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IELTS linking words checker: see which connectors you repeat
Paste a Task 1 or Task 2 answer and see every linking word highlighted, which ones you use three times or more, and other words that do the same job. It counts and shows patterns. It does not decide whether your text is good.
Check the linking words in your text
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Your results will appear here. Paste at least 20 words.
How to use the results
- Look at the repeated words first. If “however” opens three sentences, swap one for “although” inside a sentence or let the idea follow without a link.
- Check each link does its job. “Therefore” should introduce a result of the previous idea; “for example” should be followed by a real example.
- Mind the grammar of each word. “Despite” and “because of” take a noun; “although” and “because” take a clause. The notes under each suggestion remind you.
- Do not add links to reach a number. A text with fewer, accurate links reads better than one with a link in every sentence.
The linking words it looks for
Grouped by function. A word can do more than one job (“in particular” both gives an example and adds emphasis), so the group shown for a match is the first that applies.
| Function | Words and phrases |
|---|---|
| Adding a point | moreover, furthermore, in addition, in addition to, additionally, besides, what is more, as well as, not only, apart from this, equally important |
| Contrast | however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast, by contrast, whereas, on the contrary, conversely, instead, unlike, rather than |
| Giving a reason | because of, due to, owing to, as a result of, thanks to, because, for this reason, given that |
| Showing a result | therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, hence, accordingly, for this reason, this means that, which leads to |
| Giving an example | for example, for instance, such as, in particular, namely, to illustrate, a case in point |
| Ordering ideas | firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally, first of all, to begin with, subsequently, afterwards, meanwhile, lastly, in the first place |
| Concession | although, even though, despite, in spite of, albeit, admittedly, while it is true that, granted |
| Concluding | in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up, in summary, overall, all things considered, on balance, in short, to summarise, to summarize |
| Emphasis or clarifying | in fact, indeed, clearly, obviously, of course, that is to say, in other words, in particular, especially, above all |
Alternatives for common connectors
however
nevertheless, on the other hand, that said, yet
Start a sentence with it or put it after a semicolon; "although" or "while" can join the two ideas in one sentence.
moreover
furthermore, in addition, what is more, besides
Use one addition word per new point; not every sentence needs one.
therefore
consequently, as a result, for this reason, hence
Make sure the second idea really follows from the first.
for example
for instance, such as, to illustrate, a case in point
"Such as" sits inside a sentence before a list; "for example" starts a new idea.
because
since, as, given that, due to
"Due to" and "because of" need a noun; "because" needs a clause.
although
even though, while, though, despite the fact that
"Despite" and "in spite of" need a noun or -ing form instead of a clause.
Questions about linking words
Will more linking words give me a higher band?
Not by themselves. The public Writing band descriptors for Coherence and Cohesion talk about cohesive devices being used appropriately, and describe over-use and mechanical use as weaknesses. A few well-chosen links that match the meaning work better than one in every sentence.
Which words does the checker look for?
About 84 linking words and phrases such as however, moreover, therefore, for example and in conclusion, grouped by what they do. Very common words such as and, but, so, as and since are left out on purpose, because they cannot be highlighted reliably without understanding the sentence.
Why does it flag a word used three times?
Repeating the same connector is the pattern most learners can fix quickly. Three is a simple prompt to look again, not a rule: in a long essay, three uses of "for example" can be perfectly natural.
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Links are only one part of how an answer holds together
Coherence and Cohesion also depends on paragraphing, clear topic sentences and logical order. The writing checker gives an estimated band for all four criteria and what to fix first. Your first check needs no account.
The word list, alternatives and notes were written for this tool and are not copied from any other site. English Test Coach is independent of IELTS. See the Writing band descriptors guide and the Coherence and Cohesion accuracy notes.