IELTS Speaking Linking Words That Sound Natural, Not Robotic

Priya Sharma

Priya Sharma writes English learning guides for ESL students. Pune-based language enthusiast.

Visual representation of the voice · not a photographic portrait

Quick answer: To sound natural in IELTS Speaking, use short spoken linkers like "so", "because", "but", "actually", "the thing is" and "for example" instead of formal essay words like "moreover" or "furthermore". Use them to connect real ideas, not to fill silence, and vary them so the same one does not repeat in every answer.↗ Share on X

To sound natural in IELTS Speaking, use the short linking words that people actually say out loud: "so", "because", "but", "actually", "the thing is", "for example", "I mean". Save formal words like "moreover", "furthermore" and "in addition" for your Writing test. Examiners notice when a candidate speaks like an essay. The goal is not to use many linkers. The goal is to connect your ideas so the examiner can follow you easily.

Below you will find the linkers that work best in speech, where to use them in each part of the test, and a simple practice routine.

Why do linking words matter for your score?

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The Speaking test has four criteria, and each one counts the same:

1. Fluency and Coherence

2. Lexical Resource (vocabulary)

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

4. Pronunciation

Linking words belong mostly to the first one. "Coherence" means your ideas connect in a logical way. The public band descriptors say higher-band speakers use a range of connectives and discourse markers with flexibility. Lower-band speakers repeat the same few, or use them in a mechanical way.

So the examiner is listening for two things: range (you use different linkers) and naturalness (they fit the idea, not just fill a gap).

Which linkers sound robotic and which sound natural?

This table shows common essay words and what a fluent speaker would say instead.

You do not need to delete formal words from your English. One "however" in a Part 3 answer is fine. The problem is using them in every sentence.

What are the most useful linkers for each job?

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Group your linkers by what they do. Then you always have one ready.

To add an idea

• also, as well, plus
• on top of that
• and another thing is...
• not only that, but...

To show contrast

• but, though (at the end: "It's small, though.")
• then again
• having said that
• on the other hand (best in Part 3)

To give a reason or result

• because, since
• so, that's why
• which means...
• the reason is...

To give an example

• for example, for instance
• like...
• take my brother, for example...

To buy thinking time (in a natural way)

• that's an interesting question
• let me think...
• well, it depends
• I've never really thought about that, but...

To correct or explain yourself

• I mean...
• what I'm trying to say is...
• or rather...
• actually...

How do you use linkers in Part 1?

Part 1 is short questions about you: your home, job, studies, hobbies. Answers should be two to four sentences. Use a simple pattern:

1. Answer the question directly.

2. Give a reason with "because" or "since".

3. Add one detail or example with "like", "for example" or "actually".

Question: Do you like cooking?

Weak answer: "Yes. Moreover, cooking is relaxing. Furthermore, it is healthy."

Natural answer: "Yeah, I do, actually. Mostly because it helps me relax after work. I'm not great at it, though. I usually make simple things, like pasta or rice dishes."

The natural answer uses "actually", "because", "though" and "like". None of them sound forced.

How do you use linkers in Part 2?

In Part 2 you get a topic card, one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes. Linkers help you move through the points on the card without long pauses.

A simple structure:

1. Start: "I'm going to talk about..." or "I'd like to tell you about..."

2. Background: "This was back when..." / "It all started when..."

3. Main story: "So, what happened was..." / "After that..." / "Then, out of nowhere..."

4. Feelings: "The thing is, I didn't expect..." / "To be honest, I was..."

5. Ending: "So, looking back, ..." / "That's why it means a lot to me."

Write only key words in your preparation minute, and write two or three linkers next to them. For example: "back when - Spain - so what happened was - lost bag - looking back". This gives you a path to follow.

How do you use linkers in Part 3?

Part 3 is a discussion with more abstract questions. Here you can be a little more formal, and contrast linkers become very useful because you are comparing ideas.

Question: Do you think people read less today than in the past?

Natural answer: "Well, it depends on what you mean by reading. People probably read fewer printed books, I'd say. Then again, they read all day on their phones, like news and messages. So the amount might be the same. The difference is the type of reading. It's shorter and faster, which means people may find long books harder to focus on."

This answer uses "well, it depends", "I'd say", "then again", "like", "so", "the difference is" and "which means". It sounds like a person thinking, not a memorized script.

What mistakes should you avoid?

• Repeating one linker. Saying "and also" in every sentence is a common habit. Record yourself and count.
• Starting every answer with "Well". One "well" is natural. Ten is a filler pattern.
• Using a linker with the wrong meaning. "Besides" adds an idea. It does not show contrast. "Although" needs a second part: "Although it was cold, we went out."
• Memorized blocks. Examiners are trained to spot memorized answers. A linker like "it is a truth universally acknowledged that" will hurt you, not help.
• Linking without an idea. A linker is a bridge. If there is nothing on the other side, the examiner hears a pause dressed up as a word.

How can you practise this in 15 minutes a day?

Use this five-step routine for two weeks.

1. Pick five linkers from the lists above. Write them on a sticky note.

2. Choose three Part 1 questions (search for recent topics, or use simple ones: work, home, weather, food).

3. Answer each question out loud and record it on your phone. Try to use at least two of your five linkers naturally.

4. Listen back. Mark each linker you used. Did it connect two real ideas? Did any word repeat too much?

5. Answer the same question again, better. Then change two of your five linkers for new ones the next day.

Once a week, do one full Part 2 talk with a timer set to two minutes. Listen for silent gaps. Those gaps are the exact places where a linker like "so, what happened next was..." would help.

You can also copy native speakers. Watch an interview or a podcast with subtitles. Pause each time someone uses a linker and write it down with the full sentence. You will notice they use "so", "but", "actually" and "I mean" much more than "moreover".

Your next step today

Choose one Part 1 question right now, such as "Do you like your hometown?" Record a 30-second answer using this pattern: direct answer, a reason with "because", and a detail with "actually" or "like". Listen once, then record it again with one contrast word added, such as "though" or "having said that". Do this with one new question every day and keep the recordings so you can hear your progress.

FAQ

Do linking words alone raise my IELTS Speaking band?

No. They support the Fluency and Coherence score, which is one of four equal criteria. You also need good vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Linkers help most when they make your ideas easier to follow.

Is it wrong to say "moreover" or "furthermore" in the Speaking test?

It is not an error, but it sounds like written English when used often. One formal linker in Part 3 is fine. Using them in every answer can make you sound memorized.

How many linking words should I use in one answer?

There is no fixed number. In a Part 1 answer, two or three connections are normal. In a two-minute Part 2 talk, you will naturally use many more. Focus on variety and on linking real ideas.