Linking Words

Linking words in English are words that are used to combine or link sentences, two statements presenting contrast, comparison, condition, supposition, purpose, etc. Here are some examples of some linking words.

As long as
provided (that)
providing

You can take my car as long as/provided (that)/providing
you don't damage it.
(I will lend you my car on condition that you don't damage it.)

Although/even though

Although/even though he is rich, he lives in a small house.
(In spite of the fact that he is rich, he lives in a small house.)

Even if

He is poor and has no house, but even if he had money, he wouldn't buy a house.
(Supposing he had the money, he still wouldn't buy a house.)

In case

Take an umbrella in case it rains.
It might rain, so it's a good idea to take an umbrella.)

In spite of / despite

In spite of/despite the rain, she walked to the station.
In spite of/despite being blind, he walked to the station.
(without being affected by the rain or by being blind.)

So that

She arrived early so that she could help her colleagues.
(She arrived early for the purpose of helping her colleagues.)

Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school

• 1. _ I have a difficult job, I still enjoy it.
  
  In case
  in In spite of
  Although
  
  
• 2. We left early _ we could avoid the morning rush hour.
  
  in case
  so that
  even if
  
  
• 3. You can organise parties at the residence _ you keep the noise down.
  
  so that
  provided that
  although
  
  
• 4. _ Sarah could afford it, she wouldn’t buy an expensive car.
  
  Despite
  Even though
  Even if
  
  
• 5. Here’s my number _ you need to phone.
  
  in case
  even though
  so that
  
  
• 6. _ the rain we still enjoyed our trip to London.
  
  Although
  Even if
  Despite
  
  
• 7. I woke up early _ I could see the sunrise.
  
  so that
  even though
  in case
  
  
• 8. Employees will work hard _ they are treated with respect.
  
  provided that
  in spite of
  so that