Why Connectors Matter in IELTS Speaking

Using connectors helps you organize your answers and improve fluency during the speaking test.
Using connectors helps you organize your answers and improve fluency during the speaking test.

Connectors for IELTS speaking play a major role in pushing your coherence and fluency score to Band 7 or higher. Want to sound less like a textbook and more like a real human? Then connectors for IELTS speaking are your new best friend. These words and phrases act like bridges in your speech—guiding your ideas and helping the examiner follow along.

What Are Connectors in IELTS Speaking?

Connectors guide your listener through your ideas and clarify your message more clearly.
Connectors guide your listener through your ideas and clarify your message more clearly.

Connectors for IELTS speaking are linking words or phrases that help you add, compare, contrast, explain, and organize your ideas. These connectors can:

  • Add information (e.g., also, in addition)
  • Compare ideas (e.g., likewise, similarly)
  • Show cause and effect (e.g., because, that’s why)
  • Give examples (e.g., for example, like)
  • Structure your ideas (e.g., first of all, to sum up)

Connectors for IELTS speaking are not academic or overly formal like in writing. So, ditch “moreover” and go for “what’s more.” The goal is to sound natural and conversational.

Top 50+ Connectors for IELTS Speaking (With Examples)

Learning connectors for IELTS speaking helps you build strong, natural, and well-organized answers quickly.
Learning connectors for IELTS speaking helps you build strong, natural, and well-organized answers quickly.

Connectors for IELTS speaking can be grouped by purpose. Here’s a curated list, each with a short sample sentence to show real use in the IELTS Speaking test.

  1. Adding Information

These connectors for IELTS speaking help you build and extend your ideas.

  • Also – “I also enjoy watching documentaries about space.”
  • And – “I play the guitar and sing in a local band.”
  • In addition – “In addition, I try to exercise every morning.”
  • What’s more – “What’s more, it improves my concentration.”
  • Besides – “Besides that, I help my little sister with homework.”
  • Not only that – “Not only that, I also manage a small online shop.”
  • Furthermore – “Furthermore, I believe it teaches discipline.”
  • Moreover – “Moreover, it keeps me mentally active.”
  1. Giving Examples

These connectors for IELTS speaking help you support your points.

  • For example – “For example, I usually read self-help books.”
  • For instance – “For instance, I recently read a book on productivity.”
  • Like – “I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping.”
  • Such as – “I love Asian food such as sushi and pho.”
  • Especially – “I love music, especially acoustic songs.”
  • To illustrate – “To illustrate, last week I tried painting for the first time.”
  • Namely – “I enjoy team sports, namely football and basketball.”
  1. Explaining Reasons and Causes

These connectors for IELTS speaking help you explain why something happens.

  • Because – “I enjoy yoga because it helps me relax.”
  • Since – “Since I was a child, I’ve loved storytelling.”
  • As – “As the weather was bad, I stayed home.”
  • That’s why – “I’m always tired, that’s why I need more sleep.”
  • Due to – “Due to traffic, I arrived late.”
  • Owing to – “Owing to the noise, I couldn’t focus.”
  1. Showing Results or Effects

These connectors for IELTS speaking show the consequence of something.

  • So – “I didn’t study, so I failed the test.”
  • Therefore – “I worked hard, therefore I got promoted.”
  • As a result – “As a result, I became more confident.”
  • That’s why – “I exercise often; that’s why I feel energetic.”
  • Thus – “I forgot my umbrella, thus I got wet.”
  • Consequently – “I didn’t eat breakfast, consequently I felt dizzy.”
  1. Expressing Opinions

These connectors for IELTS speaking help you share what you think.

  • I think – “I think social media can be useful.”
  • I believe – “I believe everyone should travel alone once.”
  • In my opinion – “In my opinion, online learning is flexible.”
  • Personally – “Personally, I prefer quiet cafes to noisy ones.”
  • To me – “To me, honesty is the most important value.”
  • From my point of view – “From my point of view, it’s not worth it.”
  1. Comparing and Contrasting

These connectors for IELTS speaking help you highlight similarities or differences.

  • But – “I like cats, but I’m allergic to them.”
  • However – “I enjoy sports; however, I’m not very good at them.”
  • While – “While I enjoy coffee, I try not to drink too much.”
  • On the other hand – “On the other hand, working from home saves time.”
  • Whereas – “My sister loves dancing, whereas I prefer painting.”
  • Though – “I liked the movie, though it was a bit long
  1. Sequencing Ideas

These connectors for IELTS speaking help you organize your answers clearly.

  • First of all – “First of all, I prepare my materials.”
  • Then – “Then I start writing my draft.”
  • After that – “After that, I review and make changes.”
  • Finally – “Finally, I submit the assignment online.”
  • Next – “Next, I plan the structure of my speech.”
  • To begin with – “To begin with, I introduce myself.”
  1. Emphasizing Ideas

These connectors for IELTS speaking stress important points.

  • Actually – “Actually, I didn’t enjoy the concert that much.”
  • Indeed – “Indeed, it was one of the best meals I’ve had.”
  • In fact – “In fact, I started learning piano last year.”
  • Absolutely – “Absolutely, I’d love to travel more.”
  • Definitely – “Definitely, education plays a big role in society.”
  1. Clarifying or Rephrasing

These connectors for IELTS speaking help you explain something again or more clearly.

  • I mean – “I mean, I like it, but not every day.”
  • In other words – “In other words, I need more time.”
  • To put it simply – “To put it simply, I just got bored.”

How to Use Connectors Naturally in IELTS Speaking

Connectors for IELTS speaking only help if you know how to use them naturally. Cramming them in like a checklist will make your answers sound robotic. Follow these 3 tips:

1. Avoid Overusing Connectors

Using too many connectors for IELTS speaking makes your speech sound memorized and less natural.
Using too many connectors for IELTS speaking makes your speech sound memorized and less natural.

Connectors for IELTS speaking are powerful, but using them in every sentence does more harm than good. Overuse can make your responses sound memorized or robotic, which lowers your fluency score. It is ideal if you aim to use just 2–3 well-placed connectors per answer, so things can go naturally and engagingly.

2. Choose Natural, Conversational Phrases

It is important to select connectors that sound natural in everyday conversation, not overly formal.
It is important to select connectors that sound natural in everyday conversation, not overly formal.

Connectors for IELTS speaking should sound like real spoken English—not formal academic writing. It’s important to avoid stiff expressions like “henceforth” or “moreover.” Instead, you should use everyday language that feels authentic. For example:
✅ “I guess…”
❌ “It is evident that…”

3. Practice With Sample Answers

Practicing often helps you use connectors for IELTS speaking more fluently in actual test situations.
Practicing often helps you use connectors for IELTS speaking more fluently in actual test situations.

Connectors for IELTS speaking become easier and more natural the more you use them in real context. Practice answering IELTS Part 2 and Part 3 questions using 2–3 connectors in each response.

Example:
“I love spending time at the beach. For example, last week I went surfing. Also, the sound of the waves helps me relax.”

Conclusion

Connectors for IELTS speaking are essential tools to help you sound fluent, organized, and confident during the test. By using them naturally and effectively, you can boost your coherence score and leave a strong impression.

Want more tips like this? Follow IELTS Test Pro for expert guidance, practice resources, and everything you need to ace your IELTS journey!