Advanced English Conjunctions, Connecting Words, Linking Words and Fillers.
- Catherine
- Dec 18, 2025
- 4 min read
Going from an intermediate to an Advanced level can be very difficult when learning a language, but a simple way to sound more fluent and more advanced when speaking is by creating more complex sentences.
In order to create more complex sentences, we need to use connecting words correctly.
In this article we will look at some advanced connecting words, conjunctions and linking words and how to use them in a natural, native way.
Improving your spoken and written English with connecting words and conjunctions.
Below you will find a list of useful connecting words to improve your written and spoken English, You will also find there meanings and examples below.
I highly recommend choosing a few that feel natural and learning how to use them correctly before trying to learn all of them!
However - Demonstrating two conflicting or opposite ideas.
I am tired, however I want to complete this task before I finish my day.
It is raining, however I agreed to walk the dog so I will do it in the rain.
Click here for more advanced, academic ways to say 'However'.
Even though - to show strong contrast — the result is surprising or unexpected.
Even though we worked hard, we were not chosen for the campaign.
He was given the promotion even though he has been in the company less time than me.
Click the link for more advanced, academic alternatives for Even Though.
Therefore - showing logical result.
We were delayed in producing the posters, therefore the event started late.
I practiced my English everyday, therefore I feel more confident now when I use English.
Click here for more advanced, academic ways to say 'Therefore'.
Alternatively - used to show other options.
We could meet at our usual time on Friday, alternatively I am available now for an hour?
Click here for more advanced options for 'Alternatively'.
Whereas – shows contrast between two facts
Sales increased in Asia whereas they have declined in Europe.
Can be used as an alternative for 'Although', however although can be used at the start and middle of the sentence, and whereas can only be used in the middle.
Although sales dropped in 2024, they picked up in 2025.
Sales dropped in 2024, although they picked up in 2025.
Sales dropped in 2024, whereas they picked up in 2025.
Provided (that) – expresses a condition
You can work remotely provided that you meet the deadline.
As long as – similar to provided that
The contract remains valid as long as both parties agree.
Sometimes you will see 'so long as' but I believe this is more American English and 'as long as' is British English.
Even if – hypothetical or strong contrast
Even if demand falls, prices will remain stable.
Even if we try to go now, we still won't make it in time.
Unless – negative condition
The offer will expire unless payment is received.
Unless you make payment, the offer will expire.
Nevertheless – strong contrast
The proposal was risky; nevertheless, it was approved.
Hence – formal result (common in academic/business English)
The market contracted, hence the need for restructuring.
Our supplier has changed, hence the price increase.
Thereby – result of an action
The company reduced costs, thereby improving profitability.
Can be used in replacement of 'therefore', exactly the same meaning and usage.
Subsequently – time sequence (formal)
The policy was revised; subsequently, customer satisfaction improved.
Otherwise – alternative consequence
Submit the form today; otherwise, processing will be delayed.
Likewise – similarity or reinforcement
The first team met its targets; likewise, the second performed well.
This is more American English, in British English we would be more likely to say - similarly or as well as this.
1. Even though (contrast / concession)
Advanced alternatives:
Notwithstanding (that) – very formal
Albeit – concise, written English
Much as – formal contrast
Despite the fact that – formal, explicit
Granted (that) – acknowledges a point, then contrasts
Examples:
Notwithstanding that demand fell, profits remained stable.
The plan succeeded, albeit at a high cost.
Much as I admire her work, I disagree with her conclusion.
Granted that resources were limited, the outcome was impressive.
2. However (contrast)
Advanced alternatives:
6. Nevertheless – strong contrast
7. Nonetheless – similar to nevertheless (slightly more formal)
8. That said – semi-formal, spoken & written
9. By contrast – clear opposing comparison
10. Conversely – reverse relationship, or complete contrast to previous statement.
Examples:
The method is expensive; nevertheless, it is effective.
The prices were double our expectations, nonetheless we believed in the effectiveness of the software so we purchased it for 2026.
The proposal was flawed. That said, it sparked useful debate.
Urban rents increased; by contrast, rural prices fell.
Biden was worried about the effects of Covid-19 on his political campaign. Trump, conversely, had no such qualms as the pandemic set in and the presidential campaign heated up in 2020.
3. Therefore (result / consequence)
Advanced alternatives:
11. Accordingly – logical or procedural result
12. Hence – formal / academic
13. As a consequence – explicit cause–effect
14. Thereby – result of an action
15. For this reason – clear, explanatory tone
Examples:
The evidence was incomplete; accordingly, the trial was postponed.
Demand has weakened, hence the revised forecast.
The company automated the process, thereby reducing errors.
The weather became hotter, as a consequence more people were effected with tropical diseases spread in hot climates.
Your hard work and determination has out shined everyone this year, thereby we are naming you employee of the month and doubling your bonus.
4. Alternatively (choice / option)
Advanced alternatives:
16. Failing that – if the first option doesn’t work
17. As an alternative – formal, explicit
18. In the alternative – legal/business English
19. Either way – neutral outcome
20. Otherwise – different option or consequence
Examples:
We can postpone the launch; failing that, we’ll scale it back.
Payment may be made in cash or, in the alternative, by transfer. (more formal, legal).
Payments made be made in cash, or as an alternative direct deposit. (more general).
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