Simple explanation
What are linking words? Linking words connect ideas and make the relationship between them clear. Without a linker, two sentences may be grammatically correct but their connection may not be obvious. A linking word can show why something happened, what happened as a result, how two ideas contrast, or what happened next. At B1 level, learning these relationships is more useful than simply memorizing a long list of connectors. Giving a reason with because and because of Use because when you want to explain why something happens and the reason is expressed as a clause with a subject and a verb: I stayed home because I was tired. Use because of when the reason is expressed as a noun or noun phrase: I stayed home because of the rain. The meanings are similar, but the structures that follow them are different. Showing a result with so and therefore Use so when the second idea is a result of the first: It was late, so we went home. So is very common in everyday English. Therefore also introduces a logical result, but it is more formal and is especially useful in written or factual contexts: The road was closed. Therefore, we took another route. Showing contrast with but, although, and however Use but, although, and however when two ideas contrast. But directly joins two contrasting ideas in one sentence. Although introduces a clause and often highlights an unexpected situation or result. However commonly connects a new sentence to the previous idea and signals that the second statement contrasts with what came before. Showing sequence with first, then, after that, and finally Sequence words help the listener or reader follow events or steps in the correct order. First introduces the beginning. Then and after that introduce later actions or events. Finally marks the last step or the end of a sequence. These words are useful when giving instructions, describing a process, or telling a story. Choosing the right linking word Before choosing a linker, identify the relationship between the ideas. If the second idea answers why, you need a cause linker. If it describes what happened as a consequence, use a result linker. If it is different from or unexpected compared with the first idea, use a contrast linker. If it simply describes the next stage, use a sequence word.
Grammar formula
Cause with because
result + because + subject + verbI took a taxi because I was late.
Cause with because of
result + because of + noun / noun phraseThe flight was delayed because of bad weather.
Result with so
cause + , so + resultIt was raining, so we stayed inside.
Result with therefore
cause. Therefore, + resultThe train was canceled. Therefore, we took a bus.
Contrast with but
idea 1 + , but + contrasting ideaThe room is small, but it is comfortable.
Contrast with although
Although + subject + verb, + main clauseAlthough I was tired, I finished my work.
Contrast with however
idea 1. However, + contrasting ideaThe task was difficult. However, we completed it.
Sequence
First, ... Then, ... After that, ... Finally, ...First, open the app. Then, sign in. Finally, choose a course.
Core rules
- 1
Use because before a clause
Because is normally followed by a subject and a verb: We left early because we were tired.
- 2
Use because of before a noun or noun phrase
Because of is normally followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase rather than a complete clause: The match was canceled because of the rain.
- 3
Use so to introduce a result
The first part gives the cause or situation, and the clause after so gives its result: I missed the bus, so I walked to work.
- 4
Use therefore for a more formal result
Therefore is more formal than so and is common in written explanations. At B1 level, a clear pattern is to use it at the beginning of a new sentence: The shop was closed. Therefore, we went somewhere else.
- 5
Use but for a direct contrast
But can directly join two contrasting clauses: The apartment is small, but it is comfortable.
- 6
Use although before a clause
Although is followed by a subject and a verb. The although-clause can come before or after the main clause: Although it was cold, we went for a walk.
- 7
Use however to contrast with a previous idea
At B1 level, a useful pattern is to place however at the beginning of a new sentence followed by a comma: The hotel was expensive. However, the service was excellent.
- 8
Use sequence words to organize events
First, then, after that, and finally can guide the reader through a process or story. Use them when they make the order clearer rather than adding one mechanically to every sentence.
Useful examples
I stayed at home because I wasn't feeling well.
I stayed home because I did not feel well.
Because introduces a complete clause that explains the reason.
The match was canceled because of the heavy rain.
The heavy rain caused the match to be canceled.
Because of is followed by the noun phrase the heavy rain.
I forgot to set my alarm, so I woke up late.
I did not set my alarm, and the result was that I woke up late.
So introduces the result of forgetting to set the alarm.
The roads were very icy. Therefore, the school remained closed.
The icy roads caused the school to stay closed.
Therefore expresses a logical result in a more formal way.
The restaurant was busy, but we found a table near the window.
The restaurant was crowded, yet we still found a table by the window.
But directly connects two contrasting ideas.
Although the exam was difficult, I answered most of the questions.
