Inversion

1.1 Use linking words to sequence events and activities: before, after that, in the end, finally, beforehand, afterwards.

Examples

We went to the museum and, after that, we had lunch.

He worked hard all year; in the end, he passed the exam.

The meeting lasted all morning, and finally, we finished at 2 p.m.

She prepared all the documents beforehand to save time.

They watched the movie and had dinner afterwards.

1.2 Use «to/in order to/so as to + base verb» to express purpose.

Examples

He came here to help me with the project.

I do this in order to save money.

She walks everywhere so as to stay fit.

1.3 Use «so» in informal contexts and «therefore» in more formal settings to express logical conclusions.

Examples

I was tired, so I went to bed early.

He didn’t study hard; therefore, he failed the exam.

1.4 Use «despite/in spite of» + noun phrase or +ing or + the fact that… to express contrast between ideas.

Examples

We enjoyed the picnic despite the rainy day. (a noun phrase)

We enjoyed the picnic despite the fact that the day was rainy. (the fact that-clause)

He completed the marathon in spite of his injury. (a noun phrase)

He completed the marathon in spite of being injured. (-ing form)

1.5 Use «though/although + subject + verb» to introduce a contrasting idea.

Examples

She’ll help you, although she won’t like it.

Though it was late, they kept working.

1.6 Use «due to/owing to + noun phrase» to express the cause.

Examples

The game was cancelled due to the heavy rain.

The concert has been cancelled owing to lack of interest.

Table showing the linking devices

Linking devices

Category	Example
Purpose so as to/in order to so as not to/in order not to	I got up early so as to catch the train.
Contrasting while, whereas, whilst	You enjoy running, whereas I dislike it.
Concession however, on the other hand, though, even though	I didn’t like the movies; however, the music was great.
Reasons since, because, due to, owing to on account of, as a result of	We stayed inside since it was raining.
Result/cause not only…but also	The information is not only poorly presented, but also inaccurate.

1.7 Use «while», «whereas», «whilst»(Br Eng) to compare or contrast two actions or situations. «While/whilst» can also introduce contrasting clauses with some sympathy or explanation.

Examples

You enjoy running, whereas I find it very boring.

While I agree with your point, I still think we need more evidence.

Whilst I sympathise with you, I can’t forget what you did.

1.8 Use «so as to/in order to + base verb» to express purpose. Use «so as not to/in order not to + base verb» to express negative purpose.

Examples

I got up at 6:00 so as to catch the early train.

He left early in order to avoid traffic.

She avoided eye contact so as not to seem rude.

1.9 Use «however», «on the other hand», «though» to introduce contrasting or concessive ideas. «However» and «on the other hand» are more formal and placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence. «Though» is more informal and often placed at the end of a sentence.

Examples

I don’t earn much; however, I have plenty of free time.

Taking the train is faster. On the other hand, the bus is cheaper.

It’s raining. I’ll go out, though.

1.10 «Since + a clause» is used to explain the reason, cause, or basis for something.

Examples

We stayed inside since it was raining.

I assumed you were out, since the lights were off.

He didn’t come, since he wasn’t feeling well.

1.11 Use «not only … but also» to emphasize additional information.

Examples

He is not only a talented musician, but also a great teacher.

She speaks not only Spanish, but also French.