Linking ideas

Connect ideas smoothly, with linkers and spoken markers. Lesson 31 of 58: Fluency, CEFR B2.

Adding, contrasting, giving results

Linkers show how ideas connect. Adding: also, as well as, what’s more, on top of that. Contrasting: but, however, although, whereas, on the other hand. Results: so, as a result, that’s why, therefore (formal). Reasons: because, since, due to.
It’s expensive. On the other hand, it lasts for years.
Although it was late, we kept going.
Sales fell. As a result, we cut costs.

Speech has its own markers that organise talk and buy a second to think: “Well,…” (considering), “Actually,…” (correcting or adding something surprising), “Anyway,…” (returning to the point), “I mean,…” (rephrasing), “Basically,…” (summarising), “The thing is,…” (the real issue), “Mind you,…” (a contrasting thought).
The thing is, we don’t have the budget.
Actually, I think it was Tuesday. (A polite correction)
Anyway, where was I? (Returning to the topic)
Tip: Use spoken markers like spice: one or two make you sound fluent; ten in a minute make you sound nervous.

“However” starts a new sentence or clause and is followed by a comma: “It was late. However, we carried on.” “Although” joins two clauses: “Although it was late, we carried on.” Do not use “although… but” together.
The plan is good. However, it’s risky.
Although the plan is good, it’s risky.

Talk for ninety seconds about the pros and cons of working from home. Use at least two adding linkers, two contrasting linkers, one result linker and two spoken markers.
I added ideas with also / what’s more
I contrasted with however / although / on the other hand
I used so / as a result
I used spoken markers naturally, not too many

FinClamp: skills, brain and play. About · Contact · Privacy · Terms