★ Learn American English Easy

Linking Words: And, But, Because, So, First, Then, Finally

A2 · Writing Lab · about 25 minutes

Learn→See an Example→Analyze→Practice→Write→Check→Improve→Rewrite
🎯 Objective. Connect your sentences with the seven essential linking words so your writing flows instead of stopping and starting.

1 · Learn

Short sentences are clear, but a page of only short sentences reads like a list. Linking words are the glue: and (adds), but (contrast), because (reason), so (result), first / then / finally (order).

Two rules prevent most errors: after “because” give a reason (“because it was raining”), never a result; and do not start every sentence with “And”. Link inside sentences more than between them.

2 · See an Example

A Small Story, Well Connected

Last Sunday, my friend and I wanted to have a picnic, but the morning was cold and windy. First, we bought sandwiches and hot coffee at a café, because the park café was closed.

Then we found a sunny place under a big tree, so we stayed there for two hours. Finally, we walked home slowly and planned our next trip. It was a simple day, but we had a wonderful time.

3 · Analyze the Example

Useful Vocabulary

linking word — a word that connects ideas: and, but, because, so

Linking words make writing flow.

reason — why something happens

The reason was the rain.

result — what happens because of something

It rained, so we stayed home.

contrast — a difference between two ideas

“But” shows contrast.

finally — in the end; last

Finally, we went home.

Useful Expressions

Common Mistakes

✗ Because it was raining, so we stayed home.

✓ Because it was raining, we stayed home. / It was raining, so we stayed home.

Use ONE connector per pair of ideas — because or so, not both.

✗ I stayed home because I went to bed early.

✓ I went to bed early because I was tired. / I was tired, so I went to bed early.

Because takes the REASON (tired), so takes the RESULT (went to bed).

✗ And I woke up. And I ate breakfast. And I went out.

✓ I woke up, ate breakfast, and went out.

Join actions inside one sentence instead of starting every line with And.

4 · Guided Practice

  1. Connect with so or because: “It snowed all night. ___ we built a snowman in the morning.”

    See a model answer

    Use because for the reason: “We built a snowman in the morning because it snowed all night.” The snow is the cause; the snowman is the result.

  2. Connect the three actions in one sentence: I opened the door. I saw my friends. I smiled.

    See a model answer

    I opened the door, saw my friends, and smiled.

  3. Fix it: “Because the bus was late, so I missed the class.”

    See a model answer

    “Because the bus was late, I missed the class.” or “The bus was late, so I missed the class.”

5 · Write — Your Task

✍️ Write a short story about a day that did not go as planned (a trip, a party, a workday): use “but” for the problem, “because” for a reason, “so” for a result, and first / then / finally for the order.

Goal: 2 paragraphs, 8–10 sentences · Length: 90–120 words

  • Underline each linking word after you write — you need at least five different ones.
  • Never pair because with so in the same sentence pair.
  • Vary your sentence starts: not every sentence needs a linker.
✍️ Writing Studio0 words
Sentences: 0Tap an expression to insert it:
… , but …… because …… , so …First, … Then, … Finally, …… and …

6 · Check — Self-Check

Work through your checklist honestly, then run the Self-Check. It counts words and sentences and spots mechanical points — it does not grade your English. You are the editor.

Read a model answer for the task

Last Friday, I planned to study at the library, but my little brother was sick, so I stayed home to help my mother. First, I made soup and tea for him. Then I did my homework at the kitchen table because the house was quiet.

Finally, in the evening, he felt better, and we watched a movie together. It was not my plan, but it was a good day in the end.

7 · Improve & Rewrite

Weak version — rewrite it in your notebook first, then compare:

I wanted to swim. The water was cold. I sat on the beach. I read my book. I was happy.

See an improved version

I wanted to swim, but the water was very cold, so I sat on the beach with my book. The sun was warm, and the sound of the waves was relaxing. In the end, I was happy — a quiet beach day was exactly what I needed.

Quick Quiz

Keep going

📘 Grammar deep-dive: Conjunctions & Linking Words: and / but / because / so🌱 Vocabulary Builder: the A1 Daily Actions set

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