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Want to speak English naturally?

by ARCHITAMITTRA

Go with the Flow! 37 English Connectors to

Improve Your Speaking and Writing
It’s time for a short quiz!

Do you have too many ideas for a project but you struggle to put them together?
Are your essays marked poorly despite all your grammatically-correct sentences?
Have you been told that your paragraphs often have no link to each other even if they
discuss the same topic?

If you’ve answered yes at least once, then you’re not alone.

I faced these problems throughout school, and it wasn’t until I got to university that I
found a solution.

I had to write several essays and term papers every semester, so I had to juggle many
different ideas, examples, facts and opinions. Fitting them all together was hard, to say
the least. I had to jump from one point to another in every paragraph while ensuring that
it still made sense.
That’s when I discovered the power of English connectors (aka, the words I’ve marked
in bold!).

And today, I’m here to share their magic with you!

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can
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What Are English Connectors?

English connectors are little words and phrases that help you connect sentences and
even paragraphs.

They’re used both in conversations and in writing. With the help of connectors, your
essays automatically become more logical and structured.

One sentence automatically leads up to the next. As a result, your writing and speech
become clearer and easier to understand.

In other words, if your sentences were the beads of a necklace, then connectors would
be the thread that holds them together.

We use connectors all the time in everyday conversations, too.

You probably use some of them (because, for instance, despite, actually, whereas and
so on) without even realizing.

To help you understand, I’ve bolded some of the connectors I’ve already used while
writing this article.

Can you spot some more?

Each of these connectors has a specific purpose—some are used formally, while others
are more casual. Some are even interchangeable!

Tips for Practicing English Connectors

Make Your Own Sentences with English Connectors

To explain the meanings and uses of different connectors, I’ve provided example
sentences for each. However, you’ll remember them much better if you come up with
your own examples!

You can start by using connectors in your diary entries, notebooks, essay paragraphs
and more! Soon, you’ll find yourself using these connectors in everyday speech as well.

Write a Short Story or Essay Using English Connectors

To see the huge difference English connectors can make, try writing a paragraph
without any connectors and then rewrite it using some of the connectors you’ll learn
below.

You’ll quickly realize that your sentences flow better, sound more logical and are easier
to understand when using connectors.

Go with the Flow! 37 English Connectors to

Improve Your Speaking and Writing
Below are some frequently-used English connectors and how they’re used.

Study each of the examples regularly and try to come up with sentences on your own.
While most of these can be used in both speech and writing, some sound more formal
than others and are typically only used in writing.

But no worries!

I’ll make it crystal-clear which connectors should be used for writing, conversations and
both.

English Connectors for Explaining Something

In many of our everyday conversations, we need to explain things.

Perhaps you were late for school and you explain to your teacher that it’s because your
car ran out of gas.

Or the reason why you want to buy chocolates is that you want to surprise your mother
on her birthday.

Explaining things will be much easier if you throw in these important English
connectors.

Let’s take a look at them!

1. Because

The word “because” is used in both casual and formal contexts. You’ll definitely hear
this word be used in both writing and speaking! In fact, “because” might just be one of
the most common English connectors out there.

Sheila was late for school because  her car ran out of gas.
I’m hungry because I didn’t eat breakfast.

2. Due to

The phrase “due to” is used most commonly in writing or formal situations. For
example, you’re more likely to say “due to” when sending your boss an email than
when speaking to your best friend.

Unlike “because,” the connector “due to” is most commonly placed at the beginning of
sentences rather than in the middle.

Due to Jack’s sickness, he missed two weeks of work.

Due to our budget, we can’t go on vacation this year.

3. As a Result

This English connector can be used in all kinds of situations! It can be casual or formal
and is commonly used in both writing and conversations.

Use this phrase when you want to explain what caused something.

For example:

As a result of her bad behavior, she wasn’t allowed to go to the party.

We didn’t sell many products last month. As a result,  our profit was less than normal.

4. Therefore

The connector “therefore” is typically used in writing, and mostly in a formal context.
It’s often used at the end or beginning of new paragraphs to explain what the outcome
or conclusion is.

Apples are red and bananas are yellow. Therefore, they aren’t the same.
Julia tries a new recipe every day. Therefore, she’s had lots of practice cooking.
5. Thus

Similar to “therefore,” “thus” is also used in writing, either in the ending or beginning
of new paragraphs.

Learning a new language takes time. Thus, you have to be consistent.

