Linking words for IELTS Speaking - A Complete List

Students who speak English frequently tend to overuse linking words or linkers in IELTS speaking language tests. However, in reality, the IELTS examiner wants you to use a wide range of vocabulary, various structures of grammar and relevant connectors in the speaking exam. These simple linking words for IELTS speaking and natural phrases will actually improve your overall speaking performance and get you a good band score of 8 or 9. 

Fortunately, the linking words for IELTS speaking are similar to IELTS writing, which include phrases and idioms. It’s mainly to make your conversation interesting and easy to understand. Thus, these linking words (also called linkers, connectors, and starting words) play a crucial role in the IELTS speaking test. If you go through this article till the end, you will get the best linking words for speaking part 1, 2 and 3, along with the PDF.

Linking words for IELTS Speaking

Linking words for IELTS speaking is mainly for connecting two phrases, sentences or ideas. They are also referred to as conjunctive words. To ensure the usage of linking words appropriately, students can refer to the list of linking words/linkers for IELTS speaking as follows.

Add more information

To add more information in a sentence or a paragraph, you can use the following.

• In addition to

Example: Germany began world war II and captured Poland first. In addition to that, they had concentration camps.

• And

Example: You can start your speaking classes tomorrow and continue your work.

• Not only… but also

Example: Government must not only strive for poverty alleviation but also quality education.

• Moreover

Example: Artificial intelligence gets deep rooted into our daily lives. Moreover, it learns new languages, behaviour from us. 

• Also

Example: People who adhere to social norms are considered good. Also they are treated well.

• Furthermore 

Example: She always reaches the office on time. Furthermore, her work was well established.

• Additionally 

Example: I was working at the office till 9 pm last night. Additionally, I worked out at the gym till 10 pm to stay fit.

• As well as

Example: Parents must take their children to sports events as well as to the library. 

• Another reason is

Example: She doesn’t like watching cricket for too long. Another reason is her favourite player has retired.

Time Phrases

To highlight a time duration like past, present or future while speaking, use the following time phrases.

• Now

Example: Now we will begin our session with the available participants. 

• At the moment

Example: At the moment, there is no salary hike for fresh graduates.

• At present

Example: At present, maintain your body weight otherwise you will look fat. 

• When I was younger

Example: When I was younger, I played a lot of sports with my friends.

• Right Now

Example: Right now, we will watch this interesting movie and go out for a walk.

• At that time

Example: At that time, I was not feeling well. So I didn’t attend my semester exams.

• These days

Example: These days we involve ourselves in social media and miss our real friendship.

• Nowadays

Example: Nowadays young people focus on physical health and fitness to beat diabetes.

• In the past

Example: In the past, my mother cooked biryani at least once a month.

• Before

Example: Complete your work before the due date and send it to your manager.

• Then

Example: First is the army parade, then comes the navy and air force during Independence day.

Use these phrases for IELTS speaking, in your exam for a higher band score. 

Expressing Ideas

When you’re expressing ideas about something like an event, a place, etc., you can make use of the below linking words.

• I think one important thing is

Example: I think one important thing is patience when it comes to achieving your goals.

• I guess one difference is

Example: I guess one difference is smart work between success and failure. 

• I suppose the main difference between X and Y is

Example: I suppose the main difference between humans and animals is creating discrimination among humans.

Causes and Solutions

To talk about causes and solutions, refer to the following words.

• I guess it’s because

Example: People are recognising traditional ways of life. I guess it’s because the modern world is spoiling human’s health and the planet. 

• The main reason is

Example: Why do people celebrate religious festivals at home? The main reason is to invite friends, relatives and have some memorable moments. 

• It was mainly due to

Example: It was mainly due to hard work, dedication and interest that made Roger Federer the most successful athlete of all time.  

• Because

Example: Because of love, he proposed to her and gave her a gift. 

• I suppose the best way to deal with this problem is

Example: I suppose the best way to deal with this problem is talking with all stakeholders of the company and addressing the major loss in this quarter.

• I reckon the only answer is to

Example: To clear this exam in less than 3 months, I reckon the only answer is to study for 8 hours a day.

• The best way to solve this is

Example: The best way to solve this is building a dam and providing water supply to the farmers.

