TOEFL Linking Words and Phrases
Enhance your TOEFL writing and speaking skills with these essential linking words and phrases. Use them to improve coherence, fluency, and structure in your responses.
1. Addition
These words help you add ideas smoothly, making your arguments richer and more detailed.
- and: The city has many attractions, and it also offers a variety of dining options.
- furthermore: The course is challenging; furthermore, it provides practical skills for real-world use.
- moreover: The park is beautiful; moreover, it’s a great spot for relaxation and exercise.
- in addition: The university offers excellent facilities; in addition, it hosts workshops to boost student success.
- besides: The job pays well; besides, it offers flexible hours and career growth opportunities.
Tip: Use "furthermore" or "moreover" in TOEFL essays to impress examiners with advanced vocabulary!
2. Contrast
Show differences or opposing ideas to make your points more balanced and nuanced.
- but: I wanted to attend the event, but I had to finish my homework first.
- however: The solution seems effective; however, its cost may limit widespread adoption.
- on the other hand: He enjoys fiction; on the other hand, his sister prefers factual documentaries.
- nevertheless: The task was tough; nevertheless, she persevered and succeeded.
- although: Although the test was challenging, her preparation paid off with a high score.
Tip: "However" is perfect for introducing a surprising twist in your speaking responses.
3. Cause and Effect
Link reasons and outcomes clearly to strengthen your reasoning in essays and discussions.
- because: She was late because her alarm didn’t go off.
- therefore: The storm worsened; therefore, schools closed early.
- consequently: He didn’t prepare well; consequently, his presentation lacked depth.
- as a result: They trained hard all season; as a result, they won the championship.
- so: The traffic was terrible, so I arrived an hour late.
Tip: Use "as a result" to wrap up a cause-effect argument in your TOEFL essay conclusion.
4. Comparison
Highlight similarities to draw connections between ideas or examples.
- similarly: The two projects are innovative; similarly, they aim to solve global issues.
- likewise: She enjoyed the book; likewise, her classmates praised its storyline.
- in the same way: The novel captivates readers; in the same way, its film version draws crowds.
Tip: "Similarly" adds sophistication when comparing ideas in your speaking section.
5. Example
Support your points with clear examples to make your arguments concrete.
- for example: Many enjoy outdoor sports; for example, soccer and tennis are widely popular.
- such as: The program offers electives, such as coding and graphic design.
- including: Several nations joined the initiative, including Brazil, India, and Australia.
- like: She loves creative hobbies, like sketching and pottery.
Tip: "For example" is a must-use phrase in TOEFL to back up your claims effectively.
6. Conclusion
Wrap up your thoughts decisively to leave a strong impression.
- in conclusion: In conclusion, the evidence strongly supports renewable energy adoption.
- to sum up: To sum up, these strategies can improve productivity significantly.
- overall: Overall, the study emphasizes the value of consistent practice.
- thus: The campaign succeeded; thus, funding was secured for future phases.
Tip: Start your TOEFL essay’s final paragraph with "In conclusion" for a polished ending.
7. Time
Organize events or steps chronologically to improve clarity in storytelling or processes.
- firstly: Firstly, gather all necessary materials before starting.
- secondly: Secondly, outline your main points for clarity.
- subsequently: She wrote the draft; subsequently, she edited it thoroughly.
- meanwhile: He was working on the report; meanwhile, his team handled logistics.
- afterward: We’ll review the proposal, and afterward, we’ll finalize the budget.
Tip: Use "firstly" and "secondly" to structure your TOEFL speaking answers logically.
8. Emphasis
Stress key points to make your arguments more persuasive.
- indeed: The exhibit was indeed a masterpiece of modern art.
- in fact: He’s a skilled debater; in fact, he won last year’s competition.
- especially: The policy helps students, especially those from low-income families.
- above all: Above all, prioritize accuracy over speed in your responses.
Tip: "In fact" can boost your credibility when adding a surprising detail.
9. Concession
Acknowledge opposing views to show balance and maturity in your reasoning.
- although: Although the plan is ambitious, it’s achievable with teamwork.
- even though: Even though he lacked experience, his enthusiasm stood out.
- while: While the hotel is pricey, its amenities justify the cost.
- despite: Despite initial setbacks, the team delivered an outstanding product.
Tip: Use "despite" in TOEFL writing to show resilience in your examples.