Bob was extremely good at baseball in high school. Thus, he continued to play in
college.
6. Consequently

“Consequently” is typically used in writing, usually in a formal context.

Ben didn’t study for his exam.  Consequently, he received a bad grade.
Anna has only cooked once in her life. Consequently, she’s very bad at it.
English Connectors for Giving Examples

Giving examples helps us prove our point and can sometimes convince other people to
believe us. Examples help people understand what you’re trying to say and can help
them see why you believe what you believe.

In other words, by giving examples to support your opinion, you prove your point
better.

7. For Instance; For Example

Both of these phrases are used in everyday conversations and in writing. In fact, they’re
probably the most popular way to give examples in both formal and casual situations!

English is one of the most-spoken languages in the world. For example, there are

over 1.27 billion English speakers  as of 2019.
Learning grammar is hard sometimes. For instance, I spent four hours trying to
learn  how to use the conditional.
8. Such as; Like

The English connectors “such as” and “like” are both used very often in writing and
casual conversations. Unlike the previous two phrases, these two can also be used to list
things.

If you learn English, there are many career options open to you, such as teaching,
journalism, advertising and so on.
My father loves Italian food,  like pizza, pasta and ravioli.
9. As an example
This phrase is very similar to “for example,” but is more commonly found in writing.

He’s a dangerous criminal. As an example, he killed six women before being tracked
down by the police.
English Connectors for Stating Facts and Opinions
Sometimes we feel strongly about a topic or we need to share important information
with someone. In these cases, we need to use connectors to make it clear that
we’re expressing a fact or an opinion.
10. Actually

The word “actually” is used quite often. As an English connector, you can use it in the
beginning, middle or even the end of your sentences! Plus, you can use this connector in
casual, formal, writing and conversational situations.

Actually, I think learning English was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Using English connectors isn’t new. Actually, it’s more common than you think.
11. As a matter of fact

You’ll hear this phrase in everyday conversations and see it in writing. Whether you’re
in a business setting or you’re chatting with a friend, you can use this helpful connector
to prove your point!

Spanish is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the United States. As  a
matter of fact, there are 53 million speakers!
Going vegan is actually pretty easy. As a matter of fact, I don’t miss meat at all!
12. In Fact

This is a phrase you’ll hear quite a lot in writing and conversation! It can also be used in
both, formal and informal settings. It’s typically used after you state your opinion or a
fact to support it with another.

We haven’t had any success using this method in the past.  In  fact, I don’t think it’ll
work this time either.
I love chocolate chip cookies. In fact, I make them every day.
English Connectors for Emphasizing an Idea

Often while discussing an issue, we want to focus on a particular point or example. To

make the listener understand the importance of that specific idea, we can use the
following connectors.

13. Most Importantly

This is used most commonly in written and formal contexts, especially in essays and
reports. However, you might hear it in everyday conversation from time to time, too!

Most importantly, without sunlight, there would be no life on this planet.

When writing an essay, you have to be organized. Most importantly,  you have to be
clear about what you want to say.
14. Especially

“Especially” can be spoken or written in both formal and informal contexts.

Leila needs some new paints, especially for her hand-drawn comics.

I love listening to music, especially  rock and roll!
15. Most Notably

This connector is used in a formal scenario, usually in writing.

Thomas Edison is credited with many discoveries, most notably with the invention of

the light bulb.
Mark Twain is a famous writer, most notably for his book “Adventures of Huckleberry
Finn.”
16. Of particular significance

This phrase is only used in writing, especially in reports and essays.

Of particular significance is his work on child psychology.

Anna’s baking skills are of particular significance.
English Connectors for Expressing Similar Ideas and
Making Comparisons

Sometimes we need to draw attention to certain similarities in order to make a point or

explain something. This is especially important in writing!

To make better comparisons, use the following English connectors.

17. Similarly

“Similarly” is regularly used formally and informally, both in speech and writing.

You’re pretty good at math. Similarly, you’re a genius in science!

John is a hard worker. Similarly, he’s consistent and never gives up.
18. (In) the Same Way/Manner

These phrases can be spoken or written in any context.

The detective solved this mystery in the same manner: by careful observation and
investigating.
I learned English on my own. In the same way, I’m learning Russian.
19. Additionally/Moreover

These words are usually used in written assignments, often at the beginning of new
paragraphs to ensure they’re connected to the overall topic. Plus, these also work great
as transitions. In other words, you can use these words to make new sentences and
paragraphs flow with others.

Additionally, the novel also explores racism in America in the twentieth century.

