Using Linkers - Orchids

Descriptive Writing Skills

Linkers in English for Class 5

Linkers in English are phrases or words that connect your writing. It helps to form a rational relationship between paragraphs or ideas. They are usually placed at the middle or beginning of a sentence. In this chapter students will know linker definition, and its usage in the language.

In this learning concept, students will learn:

Types of Linkers with examples for each type in sentences.
Linking words list and linking phrases to use in descriptive writing with vivid examples.
Common mistakes to keep in mind while using joining words in english.
Exceptions to know while using linking words in English with examples.

Every concept for class 5 English students have been covered using examples, illustrations, and concept maps. Students can assess their related skills by solving the two printable linkers worksheet given at the end of the page. Download these linkers exercises with answers pdf and check your answers with the solutions provided.

Definition

Linkers are words or phrases that connect words, phrases, sentences or ideas, or paragraphs. Linkers are also known as connectors or linking words. For instance, the three basic linkers in English are: and, because, and but.
Linkers are usually placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
They can be used to join 2 or more clauses or sentences.

Example:

In this example, we can see that the first idea, 'Cyclone was predicted', is the reason for the second idea, 'I stayed at home.' Or, 'I stayed at home' is a result of 'Cyclone was predicted.' Both these sentences can be connected through the usage of linkers: therefore or so to clarify the two ideas.

Example:

Cyclone was predicted, so I stayed at home.
Cyclone was predicted. Therefore, I stayed at home.

The order can be changed. We can place the result before the cause and use the linker ‘because’.

Example:

I stayed at home because a cyclone was predicted.

Linkers perform different functions in a sentence. They are used to contrast, compare, define, illustrate, and summarize thoughts and develop clear paragraphs.

Types of Linkers

What Linking Words to Use in Descriptive Writing?

Take a look at the table below to understand the type of linkers and how they are used in descriptive writing. To write a good essay or a story you should use proper linkers in your paragraphs and sentences.

Type of Linkers	Purpose	Linking phrases or words	Usage in Sentence
Addition	Adds to support the main idea.	and, even, again, also, further, moreover, furthermore, similarly, as well as, in addition	In addition to music, Shivani also participated in the painting competition.
Comparison	Determines similarities between two ideas.	similarly, whereas, likewise, but, except, on the other hand, when compared to, by comparison, equally, in the same way	I was late to work and similarly,my husband got delayed too.
Contrast	It is used to show the difference between two ideas.	but, yet, however, even though, still, nevertheless, otherwise, on the other hand, for all of that, after all, on the contrary, in contrast, notwithstanding, unlike, alternatively, whereas, instead of, although	Though we arrived on time the gates were closed.
Time	Indicates time and regularity of events.	at once, meanwhile, immediately, in the meantime, at length, at the same time, when, in the end, before that, as, then, after that, last, first, next, while	She slept whileI cleaned the house. He left immediatelyon seeing her.
Example	Provides illustrations to support the main idea.	for example, for instance, such as, in another case, in this case, on this occasion, in this manner, in this situation, to illustrate	This medicine can treat various diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, etc.
Place	Indicates the position of a noun	here, there, beyond, next to, nearby, opposite to, at that point, on the other side, adjacent to, in the back, in the front	He lived in a house adjacent tothe temple.
Summary	To draw a conclusion by summarizing the core ideas.	in brief, in sum, on the whole, thus, to sum up	On the whole, I am satisfied with what I have achieved so far in life.
Result	Shows a reason and its end result.	as a result, therefore, and consequently, because, accordingly, so, thus, hence, therefore, as	A cyclone was predicted. Therefore,I stayed at home.
Sequence	shows the ideas listed on a priority basis.	first, second, third, then, next, now, following, after, at this point, after this, eventually, subsequently, previously, finally etc.	His lunch got spoiled; consequently, he threw it all away.

Common Mistakes

Linking words are not mandatory. Do not overuse them as it might confuse the reader.
Linking words like in particular, furthermore, moreover, and in addition must be used when you are giving more evidence for an argument that has been mentioned in a previous sentence. Avoid using it to indicate the introduction of a related idea in the text or paragraph.
Use a comma after using linking words at the beginning of a sentence.
Example:

However, I had different plans for that day.
When linking words are used to connect two clauses, a semi-colon is placed after the first clause.
Example:

I would love to join you all for the party; however, I am not free today.
Linkers is a broad term to describe words or phrases that link sentences or clauses. Conjunctions and connecting adverbs are two broad types of Linkers or connectives. Do not confuse the terms.

Exceptions

Not all linkers are placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence. Time linkers can be used to end the sentence also. Avoid using them in the middle of a sentence.
Examples:

Next week, my summer vacation will start. (This is not wrong)
My summer vacation will start next week.(However, this sentence is more appropriate)
Do not use the last day when mentioning about the previous day. The word ‘yesterday’ is the apt word while refer to a previous day.
Examples:

I watched the newly released movie yesterday.
I watched the newly released movie last day.
Do not use yesterday night. The appropriate time linker phrase is ‘last night’.
Examples:

I could not sleep properly last night.
I could not sleep properly yesterday night.

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