Grammar · Prepositions & linking · B1 · Intermediate

Linking words: conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

Linking words connect ideas within or between sentences. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, because) join two clauses inside one sentence with a comma before them; conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover) link separate sentences and need a semicolon or full stop before them, plus a comma after. Mixing up the punctuation each requires is one of the most common linking-word errors.

Coordinating conjunctions: and, but, so, because, or

Coordinating conjunctions join two complete clauses inside a single sentence, and a comma goes before the conjunction when both sides are full clauses with their own subject and verb: 'I was tired, so I went to bed early.'

If the second part isn't a full clause — just a verb or object shared with the first clause — no comma is needed: 'I was tired and went to bed early' has one subject shared by both verbs, so the comma disappears.

The presentation went well, but the questions afterwards were tough.(two full clauses → comma before but)
She finished the report and sent it before lunch.(one subject, two verbs → no comma)
It started raining so we moved the party indoors.(→ It started raining, so we moved the party indoors — two full clauses need a comma before so)

Conjunctive adverbs: however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless

Conjunctive adverbs — however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, furthermore, consequently — connect the meaning of two sentences, but grammatically they belong to the second sentence only, not to both. This means a comma alone can't join the two clauses; you need a semicolon or a full stop before the conjunctive adverb, and a comma right after it.

Joining two full clauses with just a comma and a conjunctive adverb produces a comma splice — one of the most common punctuation errors at intermediate level, and one examiners notice quickly.

The flight was delayed; however, we still made our connection.(semicolon before, comma after)
The flight was delayed. However, we still made our connection.(full stop before is equally correct)
The flight was delayed, however, we still made our connection.(a comma alone can't join two full clauses here → comma splice)

Coordination vs conjunctive adverbs: which punctuation?

The safest way to avoid comma splices is to sort every linking word into one of these two groups first, then apply its fixed punctuation pattern automatically — the meaning of the sentence never changes which punctuation is required.

Pattern	Example
Clause, coordinating conjunction clause.	I was tired, so I went to bed early.
Clause; conjunctive adverb, clause.	I was tired; therefore, I went to bed early.
Clause. Conjunctive adverb, clause.	I was tired. Therefore, I went to bed early.
Wrong: clause, conjunctive adverb, clause. (comma splice)	I was tired, therefore, I went to bed early. (wrong)

Choosing the right linking word for the relationship

Once the punctuation pattern is automatic, choose the specific word based on the logical relationship between the two ideas: addition, contrast, result, or reason. Coordinating conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs both come in versions of each type, which is why the two lists below line up.

One frequent slip is doubling up two linking words that express the same relationship in one sentence — 'although… but…' or 'because… so…' — when English only needs one of the pair.

Relationship	Coordinating conjunction	Conjunctive adverb
Addition	and	moreover, furthermore, in addition
Contrast	but	however, nevertheless, on the other hand
Result	so	therefore, as a result, consequently
Reason	because (subordinator)	—

Common mistakes with linking words: conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs

Real learner errors, corrected and explained — the fastest way to stop repeating them.

I was tired, however I went to bed early.

I was tired; however, I went to bed early.

'However' is a conjunctive adverb, so it needs a semicolon or full stop before it, not a comma.

It was raining, therefore we cancelled the picnic.

It was raining; therefore, we cancelled the picnic.

A comma alone can't join two full clauses around a conjunctive adverb — use a semicolon (or a full stop) instead.

Although it was raining, but we still went for a walk.

Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.

Don't pair 'although' with 'but' in the same sentence — 'although' already signals the contrast on its own.

Because he studies hard, so he passed the exam.

Because he studies hard, he passed the exam.

Don't pair 'because' with 'so' in the same sentence — choose one connector to show the reason-result relationship.

She moved to Berlin, moreover she got a new job.

She moved to Berlin; moreover, she got a new job.

'Moreover' is a conjunctive adverb and needs a semicolon or full stop before it, plus a comma after.

I don't like coffee, but however I drink it every morning.

I don't like coffee; however, I drink it every morning.

Don't combine 'but' and 'however' — pick one linking word, and punctuate it correctly.

The traffic was terrible therefore, we arrived late.

The traffic was terrible; therefore, we arrived late.

'Therefore' needs a semicolon or full stop before it — the comma alone before it is missing punctuation, not extra.

Linking words: conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs in IELTS

Grammatical Range and Accuracy is 25% of your Speaking and Writing scores — here is where this structure earns marks.

Speaking

In spoken English, punctuation isn't heard, but the underlying structure still matters — pausing naturally where a semicolon or full stop would go, before saying 'however' or 'therefore', makes complex answers sound controlled rather than run-on.
Overusing conjunctive adverbs in Part 3 (starting every sentence with 'moreover' or 'furthermore') can sound mechanical — mixing them with simple 'and' and 'but' is more natural and still shows range.

Writing

Comma splices with 'however' and 'therefore' are one of the most common Task 2 punctuation errors — examiners marking Grammatical Range and Accuracy notice this immediately, since it's a rule with no exceptions.
A well-placed conjunctive adverb ('Furthermore, this trend has accelerated since 2015') is exactly the kind of cohesive device that separates Band 6 from Band 7 writing, provided the punctuation around it is correct.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a coordinating conjunction and a conjunctive adverb?

A coordinating conjunction (and, but, so) joins two clauses inside one sentence with a comma before it. A conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover) links two separate sentences and needs a semicolon or full stop before it, plus a comma after — it can't join clauses with a comma alone.

Do you use a comma or a semicolon before 'however'?

A semicolon (or a full stop starting a new sentence), never a comma alone. 'I was tired; however, I stayed up' is correct; 'I was tired, however, I stayed up' is a comma splice, one of the most common punctuation errors with conjunctive adverbs.

Can you start a sentence with 'because'?

Yes, as long as the sentence has a second clause completing the thought: 'Because it was raining, we stayed inside.' 'Because it was raining' alone, with no second clause, is a sentence fragment, not a complete sentence.

Is it correct to say 'although… but…' in the same sentence?

No. 'Although' already signals contrast on its own, so adding 'but' as well is redundant and grammatically incorrect: 'Although it was raining, we still went out' is correct without a second 'but'.

What punctuation goes after 'therefore' and 'however'?

A comma always follows them when they start a clause: 'therefore, …' or 'however, …'. The comma comes after the conjunctive adverb, while the semicolon or full stop comes before it, separating it from the previous clause.

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