PE-88: Linking Words for Writing: however, therefore, although
The words that hold an essay together — how to add, contrast, explain and conclude, and the punctuation each one needs.
PE-88: Linking Words for Writing: however, therefore, although
Two essays can contain the same ideas and receive very different marks. The difference is usually linking words — the signposts that tell your reader where the argument is going. However, therefore, in addition, for example. They cost nothing to learn and they lift a piece of writing immediately.
In this lesson you will learn
- The five families: adding, contrasting, explaining, giving examples, concluding
- The punctuation each type needs
- although vs however vs despite — the grammar differs
- How many to use, and where
1. The five families
| Job | Linking words |
|---|---|
| Adding | In addition, Moreover, Furthermore, Also, What is more |
| Contrasting | However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, In contrast |
| Explaining / result | Therefore, As a result, Consequently, For this reason |
| Examples | For example, For instance, such as, In particular |
| Concluding | In conclusion, To sum up, Overall, All in all |
Learning English opens many doors. In addition, it improves your memory. However, it takes time. Therefore, you need patience. In conclusion, the effort is worth it.
Ingliz tilini oʻrganish koʻp imkoniyat beradi. Bundan tashqari, u xotirani yaxshilaydi. Biroq, bu vaqt talab qiladi. Shuning uchun sabr kerak. Xulosa qilib aytganda, mehnat oʻzini oqlaydi.
Five sentences, five signposts — the reader always knows where they are.
2. The punctuation
- At the start of a sentence → comma after it: However, the plan failed.
- In the middle → commas around it: The plan, however, failed.
- Never join two sentences with just a comma before them (PE-81):
It rained, however we went.✗ → It rained. However, we went. - Semicolon is possible: It rained; however, we went.
3. although vs however vs despite
All three mean "contrast", but they take different grammar — and this is what exams test.
| Word | What follows | Example |
|---|---|---|
| although / though | a full clause (subject + verb) | Although it rained, we went out. |
| however | a new sentence | It rained. However, we went out. |
| despite / in spite of | a noun or -ing | Despite the rain, we went out. |
| but | joins two clauses | It rained, but we went out. |
Despite it rained, we went out.
Despite the rain, we went out. / Although it rained, we went out.
Although the city is crowded, I love it. — The city is crowded. However, I love it. — Despite the crowds, I love it.
Shahar gavjum boʻlsa ham, men uni yaxshi koʻraman.
One idea, three structures — and each one needs a different thing after it.
4. Don't overload
Weak: Firstly, I like it. Moreover, it is cheap. Furthermore, it is
fast. In addition, it is safe.
Better: I like it because it is cheap and fast. Moreover, it is completely
safe.
Bu menga yoqadi, chunki arzon va tez. Bundan tashqari, u butunlay xavfsiz.
5. A few more worth knowing
- Firstly, Secondly, Finally — for ordering points
- In fact, Actually — for correcting or strengthening
- On the whole, Generally speaking — for careful generalisations
- That is to say, In other words — for rephrasing
6. Common mistakes
Although it was expensive, but I bought it.
Although it was expensive, I bought it. (PE-52)
However the weather was bad, we went.
Although the weather was bad, we went.
In spite of the rain was heavy, we walked.
In spite of the heavy rain, we walked.
Therefore we must act now. (no comma)
Therefore, we must act now.
I like tea, however I don't like coffee.
I like tea. However, I don't like coffee.
Practice
1 although or despite: ___ the traffic, we arrived on time. ___ there was heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
Show answer
Despite the traffic … Although there was heavy traffic.
Despite + noun; although + clause.
2 Punctuate: The test was difficult however I passed it.
Show answer
The test was difficult. However, I passed it. (or …difficult; however, I passed it.)
However cannot join two sentences with a comma alone.
3 Which linking word? Studying abroad is expensive. ___ , it gives you experience you cannot get at home.
Show answer
However (or On the other hand) — the second sentence contrasts with the first.
4 Correct it: Although he studied hard, but he failed.
Show answer
Although he studied hard, he failed. One contrast marker only — the Uzbek garchi…lekin habit again (PE-52).
5 Write a two-sentence argument using For example and Therefore.
Show answer
Model: Reading improves your vocabulary. For example, one novel can teach you hundreds of new words. Therefore, students should read every day.
Key words — Kalit soʻzlar
- Linking wordbogʻlovchi soʻz
- Howeverbiroq
- Thereforeshuning uchun
- Moreoverbundan tashqari
- Neverthelessshunga qaramay
- Despite / in spite of...ga qaramay
- For instancemasalan
- In conclusionxulosa qilib
- To sum upyakunlab aytganda
- Argumentdalil, fikr
🎯 Remember this
- Five jobs: add · contrast · explain · exemplify · conclude.
- At the start of a sentence, a linking word takes a comma after it.
- although + clause · despite + noun/-ing · however + new sentence.
- Never although … but in the same sentence.
- One per paragraph — overuse looks memorised.