Linking Words for Claims & Reasons
Learn how linking words like because, therefore, and for example connect claims to reasons and make your writing clearer and more persuasive.
What you'll do in this lesson
A voice-first session with the Crimsora tutor on Linking Words for Claims & Reasons, then targeted practice and FRQs — with the tutor adapting to where you get stuck.
What this lesson covers
When you write a claim—a statement you believe to be true—readers need to understand why you believe it. Linking words are the bridges that connect your claims to the reasons that support them. Without these connectors, your argument can feel disconnected and hard to follow. By learning to use linking words like because, therefore, for example, and consequently, you'll make the logical relationships in your writing crystal clear, and your readers will find your arguments much more convincing.
What Linking Words Do
Linking words, also called transitional words or connective phrases, show the relationship between ideas. In argument writing, they serve a specific job: they clarify how a reason connects to a claim, or how a conclusion connects to the reasons that came before it. For example, the word because directly explains causation—it tells the reader "the reason for this claim is what comes next." The phrase for example shows that what follows is proof or illustration of the claim. Words like therefore and consequently show that a conclusion follows logically from the reasons given.
Without linking words, even strong reasons can feel floating and disconnected. Consider these two versions: (1) "Video games should be limited for teenagers. Too much screen time harms sleep and attention." (2) "Video games should be limited for teenagers because too much screen time harms sleep and attention." The second version is clearer because the word because shows exactly how the reason supports the claim. The reader understands the logical connection instantly.
Without linking words, even strong reasons can feel floating and disconnected. Consider these two versions: (1) "Video games should be limited for teenagers. Too much screen time harms sleep and attention." (2) "Video games should be limited for teenagers because too much screen time harms sleep and attention." The second version is clearer because the word because shows exactly how the reason supports the claim. The reader understands the logical connection instantly.
Common Linking Words for Claims & Reasons
Different linking words show different kinds of relationships. Here are the most useful ones for connecting claims to reasons:
Because, since, and as — These show causation. They answer "why?" Use them to explain the reason that supports your claim. Example: "Students should read more because reading builds vocabulary and comprehension."
Therefore, as a result, consequently, and for this reason — These show that a conclusion or consequence follows from the reasons. They often come at the beginning of a sentence or clause that restates or emphasizes your claim. Example: "Heavy backpacks strain students' necks and shoulders. Therefore, schools should provide lockers."
For example, for instance, and specifically — These introduce evidence or concrete cases that prove your claim. Example: "Social media can be harmful to mental health. For example, studies show that heavy use increases anxiety and depression."
In addition and furthermore — These add another reason or piece of evidence without changing the relationship type. Example: "Homework helps reinforce learning. In addition, it teaches responsibility and time management."
On the other hand and however — These acknowledge a different perspective or counterpoint. Example: "Some say video games are a waste of time. However, many games develop problem-solving skills."
The key is choosing the word that honestly reflects the relationship between your claim and reason. Using the wrong linking word can confuse your reader.
Because, since, and as — These show causation. They answer "why?" Use them to explain the reason that supports your claim. Example: "Students should read more because reading builds vocabulary and comprehension."
Therefore, as a result, consequently, and for this reason — These show that a conclusion or consequence follows from the reasons. They often come at the beginning of a sentence or clause that restates or emphasizes your claim. Example: "Heavy backpacks strain students' necks and shoulders. Therefore, schools should provide lockers."
For example, for instance, and specifically — These introduce evidence or concrete cases that prove your claim. Example: "Social media can be harmful to mental health. For example, studies show that heavy use increases anxiety and depression."
In addition and furthermore — These add another reason or piece of evidence without changing the relationship type. Example: "Homework helps reinforce learning. In addition, it teaches responsibility and time management."
On the other hand and however — These acknowledge a different perspective or counterpoint. Example: "Some say video games are a waste of time. However, many games develop problem-solving skills."
The key is choosing the word that honestly reflects the relationship between your claim and reason. Using the wrong linking word can confuse your reader.
How to Use Linking Words Correctly
Linking words work in different positions in your sentence, and each placement has its own rule.
After your claim, before your reason: Put the linking word at the start of a new sentence or clause. "My school should have a later start time. Because teenagers' brains naturally wake up later, earlier classes make them tired." Or use a comma before the linking word if it joins two independent clauses: "My school should have a later start time, because teenagers' brains naturally wake up later."
After your reasons, before your restatement: Use consequence words like therefore or as a result. "Students lose sleep due to early start times. Lack of sleep hurts their grades and health. Therefore, schools should start classes later." These words often begin the new sentence and are followed by a comma.
To introduce examples: Use for example, for instance, or specifically, followed by a comma. "Students benefit from outdoor time. For example, recess improves focus and reduces stress."
A common mistake is placing the linking word in the wrong spot, or using a word that doesn't fit the relationship. For instance, writing "Students should exercise every day. Therefore, many people like pizza" makes no logical sense because therefore requires a consequence relationship that isn't there. Always ask yourself: Does this linking word accurately show how my reason connects to my claim?
