Linking words and expressions are like bridges between parts of a text.They help the reader to understand and interpret the ideas of the text.They help you carry over a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, from one paragraph to another with words or phrases.And finally, linking words join sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

There are several types of linking words, and each category leads the reader to make certain connections or assumptions.Some lead the reader forward and imply the "building" of an idea or thought,while others make the reader compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.

Function:

1. To add        -   and, besides, as well as, further, furthermore, too, next, also, what's more, moreover, in addition.

2. To compare and contrast: whereas,but,yet,on the other hand,however, nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary, by comparison,where,despite,compared to,but,although,in contrast, in spite of.

3.To show cause and reason:  because, for, for the same reason,obviously,evidently, furthermore,as, due to,besides,indeed,in fact,in addition,in any case, that is.

4.To show sequence: first,second,third, next,then,following this, at this time,now, at this point,after,afterward, subsequently,finally,consequently,previously,before this,simultaneously,thus,therefore, next,and then,soon.

5. To give an example: for example,for instance, in this case,in another case,on this occasion, in this situation,to demonstrate,to illustrate, as an illustration.

6. To summarise or conclude: in brief,on the whole,summing up,to conclude,in conclusion,therefore,accordingly,thus, as a result,consequently, on the whole.