Linking Phrases and Their Functions

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

B2. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Matching

How to approach this practice

Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.

1. Question 1 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Linking an explanation.

   Answer choices

   • introduces a full clause giving a reason
   • introduces a conclusion drawn from what precedes
   • introduces a noun phrase giving a reason

   Items

   • because
   • because of
   • therefore
   Check answers and explanations

   1. because

   introduces a full clause giving a reason

   2. because of

   introduces a noun phrase giving a reason

   3. therefore

   introduces a conclusion drawn from what precedes

   The forms differ by complement type and logical direction.

2. Question 2 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Adding a qualification.

   Answer choices

   • introduces a concessive noun or ing phrase
   • introduces a concessive clause
   • links independent statements in contrast

   Items

   • although
   • despite
   • however
   Check answers and explanations

   1. although

   introduces a concessive clause

   2. despite

   introduces a concessive noun or ing phrase

   3. however

   links independent statements in contrast

   Clause, phrase and independent-statement links are different functions.

3. Question 3 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Expressing purpose.

   Answer choices

   • is followed by a base verb expressing a goal
   • is followed by a clause expressing a goal
   • is followed by an ing form expressing a goal

   Items

   • in order to
   • so that
   • with the aim of
   Check answers and explanations

   1. in order to

   is followed by a base verb expressing a goal

   2. so that

   is followed by a clause expressing a goal

   3. with the aim of

   is followed by an ing form expressing a goal

   The purpose expressions require distinct grammatical complements.

4. Question 4 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Organising points.

   Answer choices

   • adds another supporting point
   • signals the final overall judgement
   • introduces the initial point in a sequence

   Items

   • firstly
   • in addition
   • to conclude
   Check answers and explanations

   1. firstly

   introduces the initial point in a sequence

   2. in addition

   adds another supporting point

   3. to conclude

   signals the final overall judgement

   The positions and functions distinguish the connectors.

5. Question 5 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Comparing views.

   Answer choices

   • introduces a point of resemblance
   • rejects a previous claim and states its opposite
   • contrasts two clauses directly

   Items

   • whereas
   • similarly
   • on the contrary
   Check answers and explanations

   1. whereas

   contrasts two clauses directly

   2. similarly

   introduces a point of resemblance

   3. on the contrary

   rejects a previous claim and states its opposite

   Direct contrast, similarity and explicit contradiction are different relations.

6. Question 6 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Setting conditions.

   Answer choices

   • introduces a condition that does not change the result
   • introduces a requirement that must hold
   • introduces an exception equivalent to if not

   Items

   • provided that
   • unless
   • even if
   Check answers and explanations

   1. provided that

   introduces a requirement that must hold

   2. unless

   introduces an exception equivalent to if not

   3. even if

   introduces a condition that does not change the result

   Requirement, exception and irrelevant condition have distinct meanings.

7. Question 7 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Clarifying a statement.

   Answer choices

   • singles out one member of a previously mentioned group
   • restates the same point differently
   • introduces a specific illustration

   Items

   • in other words
   • for example
   • in particular
   Check answers and explanations

   1. in other words

   restates the same point differently

   2. for example

   introduces a specific illustration

   3. in particular

   singles out one member of a previously mentioned group

   The cues distinguish restatement, illustration and focus on one member of a group.

8. Question 8 · Matching

   Match each item to the correct choice.

   Match each beginning to its only suitable ending. Framing an evaluation.

   Answer choices

   • signals what happens during an intervening period
   • signals a judgement after weighing advantages and disadvantages
   • signals a view formed by looking back

   Items

   • on balance
   • in retrospect
   • in the meantime
   Check answers and explanations

   1. on balance

   signals a judgement after weighing advantages and disadvantages

   2. in retrospect

   signals a view formed by looking back

   3. in the meantime

   signals what happens during an intervening period

   Overall evaluation, hindsight and intervening time are different functions.

What to review next

Explain why each answer fits the meaning and structure. Record useful phrases and write a new example using each pattern you found difficult.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.