THE 9 LINKING WORDS NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS REALLY USE || Connecting words used in real English

Summary

In this video, Ben explains the importance of using linking words to connect ideas in English, focusing on nine key connectors that native speakers frequently use. While many linkers exist, he emphasizes simplicity, suggesting that basic words like 'and,' 'but,' and 'because' are essential in everyday conversation. He highlights other common linkers such as 'though,' 'instead of,' and 'so,' while contrasting them with more formal alternatives. Ben advocates for clear, natural communication, showing how these simple linkers are sufficient in 99.9% of real-life situations.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The speaker prepared a video about linking words (connectors) that help connect ideas in English speech and writing.
• 🤔 While researching, the speaker realized that many linking words taught to learners are rarely used by native speakers.
• 📝 After reviewing and narrowing down the list, the speaker identified nine key linking words that native speakers frequently use.
• 💬 The speaker emphasizes keeping language simple in real-life communication—following the 'KISS' (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle.
• 🔗 The first three essential linkers are 'and', 'because', and 'but', which are basic but extremely common in English.
• ⚖️ The word 'though' is highlighted as a very common and natural way to express contrast in spoken English, more so than 'although' or 'nevertheless'.
• 🚴‍♂️ 'Instead of' is used to show alternatives or replacement, and when followed by a verb, the verb must be in gerund form (e.g., 'instead of cycling').
• 📈 The linker 'so' is used to show a result or decision, and it’s preferred in spoken English over the more formal 'therefore'.
• ➕ 'Also' is used to add information in speech, being more natural than formal linkers like 'furthermore' or 'moreover'.
• 🎵 To give examples in spoken English, 'like' is more commonly used than 'for example' or 'such as'.
• 🍽️ The word 'especially' is used to highlight or emphasize something that stands out as more important or notable than others.
• 📚 The speaker notes that while formal linkers are useful for writing or exams, learners should focus on simpler, natural expressions for everyday communication.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is teaching native-like linking words and connectors for real English conversations, specifically focusing on the nine most commonly used linkers.

Why did the creator decide to narrow down the list of linkers to just nine?

The creator realized that, after watching other videos and compiling a long list of linkers, many of them aren't commonly used in everyday conversations by native speakers. The decision was made to focus on the nine most frequently used linkers in real English.

Which three linking words are considered the most basic and common in English?

The three most basic and common linking words in English mentioned in the video are 'and', 'because', and 'but'.

What is the importance of the linking word 'though' in English?

'Though' is commonly used in English to express contrast, similar to 'even though' and 'although'. It is more natural and widely used in spoken English, even though many learners tend not to use it enough.

How is the linking word 'instead of' used in sentences?

'Instead of' is used to show an alternative choice or replacement. It can be followed by either a verb in the gerund form (e.g., 'instead of cycling') or a noun (e.g., 'instead of coffee').

What is the difference between 'so' and 'therefore' in English?

'So' is a more casual, conversational word used to indicate a result or decision, whereas 'therefore' is more formal and is generally used in written English.

Why is 'also' preferred over other alternatives like 'furthermore' or 'moreover' in spoken English?

'Also' is widely used in spoken English because it is simpler and more natural than alternatives like 'furthermore', 'moreover', or 'in addition to', which are considered more formal.

What does the word 'like' indicate in spoken English?

'Like' is commonly used in spoken English to give examples. It is more casual than other expressions like 'for example' or 'such as'.

How is the word 'especially' used in English?

'Especially' is used to emphasize one thing over others, typically to indicate something that is more important or stands out. For instance, 'I like Spanish food, especially paella.'

Why is it important to learn these nine linkers in real English conversations?

These nine linkers are essential for expressing ideas clearly and naturally in most real-life situations. They cover a wide range of uses and will help learners sound more fluent and comfortable in everyday English.