Learning English

Stating the obvious

There are a number of linking words and phrases we use when we think that something is easily understood. 

Look at this sentence:

"Property prices are very high at the moment. Clearly this is a bad thing if you are trying to get your foot on the property ladder."

If you leave out the word clearly the sentence still makes sense, so what does it add?

The adverb clearly links the two parts of the sentence and tells us what the writer is thinking. There is more than just fact here. The writer is suggesting that it is obvious and everyone will understand that high property prices are a bad thing. It is an invitation for the reader to agree with the writer and share his or her opinion.

Read the text and complete the activity

I'm sure you'll agree

Here are some more examples of linking words and phrases we can use when we expect people to agree with us.

obviously, naturally, as you might expect, as you can imagine, of course

See how they are used in this short story.

"I couldn't believe it, what happened was this. The other day I had an interview for a job, a really good job. Naturally I wanted to make a good impression so I wore my best suit. I looked great, of course.

I left home in good time, you know how bad the traffic can be, and I got to the interview two hours early. Clearly I couldn't wait outside for two hours. As you might expect I was very nervous about the interview so I decided to calm my nerves and pass the time by going for walk along the river.

Unfortunately I wasn't paying attention and I slipped and fell, right into the river. I was soaked and my clothes were ruined. As you can imagine I was mortified. I didn't have enough time to go home and get changed so I just had to go to the interview in my wet clothes, looking like a drowned rat. Obviously I realised I would never get the job but you know what, I did! Clearly I must have made a good impression."

The use of these linking words makes the story more personal and involves the reader. They add colour and opinion. More than the facts we can read how the person in the story feels about those facts.

To do

Now it's your turn. In the quiz you need to choose the best linking word or phrase to complete each sentence. The answers could be linking words from any of the activities in this session.

Next

That's the end of this session on linking words. Next, we look at the grammar of telling stories. Why not give it go by clicking to the next session.