Giving Examples

When you’re giving examples to someone and don’t know how to start, you can follow the below examples. Please note that ‘like’ cannot be used as a linking word in IELTS writing.

• Like

Example: I play many outdoor sports like football, basketball, tennis, etc. 

• For instance

Example: I don’t prefer short-distance travel. For instance, when my friend called me for a weekend trip to Bangalore, I refused to come.

• Such as

Example: I like historical places such as Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Mysore Palace, etc.

• For example

Example: You must not worry about the past and future for a happy life. For example, don’t think about your mistakes and failures from the past.

Adding Emphasis

• As a rule

Example: As a rule, prescribed in law, citizens must not smoke in public places.

• As usual

Example: Students started talking as usual once the teacher left the classroom. 

• Generally speaking

Example: Generally speaking, all political parties try to gain power first and serve the people next.

• No doubt

Example: There is no doubt that all students bunked the class last week.

• Of course

Example: Can I borrow your pen? Yes, of course.

• Especially

Example: We all worry about something in life, especially our future.

• Indeed

Example: I’m indeed happy to inform you that I’m moving to the US next year.

Expressing result or purpose/reason

• So that

Example: You must walk daily so that it improves your physical condition.

• For this reason

Example: I’m not quitting my job for this reason. 

• That’s why

Example: I was hungry last night. That’s why I ordered pizza and ate it.

• Because

Example: Because of nature, I find solace in my life.

Being Clear

You can use these simple, natural expressions to be clear in your point of view.

• What I mean is

Example: What I mean is, do not go with wrongdoers. 

• What I want to say is

Example: What I want to say is, follow your passion, it will take you to great heights. 

• As I was saying

Example: As I was saying, they don’t show interest in music. 

Ordering Events and Sequencing Time

When you’re ordering events and sequencing time to somebody, use these connecting devices that sound natural to the listeners.  

• First/Second/For a start

Example: First, we will have a plan for this month. Second, we will execute it as much as possible. Third, we will review the results. 

• At first

Example: At first, I was thinking of finishing this task. 

• After that

Example: I will come home. After that we shall watch a movie. 

• Following

Example: Let’s keep following the footsteps of our ancestors.

• Next

Example: Next on our wishlist is travelling to Goa.

• Finally

Example: Finally, you have won this game.

• At long last

Example: After so much hurdle, they came back together at last. 

• Meanwhile

Example: We will go out and come. Meanwhile, you study this lesson.

• As soon as

Example: Complete this presentation as soon as possible.

• At the same time

Example: Sachin was at the height of his career. However, at the same time, Ganguly gained captaincy for the Indian cricket team. 

• Years ago

Example: Years ago, we both were best friends.

• During 

Example: During a disaster, we must help others.

• As yet

Example: As yet I have no clue about his disease.

Sounding less direct

When you want to sound less direct to a person, use the below mentioned linkers.

• Apparently

Example: Apparently, people think that discrimination exists in our society. 

• Perhaps

Example: She shows interest in studies. Perhaps, she wants to do something innovative. 

• Kind of/sort of

Example: We use some sort of excuse to study in our childhood days. 

• Arguably

Example: Arguably, what if he doesn’t fight in the match?

• Maybe

Example: We may be looking in the wrong places for the lost ring.

• Probably

Example: Probably, they are taking avenge for the action.

• Surely

Example: I will surely meet the deadlines next time. 

• Just

Example: Don’t talk just for the sake of others. 

Summarising

To summarise your speech, refer to the following words. 

• So

Example: So, as discussed, we will execute the plan. 

• After all

Example: After all, it’s a game, don’t take failures personally.

• In any case

Example: In any case, do not lose your patience.

• In short

Example: In short, keep your content crystal clear.

• In other words

Example: In other words, animals are the saviours of this planet.

• Anyway

Example: Anyway, it was a good match playing with you. 

Contrasting and Concessions

Below are the simple connecting words used to compare and contrast or to give concessions. 

• But

Example: People work hard, but they don’t get paid well.

• On the other hand

Example: Employees show interest in learning a new skill. On the other hand, they lack enthusiasm for working. 

• While

Example: I’m studying for IELTS while working in a company. 

