Essential CELPIP words · Topic 20 of 20

CELPIP vocabulary: linking words

Everyday words and phrases for linking words that come up across CELPIP Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. This is topic 20 of our 500 essential CELPIP words.

25 wordsCLB 5–8Free · no account needed

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Linking words 25

however
adverbCLB 6/haʊˈevər/
Used like "but" to show a contrast.
“The flat is small. However, it's close to work.”
Similarbutneverthelessstill
CELPIP tip Punctuation matters: put a period or semicolon before it and a comma after, not just a comma before.
moreover
adverbCLB 8/mɔːrˈoʊvər/
Used like "also" to add a stronger point.
“It's cheap. Moreover, it includes parking.”
Similarfurthermorebesideswhat is more
CELPIP tip Formal; good in Writing but stiff in Speaking, where "on top of that" sounds more natural.
in addition
linking phraseCLB 6
Used to add another point.
“In addition, the gym has a pool.”
Similaralsofurthermoreas well
CELPIP tip Before a noun, add "to": "In addition to the pool, there is a sauna."
on the other hand
linking phraseCLB 6
From the opposite point of view.
“On the other hand, the suburbs are quieter.”
Similarhoweverby contrastthen again
CELPIP tip Introduces the other side of an argument; in Speaking Task 5 use it to admit what the other option offers.
whereas
conjunctionCLB 8/werˈæz/
Used to compare two facts that are different.
“I prefer tea, whereas my wife loves coffee.”
Similarwhilebutin contrast
CELPIP tip Joins two clauses in one sentence; put a comma before it when it comes in the middle.
even though
conjunctionCLB 6
Despite the fact that.
“Even though it rained, we enjoyed the trip.”
Similaralthoughthoughdespite the fact that
CELPIP tip Follow it with a full clause (subject + verb), and don't add "but" in the same sentence.
despite
prepositionCLB 7/dɪˈspaɪt/
Without being stopped by something.
“Despite the cost, it's worth it.”
Similarin spite ofnotwithstandingregardless of
CELPIP tip Follow it with a noun or -ing form, not a clause, and never write "despite of".
therefore
adverbCLB 7/ˈðerfɔːr/
For that reason.
“The bus is late; therefore, I'll drive.”
Similarsothusas a result
CELPIP tip Use a semicolon or period before it, then a comma: "The bus is late; therefore, I'll drive."
as a result
linking phraseCLB 6
Because of this.
“As a result, sales went up.”
Similarconsequentlysotherefore
CELPIP tip For a cause, use "as a result of" + noun. Clear cause and effect is something raters reward.
consequently
adverbCLB 8/ˈkɑːnsəkwentli/
Used to introduce a result; a formal word.
“Consequently, the event was cancelled.”
Similarthereforeas a resultthus
CELPIP tip Best in Writing Task 2; in Speaking, "so" or "as a result" sounds more natural.
because of this
linking phraseCLB 5
For this reason.
“Because of this, I chose the cheaper plan.”
Similarfor this reasonthat's whyso
CELPIP tip An easy, natural connector for Speaking answers; vary it with "for this reason" to avoid repetition.
since
conjunctionCLB 6/sɪns/
Used like "because" to give a reason.
“Since you love hiking, try Jasper.”
Similarbecauseasseeing that
CELPIP tip Also refers to time (since 2020), so make the meaning clear. It often opens a sentence when the reason is already known.
for instance
linking phraseCLB 6
For example.
“For instance, the library offers free Wi-Fi.”
Similarfor examplesuch asto illustrate
CELPIP tip Follow it with a comma and a full sentence. Specific examples lift a Writing Task 2 paragraph.
such as
linking phraseCLB 6
Used like "like" to introduce examples.
“Bring snacks such as fruit or nuts.”
Similarlikeincludingfor example
CELPIP tip Follow it with nouns, not a full sentence, and no comma right after it.
in particular
linking phraseCLB 7
Especially.
“I liked the food in particular.”
Similarespeciallyparticularlyspecifically
CELPIP tip Can come after a noun or at the end of a sentence: "The food in particular was excellent."
first of all
linking phraseCLB 5
To begin with.
“First of all, check the price.”
Similarfirstlyto begin withfirst
CELPIP tip Use it only when a second point follows; pair it with "secondly" or "another reason".
after that
linking phraseCLB 5
Next; used to show the order of events.
“After that, we went to the beach.”
Similarthennextafterwards
CELPIP tip Good for ordering events in Speaking Task 2 stories; mix it with "then" and "later".
meanwhile
adverbCLB 7/ˈmiːnwaɪl/
At the same time.
“Meanwhile, the kids were playing outside.”
Similarat the same timesimultaneouslyin the meantime
CELPIP tip Handy in Speaking Task 3 for two actions happening in different parts of the picture.
eventually
adverbCLB 6/ɪˈventʃuəli/
In the end, after some time.
“Eventually, we found a parking spot.”
Similarin the endfinallyultimately
CELPIP tip A false friend for many learners: it means "in the end", not "possibly".
finally
adverbCLB 5/ˈfaɪnəli/
Used to introduce the last point.
“Finally, consider the location.”
Similarlastlylast of allto finish
CELPIP tip Tells listeners you are wrapping up; don't use it if you only have one point.
in conclusion
linking phraseCLB 6
Used formally to begin a summary at the end.
“In conclusion, option A is the better choice.”
Similarto sum upto concludeall in all
CELPIP tip Fine for Writing Task 2, but too formal for most Speaking tasks, where "so overall" works better.
overall
adverbCLB 6/ˌoʊvərˈɔːl/
Considering everything.
“Overall, it was a great experience.”
Similarall in allon the wholegenerally
CELPIP tip Written as one word. A natural way to end a Speaking answer with a short summary of your view.
otherwise
adverbCLB 7/ˈʌðərwaɪz/
If not.
“Leave now; otherwise, you'll miss the bus.”
Similaror elseif notor
CELPIP tip Often follows advice with a semicolon: "Leave now; otherwise, you'll miss the bus."
unless
conjunctionCLB 6/ənˈles/
Except if.
“We'll go unless it snows.”
Similarexcept ifif notexcept when
CELPIP tip Don't add "not": say "unless it snows", not "unless it doesn't snow". Use the present tense for future meaning.
as long as
conjunctionCLB 7
Only if.
“You can borrow it as long as you return it Friday.”
Similarprovided thaton condition thatif
CELPIP tip Sets a condition, which is useful in Speaking Task 6 when you negotiate a solution.

How to learn these words

Skip the words you already use with confidence, and start with the ones at or just above your target CLB. Pick a level in Any CLB level to see only those.
Say each example sentence out loud, then make your own sentence about your life.
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Use two or three of the words on purpose in your next Speaking or Writing practice answer.

Linking words 25

however

moreover

in addition

on the other hand

whereas

even though

despite

therefore

as a result

consequently

because of this

since

for instance

such as

in particular

first of all

after that

meanwhile

eventually

finally

in conclusion

overall

otherwise

unless

as long as

How to learn these words

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