B2 Upper-intermediate Articles, quantifiers, word order, linking, reporting
Linking adverbials
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can use linking adverbials correctly in writing, punctuation included — without confusing them with conjunctions.
When to use it
- Linking sentences in a paragraph: It was raining. However, we went out.
- Adding, concluding and contrasting in essays.
- Making writing cohesive — a key marking criterion at B2.
Form
| Function | Linking adverbial | Example |
|---|---|---|
| adding an idea | moreover · furthermore · in addition | It is cheap. Moreover, it is fast. |
| contrast | however · nevertheless · on the other hand | It is cheap. However, it is slow. |
| result | consequently · therefore · as a result | He didn't study. Consequently, he failed. |
| contrast within one sentence | whereas · while | I like tea, whereas she likes coffee. |
Step by step
- Decide the relationship: addition, contrast, or result.
- Pick the matching adverbial.
- Put it at the start of a new sentence, after a full stop, with a comma after it.
- To join inside one sentence, use a conjunction: although, whereas, but.
Adverbials and conjunctions
| Word | Type | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| however | adverb | Sentence 1. However, sentence 2. |
| although | conjunction | Although clause 1, clause 2. |
| whereas | conjunction | Clause 1 whereas clause 2. |
| consequently | adverb | Sentence 1. Consequently, sentence 2. |
Examples
The hotel was cheap. Moreover, it was very clean.
The course is expensive. Nevertheless, it is very useful.
He didn't study. Consequently, he failed the exam.
My sister likes maths, whereas I prefer literature.
Online learning is convenient. However, some students find it lonely.
The train was late. As a result, we missed the meeting.
Common mistakes
However it was raining, we went out. → Although it was raining, we went out.
however cannot join two clauses directly. To join inside one sentence use although.
He was tired, however he kept working. → He was tired. However, he kept working.
however needs a full stop or semicolon before it, and a comma after.
He is rich, moreover he is not happy. → He is rich. However, he is not happy.
moreover adds a similar idea. Contrasting ideas need however.
Memory tip
A linking adverbial bridges two sentences, not two clauses. Put a full stop before it and a comma after, and you will almost always be right.
Summary
- Linking adverbials start a new sentence and take a comma.
- Addition: moreover · Contrast: however, nevertheless · Result: consequently, therefore.
- To join within one sentence use a conjunction: although, whereas, but.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.