• Although

Example: Although I can’t study well, I can still score good marks. 

• Or

Example: We must book the movie tickets now or go for a long ride. 

Stating an opinion

To state an opinion about something, you can use the following linking words while speaking. 

• Actually I have to say

Example: Actually, I have to say that your speaking has some flaws. 

• I think …/I guess …/I suppose …/I believe …

Example: I believe that India was rich before the British’s invasion.

• As far as I’m concerned

Example: As far as I’m concerned, judges in SC must be gender-sensitised.

• In my opinion

Example: In my opinion, he will sooner become a great orator. 

• To be honest

Example: To be honest, I don’t prefer going out for a movie. 

Agreeing to something

To agree to something, keep the below connectors in mind. 

• I am in agreement

Example: I am in agreement with your viewpoint. 

• I accept that

Example: I accept that trekking is a good sport for young people.

• Exactly

Example: Exactly, people learn from their mistakes. 

• I quite agree 

Example: I quite agree with you when it comes to constructing a house. 

Signposting Language

Signposting language or signposting words are nothing but the manner in which you will direct your audience through the information.

• To begin with

Example: To begin with, let’s assemble students to the auditorium. 

• However

Example: However, people must respect an individual’s opinion.  

• In the same way

Example: In the same way, make presentations to your classmates.

• Unfortunately

Example: Unfortunately, his tickets got cancelled. 

• Nonetheless

Example: Nonetheless, I can move on from the work pressure. 

• Basically

Example: Basically, I need public transport to get to the office. 

• Furthermore

Example: Furthermore, there are many graduates passing out each year. 

Linking words for IELTS Speaking PDF

Click on the linking words for IELTS speaking PDF to access all the essential linking words in one sheet.

Important Gap fillers in English Language

Gap fillers are called discourse markers, pause fillers, or hesitation forms. A filler word is any sound, word or phrase with no meaning to fill the silence. Their only aim is to avoid fillers like “um” and “ah” mainly used to indicate emotions. 

Know how to use the Idioms for IELTS speaking, in your speech to excel in the exam with a band score of 7 and above. 

Examples of Linking Words in Speaking

Below are some random examples of linking words in speaking. These questions and answers are given to make you understand better when you appear for IELTS speaking part 1 and part 2. 

Q1. What do you like the most about listening to music?
Answer. I like the way music takes me to a dream world unknowingly. 

Q2. When is our next meeting?
Answer: Our next meeting is when I complete this book of secrets. 

Q3. Why is India facing inflation in recent years?
Answer: Because of Covid-19 pandemic and the nation-wide lockdown, India is facing a huge inflation. 

Q4. Do you think God is there?
Answer: In my opinion, yes, God is there.

Q5. Will you take risks in life?
Answer: Basically, life is full of risks. I’m playing my part in it. 

Tips to use linking words for IELTS Speaking

• Before using a linking word, you must first know its meaning and when to use it.
• You must not use formal linking words for simple sentences.
• You must update yourself with new linking words (connecting words) as they are a part of ‘Fluency and Coherence’, covering 25% of marks.
• You must practice until the linking words come naturally in IELTS (especially IELTS speaking part 2), not memorised. 
• Linkers are basically to help the listener understand better. So try to convey your speech clearly and concisely.
• You can use some of the frequently-used linking words like and, but, when, since, at the moment, actually, etc.
• Please remember that the linking word “Like” is used in speaking, NOT in the IELTS writing module.

Mistakes with linking words for IELTS Speaking

Below is the best example highlighting the mistakes with linking words for IELTS speaking. 

Question: How do you spend your leisure time?
Answer: Actually, at present, I’m listening to audiobooks about mythology and novels as well. However, because of earring problems, I listen for 10 - 15 minutes a day.  

Here, do not use too many linking words to express your thoughts. Sometimes, the examiner will be confused. 

The answer should be as follows:

Answer: I’m listening to audiobooks related to mythology and novels. However, I’d listen for 10 - 15 minutes a day to avoid earring problems. 

Learn more about the IELTS speaking part 3 to understand the speaking exam model. 

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Model Answer - Introduction

What’s your favourite climate?

