IELTS vocabulary
IELTS linking vocabulary
Linking words and phrases that organise ideas, the core of Coherence and cohesion in Writing and Speaking.
Each entry has the typical band it's useful for, a plain meaning, an example sentence and the words it most often goes with. Learn the collocations along with the word: that's what makes vocabulary sound natural.
Band 6 words
although linking word
Introduces a contrast between two facts or ideas.
Although online learning is convenient, it may not suit students who need direct support.
Collocations: although + subject + verb · although this is true · although there are advantages
as a result linking phrase
Used to show that something happens because of what came before.
The company introduced flexible working; as a result, staff satisfaction improved.
Collocations: as a result of · and as a result · as a result, it
as long as linking phrase
Used to say that something will happen if a particular condition is met.
Children can benefit from using digital devices as long as their screen time is carefully managed.
Collocations: as long as + clause · as long as possible · as long as they
despite preposition · formal
Shows that something happens or is true when another fact might prevent it.
Despite the high cost of renewable energy, investment in it continues to grow.
Collocations: despite the fact that · despite the challenges · despite + noun or -ing form
even though linking phrase
Introduces a contrast, emphasising that something is surprising or unexpected.
Even though cycling can be tiring, it is an efficient way to travel short distances.
Collocations: even though + subject + verb · even though it may seem · even though there is
finally linking adverb · formal
Introduces the last point in a sequence or discussion.
Finally, local authorities should consult residents before changing the use of public spaces.
Collocations: finally, + clause · and finally · finally, it is worth noting
firstly linking adverb · formal
Introduces the first point in a sequence of ideas.
Firstly, governments should ensure that every child has access to high-quality education.
Collocations: firstly, + clause · firstly, it is important to · firstly and secondly
for example linking phrase
Introduces an example that explains or supports a point.
Public spaces can encourage exercise; for example, well-maintained parks provide free places to walk.
Collocations: for example, + clause · for example, people can · take, for example,
for instance linking phrase
Introduces a specific example of something already mentioned.
Many everyday activities can reduce waste; for instance, people can reuse shopping bags.
Collocations: for instance, + clause · for instance, consider · take, for instance,
however linking adverb · formal
Used to introduce a contrasting idea.
Online learning is convenient; however, it may not suit every student.
Collocations: however, it · however, this · however, there is
in addition linking phrase · formal
Used to introduce another relevant point or fact.
In addition, regular exercise can help people manage stress.
Collocations: in addition to · in addition, it · in addition, there is
in conclusion linking phrase · formal
Introduces the final summary or judgement in a piece of writing or speech.
In conclusion, cities should improve public transport while also making walking and cycling safer.
Collocations: in conclusion, + clause · in conclusion, it is clear · in conclusion, I believe
in fact linking phrase
Adds information that emphasises or corrects a previous statement.
Some people assume that volunteering requires specialist skills; in fact, many roles need no previous experience.
Collocations: in fact, + clause · in fact, there is · in fact, it can
in order to linking phrase · formal
Used before a verb to explain why someone does something.
Governments should improve adult education in order to help workers adapt to technological change.
Collocations: in order to + verb · in order to improve · in order to achieve
in spite of prepositional phrase · formal
Shows that something happens or is true despite a difficulty or contrasting fact.
In spite of limited funding, the school has introduced several effective support programmes.
Collocations: in spite of the fact that · in spite of difficulties · in spite of + noun or -ing form
meanwhile linking adverb
Used to introduce an event or situation happening at the same time.
Some employees prefer working from home; meanwhile, others value the social contact of an office.
Collocations: meanwhile, ... · meanwhile, elsewhere · meanwhile, at the same time
on the other hand linking phrase
Used to introduce a contrasting point or a different perspective.
Working from home saves commuting time; on the other hand, it can reduce social interaction.
Collocations: on the other hand, · but on the other hand · on the other hand, it
similarly linking adverb · formal
Used to show that something is like or comparable to what was mentioned.
Regular exercise supports physical health; similarly, social activity can benefit mental wellbeing.
Collocations: similarly, ... · similarly effective · similarly important
such as linking phrase
Introduces examples of the people or things just mentioned.
Schools can teach practical skills such as budgeting, cooking and basic first aid.
Collocations: such as + noun · activities such as · factors such as
therefore linking adverb · formal
For that reason; as a result.
Many jobs now require digital skills; therefore, schools should teach them from an early age.
Collocations: therefore, it · therefore, this · and therefore
to sum up linking phrase
Introduces a brief summary of the main points.
To sum up, a balanced diet and regular exercise are both essential for good health.
Collocations: to sum up, + clause · to sum up the main points · to sum up, it is clear
unless linking conjunction
Used to say that something will happen or be true only if another thing does not happen.
Public parks may deteriorate unless local authorities provide adequate funding for their upkeep.
Collocations: unless + clause · unless otherwise stated · unless there is
Band 7 words
additionally linking adverb · formal
Used to introduce extra information or another point.
Additionally, the city could make cycling safer by building protected lanes.
Collocations: additionally, it · additionally, this · additionally, there are
admittedly linking adverb · formal
Used to accept that something is true before adding a contrasting point.
Admittedly, public transport requires substantial investment, but it can reduce traffic congestion over time.
Collocations: admittedly, ... · admittedly true · admittedly difficult
consequently linking adverb · formal
As a result of something that has just been mentioned.