Learning a language with flashcards is a method used by lots of people for many
years. Moreover, it’s great for remembering everything you’ve learned!
20. As well as

Another useful phrase that can be applied in any context is “as well as.”

My sister is a painter as well as an excellent dancer.

Physics contains a lot of science as well as math.
21. Likewise

The word “likewise” is used mostly in formal settings, and is used similarly to the word
“also.”

Organize the papers in this drawer and, likewise,  the ones on his desk.
My friend Emily likewise  studied English.
English Connectors for Expressing Differences

Sometimes we need to express different or contradicting ideas side-by-side. Doing this

helps the listener or reader focus on important differences and makes them aware of the
many sides of a topic. These connectors also help to connect different sentences into a
single sentence.

22. Whereas

This is used both formally and casually, both in writing and in conversations.

Bill is good at writing, whereas Maria is good at speaking.

Spanish has verb conjugations, whereas Chinese doesn’t.
23. Although/Even Though

Another popular connector, “although” can be used in any context.

Although Rose was a hard-working student, she failed the entrance exam.

Even  though you’re young, you’re very mature.
24. However

The word “however” is very similar to “whereas,” “although” and “even though.” But
it’s especially useful in connecting different paragraphs and sentences.

You can think of it as meaning the same thing as the word “but.”

You’re very healthy! However, you still need to exercise.

Salads are good for you. However, sometimes they’re expensive.
25. On the Other Hand

This connector can be spoken or written in any context.

Those shoes look good on you! On the other hand, do you have enough money for
them?
Eating chocolate every once in a while is okay.  On the other hand, eating chocolate
every day is bad for your health.
26. In Spite of

“In spite of” is a great phrase to know and is similar to “even though” or “although.”

In spite of the bitterness, I still like black coffee.

Kate and Mary are good friends,  in spite of  their different personalities.
27. Despite

This is a more common way to say “in spite of” and can be used in every situation.

Despite  warning her, she still went into the scary woods.
I want to get more work done, despite being tired.
28. On the Contrary

This phrase is usually used in written formal contexts, especially in essays.

On the contrary, I think he’s quite innocent and deserves a chance to explain himself.
Many people believe that Earth is the only planet with living creatures. On the
contrary, I believe in aliens.
English Connectors for Expressing a Sequence

These connectors are useful when you’re giving step-by-step instructions or you’re
listing points.

29. Firstly… Secondly…

These are spoken and written in both casual and formal contexts.

Firstly,  you need to mix the flour, baking soda and cocoa powder together. Secondly,
you need to carefully add the milk.
30. First of All

This is another great way to introduce your points and list them chronologically.

First of all, I think learning another language is easy.  Second of all, it only takes a few
minutes a day.
31. In the First/Second Place

These connectors are used commonly in speech, writing, formal and informal contexts.

He isn’t qualified to talk about the fight. He wasn’t even there in the first place.
32. Lastly

“Lastly” can be used in any context to state the “last” point of a topic. It’s a great way to
conclude your thoughts!

Lastly, the effects of the chemicals must be taken into consideration.

33. Finally

This word can be used both formally and informally. When used in writing, it’s an
excellent way to begin the last or the second-last paragraph. When used in speech, you
can use it to give the final instructions or end a conversation.

Finally, mix all the ingredients well.

English Connectors for Concluding

Finally, how do you let your reader know that you’ve reached the end?

There are certain connectors that we usually use during conclusions or when we’ve
reached the end of what we wanted to say. When writing or stating conclusions, you
usually repeat the most important points.

34. In Conclusion

This phrase is used in formal writing as a way to begin the last or “concluding”
paragraph in an essay or report.

In conclusion, we can’t ignore the role modern science plays in our everyday lives.
35. To Summarize
This phrase is used both in speech and writing.

To summarize, you need to directly confront Kevin about the matter we’ve just
discussed.
36. To Sum up

“Sum up” can be used casually, formally, in writing or in conversations!

To sum up, I think Kayla should go to the party.

37. All in All

This phrase is used in conversations as well as in writing, but mostly in a casual way.

All in all, organizing a surprise birthday party for Josh was certainly worth it.

Now that you know the most commonly-used English connectors, you can use them in
sentences and paragraphs with great confidence. Try your hand at some of the exercises
I’ve suggested for practice.

So what are you waiting for?

Get out there and start incorporating these useful English connectors in your everyday
life!

Archita Mittra is a freelance writer, journalist, editor and educator. Feel free to check
out  her blog or contact her for freelancing/educational inquiries.