The exam was difficult, but I still answered most of the questions.
Although introduces a situation that makes the result somewhat unexpected.
The apartment is in a great location. However, the rent is quite high.
The apartment has a good location, but its rent is rather expensive.
However introduces a contrasting point in a new sentence.
First, check the address before you leave.
Begin by checking the address before leaving.
First clearly identifies the opening step.
We had lunch, and then we walked around the city center.
After eating lunch, we walked around the city center.
Then shows which event happened next.
I finished the report. After that, I sent it to my manager.
I completed the report and sent it to my manager afterward.
After that refers back to the completed action and introduces the next one.
Finally, we arrived at the hotel just before midnight.
In the last stage of the journey, we reached the hotel shortly before midnight.
Finally marks the end of a sequence of events.
Although she had little experience, she did the job very well.
She did the job very well despite having little experience.
The result contrasts with what might be expected from someone with little experience.
My laptop stopped working, so I couldn't join the online meeting.
I could not join the online meeting because my laptop stopped working.
So introduces the consequence of the technical problem.
The journey was long. However, we enjoyed every part of it.
The journey took a long time, but we still enjoyed it completely.
However highlights the contrast between the long journey and the positive experience.
Common mistakes
- ❌ I stayed home because of I was sick. ✅ I stayed home because I was sick. Because can be followed by a complete clause. Because of normally needs a noun or noun phrase instead.
- ❌ The game was canceled because the rain. ✅ The game was canceled because of the rain. The rain is a noun phrase, so because of is required.
- ❌ Although I was tired, but I continued working. ✅ Although I was tired, I continued working. Although already marks the contrast, so but should not be added to introduce the main clause in this structure.
- ❌ It was raining, because we stayed home. ✅ It was raining, so we stayed home. Staying home is the result of the rain, not the reason for it. So expresses the intended relationship.
- ❌ The course was difficult, however I enjoyed it. ✅ The course was difficult. However, I enjoyed it. At B1 level, the clearest pattern is to use however at the beginning of a separate sentence, followed by a comma.
- ❌ Because I missed the bus, so I was late. ✅ Because I missed the bus, I was late. Because already introduces the reason. Do not add so to introduce the main clause in this structure.
- ❌ First I made breakfast. Because I went to work. ✅ First, I made breakfast. Then, I went to work. Going to work is the next event, not the reason for making breakfast, so a sequence word is appropriate.
Learning tips
- Identify the logical relationship first; do not choose a linking word only because it sounds familiar.
- When choosing between because and because of, check whether the next part is a complete clause or a noun phrase.
- Use so freely for everyday results, while therefore is generally more suitable for formal or structured explanations.
- But, although, and however can all express contrast, but they do not use the same sentence structure.
- Using a small number of linking words accurately is better than adding many advanced connectors incorrectly.
- Do not begin every sentence with a linker. Overusing linking words can make your writing sound mechanical.
- Pay attention to punctuation with words such as however and therefore because they do not behave exactly like but and so.
Practise this topic
Interactive exercises for this topic are coming soon.
PlannedRelated grammar
Related dictionary words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between because and because of?
Both introduce a reason, but their structures are different. Because is normally followed by a clause with a subject and verb, as in because I was tired. Because of is normally followed by a noun or noun phrase, as in because of the traffic.
What is the difference between so and because?
Because introduces a reason, while so introduces a result. In I stayed home because I was sick, being sick is the reason. In I was sick, so I stayed home, staying home is the result.
What is the difference between but and however?
Both can express contrast, but they work differently. But can directly join two clauses: It was expensive, but I bought it. However often connects a new sentence to the previous idea: It was expensive. However, I bought it.
Can I use although and but together?
Not in the standard pattern taught here. Say Although I was tired, I continued working, not Although I was tired, but I continued working. Although already introduces the contrast.
What is the difference between so and therefore?
Both can introduce a result. So is extremely common in everyday speech and informal writing. Therefore is more formal and is often used in structured, factual, or academic-style writing. Their typical punctuation is also different.
Do I always need a comma after however?
When however means “nevertheless” and appears at the beginning of a sentence, it is normally followed by a comma: However, we decided to continue. Other uses and positions of however can have different punctuation.
Which linking words can I use to describe a sequence?
At B1 level, first, then, next, after that, and finally are useful choices. You do not need to use all of them in every description; use enough to make the order of events or steps clear.