Housing costs have risen sharply; consequently, many young adults are living with their parents for longer.
Collocations: consequently, it · consequently, this · and consequently
furthermore linking adverb · formal
Used to add another supporting point.
Public transport reduces congestion; furthermore, it can improve air quality.
Collocations: furthermore, it · furthermore, this · furthermore, there is
in other words linking phrase
Restates an idea more simply or explains what it means.
Many employees value autonomy; in other words, they want greater control over how they work.
Collocations: in other words, + clause · or, in other words, · in other words, this means
in particular linking phrase · formal
Draws attention to one specific person, thing or aspect.
Access to green spaces is important, in particular for people living in crowded areas.
Collocations: in particular, + noun · in particular for · one aspect in particular
indeed linking adverb · formal
Adds emphasis or confirms that something is true.
Reliable public transport can reduce traffic; indeed, it may also improve air quality.
Collocations: indeed, + clause · and indeed · is indeed the case
likewise linking adverb · formal
Used to show that the same is true for another person or thing.
Schools should teach practical skills, and parents can likewise help children develop independence.
Collocations: likewise, ... · and likewise · likewise important
moreover linking adverb · formal
Used to add information that strengthens the previous point.
The scheme would create jobs; moreover, it could attract investment to the area.
Collocations: moreover, it · moreover, this · moreover, there is
nevertheless linking adverb · formal
Despite what has just been said; even so.
The initial cost of solar panels is high; nevertheless, they can reduce energy bills over time.
Collocations: nevertheless, it · nevertheless, this · but nevertheless
notably linking adverb · formal
Highlights something that is especially important or worth mentioning.
Several changes have improved the service, notably the introduction of longer opening hours.
Collocations: notably, + noun phrase · notably higher · notably in recent years
presumably linking adverb
Used to say what is likely to be true based on what is known.
Presumably, people are more likely to cycle if safe routes are available.
Collocations: presumably because · presumably due to · presumably the reason
provided that linking phrase · formal
Used to say that something will happen only if a condition is met.
Online learning can be effective, provided that students receive regular feedback from tutors.
Collocations: provided that + clause · provided that this is · provided that they
so as to linking phrase · formal
Used before a verb to explain the purpose of an action.
Many people use public transport so as to avoid the stress of driving in heavy traffic.
Collocations: so as to + verb · so as to avoid · so as to ensure
subsequently linking adverb · formal
Used to describe something that happens after an earlier event.
The council expanded the recycling scheme and subsequently reported a fall in household waste.
Collocations: subsequently found · subsequently became · subsequently led to
thus linking adverb · formal
As a result or in this way.
The new system uses less energy, thus reducing household bills.
Collocations: thus, it · thus reducing · and thus
to illustrate linking phrase · formal
Introduces an example that makes an idea clearer.
Flexible working has clear benefits; to illustrate, employees can spend less time commuting.
Collocations: to illustrate this point · to illustrate, + clause · to illustrate the benefits
ultimately linking adverb · formal
Shows the final result or the most important point after considering everything.
Ultimately, the success of a recycling scheme depends on whether residents use it consistently.
Collocations: ultimately depends on · ultimately leads to · ultimately, the aim
undoubtedly linking adverb · formal
Used to emphasise that something is certainly true.
Access to reliable healthcare is undoubtedly essential for improving quality of life.
Collocations: undoubtedly important · undoubtedly one of · undoubtedly the best
whereas subordinating conjunction · formal
Used to show that two facts or ideas are different.
Public transport use increased in the city centre, whereas car journeys became less common.
Collocations: whereas others · whereas the · whereas in
with regard to linking phrase · formal
Used to introduce the subject being discussed.
With regard to housing, policymakers should prioritise affordability as well as construction quality.
Collocations: with regard to + noun · with regard to this · with regard to whether
Band 8+ words
accordingly linking adverb · formal
As a result; therefore. Also, in a way that suits the situation.
The population is ageing; accordingly, more resources should be allocated to healthcare.
Collocations: accordingly, it · accordingly, this · act accordingly
arguably linking adverb · academic
Used to say that something can reasonably be considered true.
Investing in early education is arguably one of the most effective ways to reduce inequality.
Collocations: arguably the most · arguably one of · arguably more important
conversely linking adverb · formal
Used to introduce an opposite or contrasting situation.
Some people prefer living in busy cities; conversely, others value the peace of rural areas.
Collocations: conversely, it · conversely, this · conversely, the
hence linking adverb · formal
For this reason; as a consequence.
Demand for housing is growing, hence the need for more affordable homes.
Collocations: hence the need for · hence the importance of · and hence
namely linking adverb · formal
Introduces precise information that identifies or explains something just mentioned.
The policy has one main aim, namely, to make public transport more affordable.
Collocations: namely, + noun phrase · one reason, namely · the following, namely
nonetheless linking adverb · formal
Despite what has just been mentioned; nevertheless.
The evidence is limited; nonetheless, the findings suggest that the policy is effective.
Collocations: nonetheless, it · nonetheless, this · but nonetheless
that is to say linking phrase · formal
Introduces a clearer or more precise explanation of something.
The programme is available to low-income households, that is to say, families below a set income level.
Collocations: that is to say, + clause · that is to say, the · that is to say that
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