85 Connectors in English to Speak and Write Fluently

Let’s learn connectors in English.

If you want to sound more natural and fluent when speaking or writing in English, using connectors is key.

Connectors are words that join together sentences, clauses, phrases, and ideas.

They help add more detail and explanation by connecting your thoughts logically.

Using the right connectors makes your English easier to follow and understand. Native speakers use connectors all the time without even thinking about it.

As a learner of English, consciously working on using more connectors will make your speech and writing sound much smoother, polished and natural.

This topic is part of our English Grammar for English learners.

To help you get there, here are 85 helpful English connectors to know, divided into categories based on their meaning and function:

Adding Information

And, also, as well as, besides, furthermore, in addition, moreover, too, plus, on top of that

Example: I bought eggs, milk, and bread at the store. Furthermore, I picked up some fresh fruit as well.

Giving Examples

For example, for instance, like, such as, in other words, to illustrate

Example: There are many healthy snack options such as carrots, yogurt, or nuts. For instance, a handful of almonds makes a nutritious choice.

Showing Contrast

However, on the other hand, in contrast, instead, on the contrary, yet, but, though, although, while, whereas

Example: I wanted to go for a run this morning. However, it was pouring rain, so I stayed inside instead.

Expressing Cause and Effect

Because, since, as, due to, owing to

Example: I was late because there was heavy traffic due to an accident on the highway.

Showing Purpose

So that, in order to, in order that

Example: I went to bed early so that I would be well-rested for my presentation.

Expressing Result

Therefore, consequently, hence, as a result, thus

Example: I missed the deadline for the report and consequently received a warning from my boss.

Providing Reason or Support

For this reason, in this way, to this end

Example: There was a heat advisory issued for this week. For this reason, the camps canceled all outdoor activities.

Indicating Similarity

Similarly, likewise, in the same way

Example: My brother loves pizza. Similarly, he can’t get enough of pasta.

Giving Conditions

If, unless, provided that, in case

Example: You need to arrive by 7am, provided that you want to have enough time for breakfast. Unless you’d prefer to skip it.

Indicating Place

Where, wherever

Example: We decided to rent a beach house for the summer, where we could relax and enjoy the ocean views.

Showing Time

When, whenever, while, as, once

Example: When I was in college, I worked part-time at the library. Once I graduated, I got a full-time job.

Expressing Certainty

Definitely, undoubtedly, certainly, surely

Example: She will undoubtedly receive the scholarship after all her hard work.

Indicating Preference

Rather than, preferably, instead of

Example: Rather than going out for dinner, I’d prefer to cook at home tonight instead.

Clarifying

In other words, that is to say

Example: My friend has been feeling under the weather. In other words, she has been sick with a cold.

Emphasizing

Above all, indeed, in fact, actually

Example: I am, in fact, planning to quit my job and go back to school for my Master’s degree.

Sequencing

Firstly/first, secondly/second, lastly/last, finally, initially, ultimately

Example: Initially I was nervous for the presentation. Ultimately though, it went really well.

Summarizing

In brief, on the whole, in summary, in conclusion

Example: In conclusion, the meeting today was very productive and we have steps to move forward.

With that long list of useful English connectors, you’re well on your way to more fluent speech and writing!

Let’s go through some examples of how to use them effectively.

For connecting sentences, try:

I went for a bike ride this morning. Furthermore, I stopped for coffee on the way back.
Jackson loves sports. For instance, he plays baseball every summer.

To add examples or supporting details:

The beach town has lots of activities for kids, such as swimming, sandcastle building, and seashell hunting.
Some healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like chicken or fish.

Use contrastive connectors to show differences or contradictory ideas:

I was planning to go hiking today. However, the weather turned rainy, so I stayed inside instead.
The shoes were stylish yet not very practical for walking long distances.

For cause/effect and showing reason:

Because I slept through my alarm, I was late for my meeting this morning.
Due to the snowstorm, all the schools had to close for the day.

Connectors are indispensable for providing clear logical flow in your English speaking and writing.

With the wide variety above, you’ll be able to elegantly connect any kind of thought or idea.

Here are a couple of slightly longer examples putting it all together:

“In the morning, I like to go for a run around the park near my house.

After my run, I have a healthy breakfast consisting of oatmeal with fresh berries, nuts, and a protein shake.

Furthermore, I take vitamins and supplements to ensure I’m getting all the nutrients I need.

In fact, taking care of my body through exercise and nutrition is a top priority for me.

Similarly, I try to get enough sleep each night, aiming for around 8 hours whenever possible.

While I don’t always have as much free time as I’d like, I do my best to achieve a solid work-life balance.

On the whole, I feel energized and healthy when I maintain these habits consistently.”

“The company I work for is launching a new product line soon, and the stakes are high.

First, we’ll need to order all the materials and supplies required for production.

Second, we have to make sure the marketing campaign is ready, including advertisements, a new website, and sales training for staff.

Although it will be hectic at first, I’m confident our team can handle it.

Unless there are any major delays, that is.

Ultimately, a successful rollout of this product is crucial for our profit goals this year and could determine budgets and strategy for the next few years.

In conclusion, I know we have a lot riding on making this a big hit.”

The more connections you can make between ideas, the more engaging, polished, and natural your English will sound.

Sprinkling in a variety of these 85 useful connectors will be incredibly valuable for leveling up your English fluency.

While using too many can sound awkward, making a conscious effort to implement connectors moderately into your speech and writing is smart practice.

So, get out there and start connecting!

The more you link your English sentences and phrases together using these words, the smoother and more cohesive your communication skills will become.

Have fun connecting all your ideas and watch your fluency in English increase as a result.