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.
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. |
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Knowing the right connectors is only half the battle. You also need to know if you are punctuating them correctly and using them in the right context. Waiting days for human corrections slows down your revision.
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Create free accountHow 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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