TOEIC® Linking Words: Master Connecting Words in Parts 5 and 6

Linking words (connectors) link two ideas by expressing a logical relationship: cause, opposition, addition, consequence.

In the TOEIC®, they often appear in Part 5 and 6 as fill-in-the-blank sentences where four connectors are offered, but only one matches the intended meaning.

A common error? Words that look similar but express opposite relationships (e.g., "however" vs "therefore").

The Main Families of Linking Words (by Logical Function)

Addition and Reinforcement

You use these connectors to add information that moves in the same direction.

Moreover / Furthermore / In addition / Additionally

• "The sales team exceeded its targets. Moreover, customer satisfaction improved significantly."
  The sales team exceeded its targets. Furthermore, customer satisfaction significantly improved.

Besides / As well

• "We need to update the software. Besides, the hardware is outdated."
  We need to update the software. Additionally, the hardware is obsolete.

Opposition and Contrast

These words signal a difference or contradiction between two ideas.

However / Nevertheless / Nonetheless

• "The product launched on time. However, initial sales were below expectations."
  The product launched on time. However, initial sales were below expectations.

On the other hand / In contrast / Conversely

• "Department A increased its budget. On the other hand, Department B faced significant cuts."
  Department A increased its budget. In contrast, Department B faced significant cuts.

Cause and Consequence

Here are the main linking words used to express cause and consequence in English:

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Concession

Concession expresses a slight opposition: "granted X, but Y still happened." This is different from pure contrast.

Although / Even though / Though / While

• "Although the report was thorough, it missed key financial data."
  Although the report was thorough, it missed key financial data.

Despite / In spite of (+ noun or -ing)

• "Despite the challenges, the project was completed on schedule."
  Despite the challenges, the project was completed on schedule.

Common Traps in Part 5 and 6

It is rarely the rule itself that causes problems in the TOEIC®; it is applying it under pressure. In Parts 5 and 6, certain confusions repeatedly occur. Let's start with the most classic one.

Trap 1: Confusing "however" and "therefore"

This is where many people get tripped up.

These two words often appear in the same multiple-choice questions. They share the same grammatical structure (linking adverb, positioned at the start of a sentence following a period) but have opposite meanings.

"However" = Opposition "Therefore" = Logical Consequence

• The budget was reduced. _____, we had to postpone the expansion.

A) However B) Therefore C) Moreover D) In addition

Answer: B) Therefore -> The budget reduction leads to the postponement; it is a direct consequence.

Trap 2: Incorrect Punctuation

Certain linking words require a period or a semicolon before them. If you see a comma, eliminate those options.

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Trap Example:

• "The proposal was rejected, _____ we submitted a revised version."

If you see "however" among the choices, eliminate it immediately (it would require a period before it). Look for "so" or "and" instead.

Trap 3: "Despite" vs "Although"

"Despite" is followed by a noun or a gerund (-ING). "Although" is followed by a full clause (subject + verb).

• Correct : Despite the rain, the event continued.
• Correct : Although it rained, the event continued.
• Incorrect : Despite it rained (impossible structure).

Trap 4: Confusion between "because" and "because of"

"Because" introduces a complete sentence (subject + verb). "Because of" introduces a noun.

• "We delayed the launch because the tests were incomplete."
  We delayed the launch because the tests were incomplete.
• "We delayed the launch because of incomplete tests."
  We delayed the launch because of incomplete tests.

Method to Choose the Right Linking Word in 10 Seconds

Even among candidates who have access to a preparation platform via their school, confusion between connectors of cause and consequence constantly recurs in Part 5. These tools emphasize the rule, but rarely the reflex needed under pressure.

You can apply this checklist in order. As soon as you get a "yes," you have your answer.

Step 1: Do the two sentences go in the same direction?

If the second sentence adds information that reinforces the first, you are dealing with an addition relationship. You should then choose a linking word like moreover, in addition, or furthermore.

Step 2: Do the two sentences oppose each other?

If the second sentence expresses a contrary idea or a contrast, it is an opposition. In this case, the right choices are however, nevertheless, or on the other hand.

Step 3: Is the second sentence the consequence of the first?

If the second sentence logically follows from the first, you must use a consequence linking word, such as therefore, thus, or as a result.

Step 4: Does the second sentence explain why the first one happened?

If it provides the reason or explanation, it is a cause relationship. The appropriate words are then because, since, or due to (depending on the grammatical structure).

Step 5: Does the second sentence happen despite the first?

If the action occurs despite an obstacle or difficulty, it is a concession. You should then choose although, even though, or despite.

Summary of Linking Words by Logical Relationship

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Frequent Errors to Avoid

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Ready to Practice?

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