It’s easy to say that my favourite weather is always summer. On bright sunny days, I feel fresh and zestful. Every morning is filled with birds chirping, squirrels barking on one side, and TV channels about today’s news or astrology on the other side. The very beginning of the day itself makes everyone’s life active and full of energy. When it comes to my mornings, I will keep things clean and straightforward to get ready fast and avoid unnecessary delays. Moreover, the summer climate gives us hope, positivity and good health, compared to other temperatures.

However, due to the rapid climate change, the summer season has been prolonged in the recent past. The monsoon takes longer to disappear in the ocean. On the other hand, animals and birds have started to migrate to different regions due to climate change. 

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Model Answer - Cue Card

Here, we will see one IELTS speaking 2 model answer - cue card to understand how to use linking words correctly while speaking.

Describe your favourite actor

You should say

What movie did they act in?
What type of actor?
Why do you like them?

Basically, I watch fewer movies in a year compared to others. Out of which, I watch the crime & thriller genre the most to maintain that upbeat right from the beginning to till the end. In this regard, I would like to talk about my favourite actor who has done a lot of action in his career. 

My favourite actor is Sylvester Stallone, who has won the Oscar for the movie ‘Rocky’. When I saw that film for the first time, I was inspired by the story and dreamt about it day and night. His character in that film was modest, innocent, hardworking and importantly, romantic. He was a skillful boxer at the amateur level, but after an unexpected opportunity to fight with the World Heavyweight Champion, his lifestyle skyrocketed to another level.  

Sylvester Stallone is a born actor with lots of in-built talents. He knows the art of filmmaking and executes it according to the story. He always gives the best of everything and aims for perfection. 

He is my favourite actor mainly because he knows about the movie business and understands the audience’s mindset pretty well. Furthermore, his work comes with a perfect product of inspiration by showing the reality of life.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Model Answer - Follow-Up Questions

Question: Why are actors treated differently?
Answer: We treat actors differently because the media portrays them differently. In this fantasy-driven world, people are fond of materialistic things like supercars, luxurious houses, and fancy ornaments. Since actors have everything, people think they are living their dream life. In reality, they suffer from depression, anxiety and substance abuse as they can't handle the pressure.

Question: What makes an actor good?
Answer: An actor becomes good when he or she understands the role completely, and the movie script and adds his or her input to the same. 

Question: What criteria need to be taken into account to rate a film?
Answer: At first, we need to look at the script and intent of the movie, and then comes the castes, individual performances, etc. In addition, the movie must serve its purpose like a comedy film must keep the audience alive; a romantic movie must make the audience feel their love.

Useful links:

IELTS speaking topics
IELTS speaking tips
IELTS speaking vocabulary
IELTS speaking test sample
IELTS speaking band descriptors
IELTS speaking mock test

Conclusion 

Thus, linking words for IELTS speaking is essential for conveying your thoughts and ideas clearly to the examiner. By using these connecting words at the appropriate places, you are sure to get a good band score on your first attempt.  

FAQs

1)How do you link words in IELTS speaking?

It’s easy to link words in IELTS speaking. You must start using the elementary linking words like ‘and’, ‘also’, ‘but’, ‘still’ etc’, at the beginning. And then use the advanced linking words like ‘furthermore’, ‘however’, ‘when it comes to’, and so on.

2)What are 5 linking words in IELTS speaking?

The 5 major linking words in IELTS speaking are:

• Although/Even though/Though
• In case
• In spite of/Despite
• Whereas
• Even if

3)What are examples of linking words?

Linking words are basically used in the middle of a sentence or between clauses. Some of the examples include: words that describe contrasting ideas (however, but, although), highlighting a consequence (therefore, in this regard, as a result), and phrases that emphasises (moreover, in addition to that, furthermore).

4)Are the linking words in speaking the same as that of writing?

No. The linking words in speaking are not the same as that of writing. For writing, the linking words will be quite formal and used limitedly, whereas in speaking, the linking words can be used freely.  

5)What is the right usage of linking words?

The right usage of linking words in IELTS speaking is to join two thoughts or ideas together. We use them mostly in the beginning of a sentence or in the middle to describe, highlight or contrast an idea. These IELTS speaking starting lines will improve your overall speaking ability.