After your claim, before your reason: Put the linking word at the start of a new sentence or clause. "My school should have a later start time. Because teenagers' brains naturally wake up later, earlier classes make them tired." Or use a comma before the linking word if it joins two independent clauses: "My school should have a later start time, because teenagers' brains naturally wake up later."
After your reasons, before your restatement: Use consequence words like therefore or as a result. "Students lose sleep due to early start times. Lack of sleep hurts their grades and health. Therefore, schools should start classes later." These words often begin the new sentence and are followed by a comma.
To introduce examples: Use for example, for instance, or specifically, followed by a comma. "Students benefit from outdoor time. For example, recess improves focus and reduces stress."
A common mistake is placing the linking word in the wrong spot, or using a word that doesn't fit the relationship. For instance, writing "Students should exercise every day. Therefore, many people like pizza" makes no logical sense because therefore requires a consequence relationship that isn't there. Always ask yourself: Does this linking word accurately show how my reason connects to my claim?
Linking Words in Action: Building a Stronger Argument
The real power of linking words shows up when you build a complete argument. Let's say your claim is "Our school needs a better lunch program." Without linking words, you might write reasons that feel scattered. With linking words, they form a tight chain of logic.
Here's how it works: State your claim. "Our school needs a better lunch program." Then give a reason with because. "The current menu repeats the same items, because students get bored and throw away food." Add evidence with for example. "For example, on Mondays and Fridays we serve the same pizza, so many students buy snacks outside school instead." Bring in another reason with in addition or furthermore. "In addition, students with food allergies have very few options." Show the consequence with therefore. "Therefore, offering more variety and allergy-friendly meals would reduce waste and ensure all students can eat safely at school."
Notice how the linking words guide the reader through your thinking. Each connector shows: this reason explains the claim, here's specific proof, here's another factor, and here's what logically follows. Without them, readers have to work hard to see the connections. With them, your argument feels organized and persuasive.
Here's how it works: State your claim. "Our school needs a better lunch program." Then give a reason with because. "The current menu repeats the same items, because students get bored and throw away food." Add evidence with for example. "For example, on Mondays and Fridays we serve the same pizza, so many students buy snacks outside school instead." Bring in another reason with in addition or furthermore. "In addition, students with food allergies have very few options." Show the consequence with therefore. "Therefore, offering more variety and allergy-friendly meals would reduce waste and ensure all students can eat safely at school."
Notice how the linking words guide the reader through your thinking. Each connector shows: this reason explains the claim, here's specific proof, here's another factor, and here's what logically follows. Without them, readers have to work hard to see the connections. With them, your argument feels organized and persuasive.
Key terms
- Claim.
- A statement that you believe to be true and that you want to persuade your reader to accept.
- Reason.
- An explanation or fact that supports a claim and answers the question "why?".
- Linking word (or connective).
- A word or phrase that shows the relationship between a claim and a reason, or between reasons and a conclusion.
- Causation.
- The relationship where one thing causes or explains another; often signaled by because, since, or as.
- Consequence.
- A result that follows logically from the reasons given; often introduced by therefore, as a result, or consequently.
- Evidence.
- Specific examples, facts, or details that prove or support a reason.
- Restatement.
- Saying your claim or main idea again in different words, often introduced by a consequence word like therefore.
Worked example
Write an argument with a clear claim and at least two reasons, using at least two different linking words to connect your claim and reasons. Claim: Students should be allowed to choose their own book for the class reading assignment.
Step 1: State the claim clearly. "Students should be allowed to choose their own book for the class reading assignment."
Step 2: Give your first reason and connect it with because. "Students should be allowed to choose their own book for the class reading assignment, because reading a book you pick yourself is more engaging than reading one assigned to you. When you care about the topic, you read more carefully and enjoy the experience."
Step 3: Support that reason with a specific example using for example. "For example, a student interested in sports might choose a memoir by an athlete, while another student who loves mysteries might pick a suspense novel. Both students would read seriously because they chose the book."
Step 4: Add a second reason using in addition or furthermore. "In addition, choice helps students discover what kinds of books they really enjoy, which builds a reading habit that lasts beyond the classroom."
Step 5: Use a consequence word to restate your claim strongly. "Therefore, giving students choice in their reading assignment would increase engagement, improve comprehension, and help them become lifelong readers."
Full paragraph: "Students should be allowed to choose their own book for the class reading assignment, because reading a book you pick yourself is more engaging than reading one assigned to you. For example, a student interested in sports might choose a memoir by an athlete, while another student who loves mysteries might pick a suspense novel. Both students would read seriously because they chose the book. In addition, choice helps students discover what kinds of books they really enjoy, which builds a reading habit that lasts beyond the classroom. Therefore, giving students choice in their reading assignment would increase engagement, improve comprehension, and help them become lifelong readers."
Notice how the linking words guide the reader: because introduces the reason, for example adds proof, in addition brings in a second benefit, and therefore shows what logically follows from those reasons. Every connection is clear.
Step 2: Give your first reason and connect it with because. "Students should be allowed to choose their own book for the class reading assignment, because reading a book you pick yourself is more engaging than reading one assigned to you. When you care about the topic, you read more carefully and enjoy the experience."
