Linking words
Words that join ideas, like although, despite and however.
Linking words show how two ideas are connected: contrast, reason, result or extra information. Several of them mean the same thing but follow different rules. Although is followed by a subject and verb; despite is followed by a noun or -ing. In Part 1, the grammar after the gap usually tells you which one is right.
Contrast
Reason and result
Adding and other meanings
How it comes up in Part 1
In Part 1 you choose the word (A, B, C or D) that best fits each gap. The four options often have similar meanings, so knowing which words go together is what gets you the mark.
A Despite B Although C However D Even
"The heavy traffic" is a noun phrase, so we need despite. "Although" needs a subject and verb.
A due B because C since D result
Due to + noun. "Because" would need "of".
A unless B if C except D without
Unless means "if not": you won't improve if you don't practise.
Common mistakes
- ✗ Despite it was late, we stayed.✓ Although it was late, we stayed.Despite can't be followed by a subject and verb.
- ✗ In spite the rain, we went out.✓ In spite of the rain, we went out.It is in spite of.
- ✗ However it was expensive, I bought it.✓ Although it was expensive, I bought it.However starts a new sentence or goes between commas; it doesn't join two clauses.
- ✗ The train was late because the snow.✓ The train was late because of the snow.Because + clause; because of + noun.
Look at what comes after the gap. Subject + verb? Use although, because or unless. A noun or -ing form? Use despite, due to or instead of. A comma and a new sentence? Use however or therefore.
Quick check
Choose the word that best fits each gap.
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