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Vocabulary7 min read

IELTS Linking Words: Use Them Well, Not Often

Linking words help your reader follow your argument, which is what Coherence and Cohesion rewards. But cramming them in backfires. Here is a function-grouped list of connectors that work, and the habit to drop.

HR

Hannah Reed

IELTS Writing coach

Published 31 May 2026

Key takeaways

  • 01Linking words are marked under Coherence and Cohesion, but using more of them does not raise the score.
  • 02Examiners reward a natural range used accurately; mechanical 'Firstly, Moreover, In conclusion' stacking is penalised.
  • 03Use connectors to signal a real logical relationship (contrast, cause, result, example), not to decorate sentences.

A stubborn myth says IELTS rewards linking words, so candidates cram in 'Moreover', 'Furthermore' and 'In addition' at every turn. Past a certain point the opposite is true. Cohesion is about a reader being able to follow your ideas effortlessly, and a pile of obvious connectors draws attention to the joins instead of the argument. The goal is to use them where there is a genuine logical relationship, and no more.

What linking words are actually marked on

Linking words sit under Coherence and Cohesion, which is a quarter of your band for the task. The public descriptor rewards a range of cohesive devices used appropriately, and it specifically warns against mechanical or faulty use. In other words, accuracy and naturalness beat quantity every time. Our scoring guide breaks down where this criterion sits among the four.

A function-grouped list that works

Do not memorise a giant list. Learn one or two reliable connectors for each logical relationship, and use them correctly.

  • Adding a point: in addition, furthermore, moreover (use these sparingly), as well as, also.
  • Contrasting: however, in contrast, on the other hand, whereas, while, although, despite.
  • Giving a reason: because, since, as, due to, owing to.
  • Showing a result: therefore, as a result, consequently, which means that.
  • Introducing an example: for instance, for example, such as, in particular.
  • Concession: admittedly, granted, it is true that.
  • Concluding: in conclusion, to sum up, overall.

That short set covers almost every relationship you will need in a Task 2 essay. Range comes from using them accurately across these functions, not from finding rarer synonyms for 'moreover'.

The overuse trap

The most common Band 6 habit is opening nearly every sentence with a connector. It feels sophisticated; it reads as mechanical. Compare these two versions of the same idea:

Firstly, cars cause pollution. Moreover, they cause traffic. Furthermore, they are expensive. In addition, they are dangerous. Therefore, we should use public transport.
Overused
Private cars create several problems at once. They are a major source of urban air pollution, they clog city roads at peak times, and they are costly to run. Public transport eases all three pressures, which is why it deserves greater investment.
Band 7

The stronger version uses just one connector. It holds together through referencing ('they', 'all three pressures') and a clear logical order instead. That is what real cohesion looks like.

Cohesion is more than connectors

Connectors are only the surface of cohesion. Most of the marks come from things that are quieter on the page.

  • Referencing: using 'this', 'these', 'such' and pronouns to point back to an idea without repeating it.
  • Clear paragraphing: one central idea per paragraph, signalled by a topic sentence.
  • Logical order: arranging sentences so each one follows naturally from the last.

Get those right and you need very few linking words. Our Task 2 structure guide shows the paragraphing that does most of the cohesive work for you.

Quick rules

  • Use a connector only where there is a real logical relationship, not at the start of every sentence.
  • Do not march through 'Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly'; it is acceptable but robotic if it frames every paragraph.
  • Vary their position: some at the start of a sentence, some in the middle.
  • Never use a connector you cannot use accurately. A misused 'nevertheless' costs more than a plain 'but' would.

If you are not sure whether your linking is helping or hurting, paste an essay into the grader and check your Coherence and Cohesion score against the other three criteria.

See your Coherence and Cohesion score on a real essay.

Grade an essay

Frequently asked questions

Do linking words improve your IELTS score?
Only when they are used naturally and accurately. Linking words are marked under Coherence and Cohesion, but overusing them or using them incorrectly lowers that score rather than raising it.
How many linking words should I use in an essay?
There is no target number. Use a connector wherever there is a genuine logical relationship between ideas, and rely on referencing and clear paragraphing for the rest. One connector per idea is usually plenty.
Are 'Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly' good for IELTS Writing?
They are acceptable, but framing every paragraph with them reads as mechanical and can hold your Coherence score down. Use them occasionally, not as the skeleton of the whole essay.
What band are linking words assessed under?
Coherence and Cohesion, which is one of the four equally weighted criteria and worth a quarter of your band for the task.
What is the most common linking word mistake?
Overuse: starting almost every sentence with a connector. It draws attention to the joins instead of the argument and signals mechanical writing to the examiner.
HR

Hannah Reed

Hannah writes the ieltsprep Writing guides from the four official band descriptors and thousands of marked essays, focused on what actually moves a band, not exam-mill templates.

Written from the official public band descriptors

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