ArticleAug 24, 2026B2 First (FCE)

50 Essential B2 Connectors for English Exams: The Ultimate List (PDF included)

Mastering 50 essential B2 connectors helps you link ideas smoothly, avoid repetitive vocabulary, and impress Cambridge examiners to secure a high score in your B2 First exam.

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Mastering 50 essential B2 connectors helps you link ideas smoothly, avoid repetitive vocabulary, and impress Cambridge examiners to secure a high score in your B2 First exam.

Struggling to move from basic sentences to complex structures in your Cambridge B2 First writing? Using a wide variety of linking words is essential to impress examiners and secure a high score in Organisation and Communicative Achievement.

Below is the definitive list of 50 connectors for English, categorized by function, complete with examples and usage tips.

Why Basic Linking Words Hold You Back

If your essays rely solely on words like and, but, because, and so, your writing will sound repetitive and basic. Cambridge examiners look for a range of cohesive devices to connect your ideas smoothly.

Relying on expensive private academies or waiting days for a teacher to correct your paragraphs can slow down your progress. You need instant feedback to fix structural mistakes before exam day.

Pro-Tip: Don't just memorize long lists of connectors. Pick two new connectors from each category below and force yourself to use them in your next practice essay.

The 50 B2 Connectors Table

Here are 50 essential linking words divided into 5 clear categories to boost your vocabulary score.

Category	Connector	Meaning / Usage	Example Sentence
Addition	Furthermore	In addition (formal)	The course is affordable; furthermore, it is flexible.
Addition	Moreover	Adding a stronger point	She is hardworking; moreover, she is a great leader.
Addition	In addition to	Besides (followed by noun/-ing)	In addition to studying, he works part-time.
Addition	Besides	Other than / as well	Besides English, she speaks fluent French.
Addition	What is more	Emphasizing an extra point	The hotel was cheap. What is more, it had a pool.
Addition	Not only... but also	Emphasizing a dual point	Not only did he pass, but he also got a Grade A.
Addition	As well as	Along with	He enjoys reading, as well as playing football.
Addition	Too	Also (at the end of a clause)	I want to go to the concert too.
Addition	Also	In addition	She plays the piano and she also sings.
Addition	On top of that	Informal addition	We missed our train, and on top of that, it rained.
Contrast	However	But / nevertheless	It was raining; however, we still went hiking.
Contrast	Although	Despite the fact that	Although it was cold, we enjoyed the walk.
Contrast	Even though	Stronger contrast than although	Even though she studied hard, the exam was tough.
Contrast	Despite	In spite of (followed by noun/-ing)	Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.
Contrast	In spite of	Synonym of despite	In spite of feeling tired, she finished her project.
Contrast	On the other hand	Presenting an alternative view	City life is fast. On the other hand, it offers jobs.
Contrast	Whereas	Comparing two things	Mark loves science, whereas his sister prefers art.
Contrast	While	Although / at the same time	While I understand your point, I disagree.
Contrast	Conversely	In an opposite way	Prices went up; conversely, sales decreased.
Contrast	Nevertheless	Despite that	The task was complex; nevertheless, we solved it.
Cause & Effect	Therefore	Consequently / as a result	She practiced daily; therefore, she improved fast.
Cause & Effect	Consequently	As a result of an action	He missed the bus; consequently, he was late.
Cause & Effect	As a result	Because of this	The flight was canceled; as a result, we stayed home.
Cause & Effect	Due to	Because of (followed by noun)	The match was postponed due to bad weather.
Cause & Effect	Because of	Attributing a cause	We stayed indoors because of the storm.
Cause & Effect	Since	Because / seeing that	Since you are here, can you help me?
Cause & Effect	As	Because / since	As it was getting late, we decided to leave.
Cause & Effect	Hence	For this reason	Production costs decreased; hence, prices dropped.
Cause & Effect	Thus	In this way / therefore	He read widely, thus expanding his vocabulary.
Cause & Effect	Leading to	Resulting in	Sales grew rapidly, leading to higher profits.
Sequence	Firstly / First of all	To start an argument	Firstly, we must analyze the problem.
Sequence	Secondly	For the second point	Secondly, consider the cost implications.
Sequence	Furthermore	Moving to the next point	Furthermore, safety regulations must be met.
Sequence	Finally	To conclude the steps	Finally, submit your application online.
Sequence	Afterwards	Later / after an event	We had dinner and afterwards went to the cinema.
Sequence	Meanwhile	At the same time	John cooked dinner; meanwhile, I set the table.
Sequence	Subsequently	Afterwards / following an event	The law was passed and subsequently revised.
Sequence	At this point	At the present moment	At this point, we need more volunteers.
Sequence	Next	Following that	Complete the form and next click submit.
Sequence	Then	After that	Think about your goals, then make a plan.
Exemplification	For example	To give an instance	Renewable energy, for example, solar power...
Exemplification	For instance	Synonym of for example	Some sports, for instance, rugby, can be tough.
Exemplification	Such as	Giving examples of a noun	I like outdoor sports such as tennis and hiking.
Exemplification	Including	Containing as part of	The fee covers meals, including breakfast.
Exemplification	Particularly	Especially / specifically	She loves art, particularly modern painting.
Exemplification	In particular	Specifically	I enjoy music, in particular acoustic rock.
Exemplification	Namely	Specifically / that is to say	Two students passed, namely Anna and Leo.
Exemplification	As an illustration	To demonstrate a point	Prices dropped sharply, as an illustration...
Exemplification	To illustrate	Showing an example	To illustrate this point, let us look at data.
Exemplification	In the case of	Regarding a specific instance	In the case of delayed flights, refunds apply.

PDF Download

50 connectors list PDF

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How to Avoid Common Connector Mistakes in Cambridge B2

One of the most common errors students make is incorrect punctuation. For instance, conjunctive adverbs like however and furthermore always require a comma when starting a sentence:

Incorrect: However she was tired she worked.
Correct: However, she was tired, so she rested.

Another frequent mistake is mixing up conjunctions and prepositions. Remember that words like although are followed by a full clause (subject + verb), while words like despite are followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (-ing).

Start Practicing Today

Mastering these 50 connectors will transform your essays from simple sentences into cohesive, high-level texts. Put your knowledge into practice and ensure you are fully prepared for exam day.

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