Linking Words: Small Words, Clear Ideas
Small words like and, but, because, so, and then help people follow you. This lesson keeps it simple.
Why This Matters
Linking words help people follow your ideas. And adds an idea. But shows a different idea. Because gives a reason. So shows a result. Then shows the next step. The right small word makes your English clear.
Five Small Words
Tap each card to see what it means.
Match the Word to the Job
Tap a word, then tap its job. Match all five.
Word
Job
Farah's Update
Listen and read at the same time.
Farah works on a team. Every week, she talks to her group. She says: The work is late. So we have a problem. So we need more time. So the plan changes. She says so four times. Her manager stops her. He says: Tell me why. Tell me what happens next. Use different words.
Farah tries again. She says: The work is late, because the truck did not arrive. So we need two more days. But the team can still finish this month. First, we check the new date. Then, we tell the client. Now every sentence is clear. Because gives the reason. So gives the result. But shows a change. Then shows the next step.
Her manager smiles. He says: Now I understand. Farah smiles too. Her team understands the plan. Nobody asks her to repeat a sentence.
Reflection
Say it out loud. Then record it.
Reflection 01. Think about your last work update. Did you say so many times? Say the update again. Use because one time. Record it.
Reflection 02. Farah used because, so, but, and then in one story. Think about your own work. Say four short sentences. Use one linking word in each sentence. Record it.
I Did Not Know That
In English, small words carry big meaning. And, but, because, so, and then are short words. But native speakers use them all the time. These small words help the listener understand what comes next, before you even finish your sentence. Short words. Big job.
Say It. Record It.
Record Prompt 1 · Vocabulary Focused. Record five short sentences. Use one linking word in each sentence: and, but, because, so, then. Say each sentence clearly. Play it back.
Record Prompt 2 · Scenario Based. Tell your team about your day at work. Use at least three linking words. Record it. Listen back. Is it clear?
Linking Words
Use this list any time you need it. It is the same words from Farah's story.
| Job | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Add an idea | and | I called the client, and I sent the email. |
| Show a different idea | but | The report is ready, but it is late. |
| Give a reason | because | We stopped because of the storm. |
| Show a result | so | The truck was late, so we lost time. |
| Show the next step | then | First we plan. Then we act. |
Lesson Complete
You know five small words now: and, but, because, so, then. Each word has one job. The right word makes your English clear.
Listen to yourself in one real update this week. If you hear yourself say so more than once, stop. Choose because or then instead, one time. Say the new sentence out loud.