Linking words, or connectors, are words that link sentence parts together. Without a good command of linking words, your English may sound too simplistic, especially when you write.

It’s clear that it’s worth spending some time improving this grammar topic. But how?

Here is a great way to practise linking words by yourself:

Instructions

1. Listen to a podcast that comes with a transcript, such as English Learning for Curious Minds. It’s good to choose a short podcast, or a short section of a podcast, around 3-5 minutes.
2. As you listen, write down any linking words that you hear.
3. Write out a comprehensive summary of the podcast (not too short - see The Summariser). Try to use all of the linking words that you wrote down.
4. Use the podcast transcript to check that your summary is correct.
5. Use a grammar checker to check that your linking word sentences are correct.

Tip:

• If the activity is challenging, try listening twice before writing the summary.

Related activities: The Podcast Vocabulary Builder, Find “Second Category” Words and Phrases, The Summariser