Linkers in English Grammar: Role, Types & Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Are Linkers in English Grammar?
• How Are Linkers Formed?
• Roles of Linkers in English Grammar
• Types of Linkers in English Grammar
• Linkers Assessments

In writing, we need tools to connect our ideas and create a cohesive whole. These tools are called linkers. Using linkers effectively enhances the clarity and flow of our writing, making it more sophisticated and engaging. They provide the glue that holds our ideas together, and help us communicate our thoughts better. 

What Are Linkers in English Grammar?

Linkers, also known as connecting words or conjunctions, are a class of words that function to connect different linguistic units, such as words, phrases, clauses, and sentences. They express the relationship between the connected elements, creating cohesion and clarity in writing.

Key Characteristics:

• Linkers create logical connections between different parts of a text.
• They signal the relationship between the elements being linked 
• They contribute to the overall structure and coherence of a text.
  

Example:

• "She was tired, but she finished her work."
  

In this sentence, the linker "but" shows a contrast between the two clauses: being tired and finishing the work.

Take this Quiz :

Linkers Practice Exercise Questions With Answers

How Are Linkers Formed?

Linkers come in various forms and structures. They can be single words, phrases, or even clauses, each serving a specific purpose in joining ideas and creating cohesive sentences.

• Clause + Conjunction + Clause: This structure uses coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, for, nor, yet, so) or subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, since, if, when) to connect two independent clauses or a dependent clause to an independent clause.
  
• Conjunction + Clause + Clause: This structure typically uses subordinating conjunctions to introduce a dependent clause followed by an independent clause.
  
• Preposition + Noun (phrase) + Clause: This structure uses a preposition followed by a noun or noun phrase to create a prepositional phrase that functions as a linker, connecting it to a clause.
  
• Sentence + Adverbial + Sentence: This structure uses conjunctive adverbs (e.g., however, therefore, moreover, furthermore) to connect two sentences, often indicating a transition or shift in thought.

Take this Quiz :

Linkers: Grammar Trivia Questions! Quiz

Roles of Linkers in English Grammar

Linkers, those seemingly small yet powerful words and phrases, play a crucial role in shaping the clarity, coherence, and sophistication of our language. 

• Building Logical Connections

Linkers serve as signposts, indicating how different parts of a text relate to each other logically.

• Enhancing Clarity and Cohesion

By explicitly stating the relationship between ideas, linkers enhance the clarity of a text, making it easier for the reader to follow the flow of thought. They also create cohesion, binding sentences and paragraphs together into a unified whole. 

• Adding Variety and Sophistication

Using a variety of linkers can make writing more sophisticated and engaging. It avoids monotony and helps express a wider range of relationships between ideas.

• Guiding the Reader's Understanding

Linkers act as guides, leading the reader through the text and helping them understand the connections between different points. 

• Supporting Argumentation

In persuasive or argumentative writing, linkers play a crucial role in supporting claims and building a strong case. They help present evidence, draw conclusions, and connect arguments in a clear and convincing manner.

• Improving Flow and Rhythm

Linkers can also improve the flow and rhythm of your writing. They create transitions between sentences and paragraphs, making the text more pleasing to read and easier to follow. 

Take this Quiz :

Linkers Quiz For Class 7 & 8

Types of Linkers in English Grammar

Linkers have several types in English grammar and they are used for specific purposes. Here's a breakdown of the different types of linkers along with their examples - 

1. Addition

These linkers signal that the information being introduced adds to or supports the previous information. They indicate a continuation or extension of the idea.

and, also, in addition, moreover, furthermore, besides, as well as, too, not only...but also

Example: 

She is intelligent and hardworking." (The linker "and" combines two separate qualities, indicating that the person possesses both intelligence and diligence.)

2. Contrast

These linkers signal a difference, opposition, or exception between ideas. They introduce information that contradicts or qualifies the previous statement.

but, however, although, though, even though, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast, whereas, while

Example:

The weather was cold, but they went for a walk." (The linker "but" introduces a contrast between the expectation that people might stay indoors in cold weather and the action of going for a walk.)

3. Comparison

These linkers indicate similarities or parallels between ideas, objects, or actions. They draw attention to shared characteristics or comparable features.

similarly, likewise, in the same way, by comparison, equally

Example:

"He is a talented athlete. Similarly, his sister excels in sports." (The linker "similarly" draws a parallel between the athletic abilities of the brother and sister.)

4. Time

These linkers establish a temporal relationship between events or actions. They indicate when something happened, is happening, or will happen in relation to something else.

when, while, before, after, since, until, as soon as, meanwhile, subsequently

Example:

"When the bell rang, the students left the classroom." (The linker "when" specifies the exact time the students left.)

5. Place

These linkers show spatial relationships between objects or locations. They answer questions like "where?" or "in what direction?"

where, wherever, here, there, near, far, above, below, inside, outside

Example:

"They went to the park where they played football." (The linker "where" specifies the location of their football game.)

6. Sequence

These linkers indicate the order of events or actions in a series. They guide the reader through a chronological progression or a logical sequence of steps.

first, second, then, next, finally, eventually, meanwhile, subsequently

Example:

"First, she preheated the oven. Then, she mixed the ingredients." (The linkers "first" and "then" clearly establish the order of actions in baking.)

7. Summary

These linkers signal a conclusion, summary, or restatement of the preceding information. They provide a concise overview or wrap-up of the main points.

in conclusion, to sum up, in summary, finally, in short, overall

Example:

"In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the defendant's innocence." (The phrase "in conclusion" signals the final summary of the argument.)

8. Result

These linkers indicate a consequence, outcome, or effect of a previous action or event. They show a cause-and-effect relationship between ideas.

therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, hence, so

Example: "He studied diligently for weeks; therefore, he passed the exam with flying colors." (The linker "therefore" connects his diligent studying to the positive outcome of passing the exam.)

Take this Quiz :

Linking Words Quiz

Linkers Assessments

Exercise 1: Underline the linker in each sentence.

1. She is a talented singer and a skilled dancer.
2. Although he was tired, he finished his work.
3. They went to the park, where they played football.
4. She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
5. He is not only intelligent but also kind.
6. The weather was bad; however, they decided to go for a walk.
7. First, she went to the store, then she went to the library.

Answers:

1. and
2. Although
3. where
4. so
5. not only... but also
6. however
7. First, then
   

Exercise 2: Choose the best linker from the options to complete each sentence.

1. He was hungry, _______ he ate a sandwich. (so, because, but)
2. She is a doctor, _______ her brother is an engineer. (and, but, while)
3. _______ it was raining, they went for a walk. (Although, Because, So)
4. She is not only beautiful _______ intelligent. (but also, and, or)
5. He finished his work, _______ he went home. (then, because, but)
6. _______ the traffic, they arrived on time. (Despite, Because, So)
7. _______ you finish your homework, you can watch TV. (After, Before, While)

Answers:

1. so
2. while
3. Although
4. but also
5. then
6. Despite
7. After
   

Exercise 3: Combine each pair of sentences using a suitable linker.

1. He was tired. He went to bed early.
2. She is a good singer. She is a good dancer.
3. The weather was cold. They went for a swim.
4. He studied hard. He passed the exam.
5. She was late for work. She missed the meeting.

Possible Answers:

1. He was tired, so he went to bed early.
2. She is a good singer and a good dancer.
3. Although the weather was cold, they went for a swim.
4. He studied hard, therefore he passed the exam.
5. She was late for work; consequently, she missed the meeting.