Step 3: Support that reason with a specific example using for example. "For example, a student interested in sports might choose a memoir by an athlete, while another student who loves mysteries might pick a suspense novel. Both students would read seriously because they chose the book."
Step 4: Add a second reason using in addition or furthermore. "In addition, choice helps students discover what kinds of books they really enjoy, which builds a reading habit that lasts beyond the classroom."
Step 5: Use a consequence word to restate your claim strongly. "Therefore, giving students choice in their reading assignment would increase engagement, improve comprehension, and help them become lifelong readers."
Full paragraph: "Students should be allowed to choose their own book for the class reading assignment, because reading a book you pick yourself is more engaging than reading one assigned to you. For example, a student interested in sports might choose a memoir by an athlete, while another student who loves mysteries might pick a suspense novel. Both students would read seriously because they chose the book. In addition, choice helps students discover what kinds of books they really enjoy, which builds a reading habit that lasts beyond the classroom. Therefore, giving students choice in their reading assignment would increase engagement, improve comprehension, and help them become lifelong readers."
Notice how the linking words guide the reader: because introduces the reason, for example adds proof, in addition brings in a second benefit, and therefore shows what logically follows from those reasons. Every connection is clear.
Practice questions
Which linking word or phrase best fits in the blank? "Social media connects people across distances. _____, it can also expose users to cyberbullying and misinformation."
- Because
- However
- For example
- Therefore
Answer: However
The sentence is introducing a contrasting idea—social media has a downside that contradicts its benefit. However is the linking word that signals this kind of contrast or counterpoint. Because would introduce a reason for the first part, for example would introduce a specific case, and therefore would show a consequence, but none of those relationships fit here. The relationship is "on the other hand," which is what however means.
Read this partial argument: "Schools should teach financial literacy in middle school. Many teenagers don't understand how credit cards work, and they make careless spending decisions." Rewrite this passage by adding a linking word or phrase that shows the relationship between the claim and the reason.
Answer: Schools should teach financial literacy in middle school because many teenagers don't understand how credit cards work, and they make careless spending decisions. (Or: Schools should teach financial literacy in middle school. This is important because many teenagers don't understand how credit cards work, and they make careless spending decisions.)
The reason (teenagers don't understand credit cards) directly explains why the claim (teach financial literacy) matters. The linking word because fits perfectly because it shows causation—"schools should teach this because this problem exists." Other acceptable answers include "since" (meaning the same as because) or restructuring the sentence to say "Financial literacy should be taught because..." The key is showing that the reason directly supports the claim.
Write a sentence that restates this claim using therefore or consequently: "Students who exercise regularly sleep better and have better focus in class." Then explain why this consequence word is appropriate.
Answer: Students who exercise regularly sleep better and have better focus in class. Therefore, physical activity should be part of the school day. (Or: Students who exercise regularly sleep better and have better focus in class. Consequently, schools should require or encourage daily exercise.)
The word therefore (or consequently) is appropriate because it shows that a logical conclusion follows from the reasons given. The facts that exercise improves sleep and focus logically lead to the conclusion that schools should support physical activity. Consequence words are used to restate or emphasize your claim in a way that sounds final and supported. If you used because or for example instead, you would be trying to introduce a new reason rather than closing with a conclusion, which would break the logic of the argument.
FAQ
- What's the difference between because and therefore?
- Because introduces a reason that explains a claim. It answers the question "why?" and appears before or near the reason. Example: "We should walk to school because it's good exercise." Therefore introduces a conclusion that follows from reasons already given. It emphasizes what logically comes next. Example: "Walking to school improves fitness and saves money. Therefore, the city should build safer sidewalks." Because supports the claim; therefore restates or reinforces it based on the support you've given.
- Can I use the same linking word over and over in my argument?
- You can, but your writing will sound repetitive and less interesting. If every sentence starts with because, readers will stop noticing the word and your argument may feel flat. Instead, vary your linking words to match the relationship you're showing. Use because for reasons, for example for evidence, in addition for extra support, and therefore for conclusions. This variety makes your writing clearer and keeps your reader engaged.
- What if I'm not sure which linking word to use?
- Ask yourself: What is the relationship between my claim and the reason (or between my reasons and conclusion)? Is one a reason that explains the claim? Use because or since. Is one a specific example proving the reason? Use for example. Is one another supporting reason? Use in addition or furthermore. Is one a conclusion that follows logically? Use therefore or consequently. Is one a different viewpoint? Use however or on the other hand. Once you identify the relationship, the right linking word usually becomes clear.
- Do I need a linking word in every sentence of my argument?
- No. You need linking words wherever you want to make a relationship between ideas very clear. You should definitely use at least one or two linking words to connect your claim to your reasons. But not every sentence needs one. If two ideas are already clearly connected by context, you don't need a word. However, using linking words deliberately throughout your argument makes it stronger, easier to follow, and more persuasive—so they're worth using whenever you're showing how ideas connect.
Learn this with a teacher, not a page
The Crimsora tutor teaches Linking Words for Claims & Reasons live — explaining on a whiteboard, asking you questions, and adapting to where you get stuck.