- Linking words and linking phrases are words and phrases that connect sentences. They show the relationships between sentences.
- An opinion is how a person feels about something. A reason explains why the person holds the opinion.
Linking words and phrases are used for a number of purposes. They show different types of relationships between ideas and information. This table shows the types of relationships that linking words and phrases connect. The table also includes examples.
Linking words and phrases are used for a number of purposes. They show different types of relationships between ideas and information. This table shows the types of relationships that linking words and phrases connect. The table also includes examples.
| Linking Word or Phrase | Relationship | Example |
| in addition, furthermore
|
something else that has happened or will happen; another opinion that the author holds |
|
| in order to, so that
|
something that relies on something else to happen first |
|
| but, however
|
something happens in spite of something else; there is a conflict |
|
| as a result
|
something happens because something else happens |
|
| for instance
|
an example is given to help support the statement made before |
|
Exploring the Standard
A Closer Look: Linking Opinions and Reasons Using Linking Words and Phrases
When writing opinions and reasons, it is important to make clear how the opinions and reasons are connected to one another. Linking words and phrases are one way to do this.
Look at the examples given below:
Example 1: The offices should change the time when the employees start and end. Most offices should begin work at 11:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m. This will greatly help the employees to have a proper work life balance. For instance, it will give them more time to get ready in the morning and more time in the evenings to spend with their families.
The writer connects an opinion and reason through the phrase for instance. The writer thinks that offices should change when the work day begins and ends. The reason is that the shift will help the employees. The writer builds on the reason by providing a specific example. So, the phrase for instance shows that the example helps to explain the opinion.
Example 2: I love taking my dog for long walks in order to make him happy.
The writer connects an opinion and reason through the phrase in order to. This linking phrase signals that the following information will explain why the writer enjoys taking his or her dog for long walks.
Example 3: Yesterday, my family went on a picnic. It was a lot of fun. We went to a pretty park and ate a lot of food. In addition, we played games and ran around with the dog!
The writer connects an opinion and reason through the phrase in addition. This linking phrase signals that the following information will explain why the writer enjoyed the picnic by listing additional examples of what his or her family did during the picnic. These examples are why the writer thought the picnic was a lot of fun.
