Linkers in English Grammar: Role, Types & Examples You Must Look At!

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Linkers in English Grammar

Linkers in English Grammar are the words or short phrases that are used for connecting the words, phrases, clauses or even paragraphs as a whole. They are also known as connectors or linking words where logical relationships are established between ideas, making your writing or speech coherent and easy to follow. If you wish to understand more about linkers and how they can be used to enhance your writing, then make sure you keep reading this blog post as we will discuss the linkers in detail along with their roles and examples.

Must Read: IELTS Linking Words: Benefits, Types of Linking Words

What are Linkers in English Grammar?

In English, linkers are usually placed at the beginning or the middle of the sentence to provide logic. For instance, the three main linkers in English are and, because, and but. Linkers serve as a link between two or more sentences or clauses. Linkers function as a way to guide the reader or listener. Overall, a linker helps one to create proper sentences which assists in oral and written work. With the sentences flowing smoothly, it keeps the audience engaged and can understand the meaning of the same in a better way. 

Also Read: 15 Best ‘So That’ Conjunction Examples in Sentences

How Are Linkers Formed?

The formation of linkers is mainly done by using the three primary linkers that are and, because, and but. While other linkers are also part of the English language that are placed in the sentences or clauses. The conjunction and preposition are the two grammatical words that show a relation between the words. Let’s discuss some of the examples showing how linkers are formed.

Clause + Conjunction + ClauseIt was a good day so I went to play football.
Conjunction + Clause + ClauseBecause I went late this morning, I went to the office without eating breakfast.
Preposition + Noun (phrase) + ClauseDespite the holiday, he went to college.
Sentence + Adverbial + SentenceHe finished her exercise, quickly, and went to the shop.

Roles of Linkers in English Grammar

Linkers mention the transition phrases or words which perform different crucial functions in the writing. They play an important role in English Grammar where linking of the words is done by using its rules properly.

  • Illustration:- Linkers help in the expansion and clarification of the ideas by bringing up concrete evidence or examples. 
  • Coherence:- They maintain the logical flow of the text which makes it easier for the readers to understand and follow your ideas.
  • Support:- The linker’s examples add reliability to the claims and arguments by supporting them with real-life examples.
  • Engagement:- The inclusion of the examples of the linkers can make your writing engaging and relatable to the audience.

Also Read: History of English Grammar: Origin, Development, and Books

Types of Linkers in English Grammar

In English Grammar there are several types of linkers which are used to link the phrases or the words. They can be used in different sentences as a formation making it better. Linkers have separate purposes in distinct types of linkers. Hence, the different types of Linkers in English Grammar are:

Addition:- These are the kinds of linkers that add support to the central idea. The words which can be used for linking are ‘even’, ‘and’, ‘furthermore’, ‘in addition’ and ‘also’.

Example: Mohan participated in the singing competition, and in addition to that, he also loves playing football.

Contrast:- The kind of linkers showing the difference between the two ideas. They can be linked by using the phrases such as ‘however’, ‘yet’, ‘in contrast’, ‘but’, etc.

Example: We arrived on time but the bus was already gone.

Comparison:- The kind of linkers that find out the similarities between the two ideas. It can be linked by using phrases such as ‘likewise’, ‘similarly’, ‘in the same way’, and ‘by comparison’. 

Example: I was playing tennis, and similarly, my friend started the game.

Time:– It is a kind of linker that shows the regularity and time of events. It can be linked by using phrases like ‘when’, ‘while’,’ in the meantime’ and ‘at once’.

Example: Someone called you while you were in the shop.

Place:- These are the types of linkers that show the noun’s position. The linking can be done by using phrases such as ‘next to’, ‘here’, ‘there’, and ‘opposite to’.

Example: He lives next to the house of his cousin.

Sequence:- It is a kind of Linker that shows the ideas listed on an urgent basis. The linking of it can be done by using phrases such as then, finally, first, and second.

Example: I am so happy to finally meet you.

Summary:- The kind of linkers that conclude the summarisation of the core ideas. In this, the linking is done by using phrases such as ‘to sum up’, ‘on the whole’, and ‘in brief’.

Example: On the whole, I am satisfied with your performance in the exam.

Result: The kind of linker that shows the result and the reason. It can be linked by using different phrases such as ‘therefore’, ‘as a result’, ‘consequently’, etc. 

Examples: He could not perform well in the match consequently his team lost it.

Also Read: 23+ Parentheses Examples in English Grammar

Examples of Linkers

The examples of linkers give you clarity about their usage in the sentences.  There are general, specific, cause and effect, clarification, comparison and contrasting examples that clearly explain the usage of linking words. Here, are some of the examples of the linkers that will help you to use them in a better way in the sentences.

  • Some of the fruits are high in fibre for example bananas, apples, Pears, Avocado, etc. 
  • The bakery offers so many sweet options such as muffins, croissants, pastries, etc. 
  • The conference was attended by top leaders of so many nations including Italy and Japan. 
  • The topic specifically focuses on environmental protection and climate change.
  • His performance on the stage was notably outstanding.
  • There is a decline in profit as a result of the decline in sales.
  • He could not prepare properly, therefore his grades were declined.

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FAQs

What are linkers in English Grammar?

Linkers in English Grammar are the words or phrases that connect the work. It helps in creating a relation between the concepts or paragraphs. 


Give some examples of Linkers.

The examples of the linkers that can be used in sentences are even though, example, contrast, addition, also, despite, during, specifically, particularly, whereas and the list goes on.

What are the formal linkers in English?

Some of the formal linkers that are part of the English language include additionally; also; moreover; furthermore; again; further; then; besides; too; similarly; correspondingly; indeed; and regarding. alternatively; although; otherwise; instead and so on.

This was all about the “Linkers in English Grammar: examples and roles” and more. Hope you understand the concept and know how to proceed. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs. 

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