wrong meaning, such as On the contrary when you mean However.
Using Besides or Plus at the start of sentences in a formal essay, where they can sound informal.
Relying on memorised phrases such as Last but not least or It is a well-known fact that, which add little meaning.
Writing In conclusion and then introducing a new argument.
Leaving out the comma after a sentence-initial linker, as in However wages have not risen.

Practical tips

Plan your paragraphs first. Good coherence comes from a clear plan, not from linkers added later.
Use a linker only when the relationship between two ideas needs one.
Mix sentence-initial linkers with linking inside sentences.
Use this + noun to refer back to earlier ideas.
Read each paragraph back to yourself. If it sounds like a list, it probably reads like one.

Check your linking

Mechanical linking is difficult to notice in your own writing. You can paste a Task 2 essay into StudyChat to check your essay for free and get an estimated band score with feedback. The score is an AI estimate, not an official result, and StudyChat is not affiliated with IELTS or its official partners.