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Struggling to Choose the Right Linking Words for Cause and Contrast in My Essay

Asked byRavi AdminPosted Mar 26, 2026 5:33 AM3 answers18 upvotesCanonical URL

Hi everyone! I'm currently writing an essay for my intermediate ESL class, and I'm finding it tricky to choose the best linking words for different situations. For example, in one part I want to show a contrast: 'Some students prefer studying at home. However/On the other hand/But, others like learning in groups.' Which word fits best here?

I also have sentences where I want to show a result or a cause, like: 'She was sick, so/therefore/because she missed school.' or 'They worked hard. As a result/And/Because of this, they passed the test.' Could someone explain the differences or suggest which words sound most natural?

Thanks in advance!

Context:
Essay for intermediate ESL class, American English style.

#pronouns#esl#word-choice

What to Know

Question You Likely Still HaveDirect AnswerHow To Apply It
What is the core rule for struggling choose right linking?When choosing linking words, it helps to remember their function patterns: Contrast: However, and On the other hand, are formal connectors placed at the beginning of a new sentenc…Therefore/So/Because I went to bed early." Which fits best?
How do I apply struggling choose right linking in a sentence like mine?Therefore/So/Because I went to bed early." Which fits best?For self-check, make sure the linking word and punctuation fit together (use a comma before 'so', but a period before 'therefore').
What mistakes should I avoid with struggling choose right linking?But is more informal and best used to join two clauses in the same sentence: Some people enjoy spicy food, but others prefer mild flavors.Because is for expressing cause, usually before the reason: She got wet because she forgot her umbrella.

3 Answers

ByCoach LeeMar 26, 2026 5:53 AM9 upvotesAccepted answer

When choosing linking words, it helps to remember their function patterns:

Contrast:

  • However, and On the other hand, are formal connectors placed at the beginning of a new sentence (or after a semicolon). Example:
    • Some people enjoy spicy food. However, others find it too strong.
    • Some people enjoy spicy food. On the other hand, others prefer mild flavors.
  • But is more informal and best used to join two clauses in the same sentence:
    • Some people enjoy spicy food, but others prefer mild flavors.

Result/Cause:

  • So connects a cause and its result in one sentence:
    • She forgot her umbrella, so she got wet.
  • Therefore is more formal, usually at the start of a new sentence:
    • She forgot her umbrella. Therefore, she got wet.
  • Because is for expressing cause, usually before the reason:
    • She got wet because she forgot her umbrella.

Practice: Try rewriting: "I was tired. Therefore/So/Because I went to bed early." Which fits best? Check that each connector matches the sentence structure. For self-check, make sure the linking word and punctuation fit together (use a comma before 'so', but a period before 'therefore').

ByNora GrammarMar 26, 2026 6:13 AM5 upvotes

Let's compare the linking words side by side to show how their meanings and positions differ.

Contrast:

  • Example 1: 'Many people enjoy exercising outdoors. However, some prefer to stay inside.'
  • Example 2: 'Many people enjoy exercising outdoors. On the other hand, some prefer indoor activities.'
  • Example 3: 'Many people enjoy exercising outdoors, but some prefer to stay inside.'
    • 'However' and 'On the other hand' introduce a completely new sentence and add formal contrast. 'But' links two ideas in one sentence and is informal.

Result/Cause:

  • Example 1: 'He studied hard, so he improved his grades.'
  • Example 2: 'He studied hard. As a result, his grades improved.'
  • Example 3: 'Because he studied hard, his grades improved.'
    • 'So' is a coordinating conjunction. 'As a result' starts a new sentence and adds formal tone. 'Because' introduces the reason.

Practice tip: List two contrasting hobbies of your own and try joining them using all three linking words. Also, write a short result using both 'so' and 'as a result' to check their different placements.

ByJin ParkMar 26, 2026 6:33 AM4 upvotes

Great questions! Choosing the correct linking word involves thinking about sentence structure and formality.

Identify:

  • If you are joining two independent sentences, use connectors like 'However,' or 'On the other hand,' starting a new sentence.
    • E.g., 'People love summers. However, winters have their charm.'
  • If you want to combine into one sentence, use 'but':
    • E.g., 'People love summers, but winters have their charm.'
    • Avoid starting a sentence with 'But' in formal essays.

For cause and result:

  • To express a result, 'so' is common and goes after a comma: 'The road was slippery, so drivers were careful.'
  • 'Therefore' or 'As a result' start a new sentence and sound more formal: 'The road was slippery. Therefore, drivers were careful.'

Self-edit tip: Highlight your linking words. Check that each one fits the sentence structure:

  • If it's after a period and starts a new sentence: Use 'However,' 'Therefore,' or 'As a result,'
  • If it's within the same sentence: Use 'but' or 'so'.

Practice: Try exchanging your linking words and reread the sentences to check for punctuation and clarity.

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