Linking words and discourse markers worksheets
46 worksheets and 5 lessons · Sentences & clauses
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Linking words & discourse markers worksheets
46 printable worksheets with answer keys; the 24 most used, easiest level first.
Linking words & discourse markers lessons
5 ready lessons for the four skills: teach on the board, set online or print.
About Linking words & discourse markers
Linking words and discourse markers connect ideas and guide a reader or listener through a text. They express addition (moreover, in addition), contrast (however, although, despite), cause and result (because of, as a result, therefore) and purpose (so that, in order to). Each has its own grammar: Although it was late, we carried on. Despite the rain, we went out. It was late. However, we carried on.
They are developed at B2–C1, especially for exam essays and formal writing, and in speech through markers such as actually, anyway and mind you. Learners use despite with a clause (*despite it was raining), join sentences with however and a comma alone, use on the other hand simply to add a point, and overload texts with connectors.
This page brings together printable linking words worksheets with answer keys, which can be printed as PDFs or solved online via a class link.
Teaching tips: Linking words & discourse markers
- Sort linkers by grammar as well as function: conjunctions (although, whereas) join clauses, prepositions (despite, because of) take a noun or -ing, and adverbs (however, therefore) link sentences.
- Have learners express one idea three ways: Although it rained…, Despite the rain…, It rained. However, …
- Ask learners to highlight every linker in a model essay and decide which are formal and which informal.
- Watch for despite + clause; it needs a noun, an -ing form or the fact that: Despite the fact that it was raining.
- Remind learners that cohesion also comes from reference words such as this, these and such, not only from linkers.
Questions teachers ask
What's the difference between although and despite?
Although is a conjunction followed by a clause (Although he was ill, he came). Despite and in spite of are prepositions followed by a noun or -ing form: Despite being ill, he came.
How should I punctuate however?
When it links two sentences, use a period or semicolon before it and a comma after: It was expensive; however, we bought it. A comma alone before however is a common error.
Which discourse markers are useful for speaking?
Markers such as actually, anyway, by the way, mind you and to be honest help learners manage conversation and sound natural, and they are best taught from listening examples.