Introduction

Linking words are essential in the TOEIC test, especially when you need to understand or express cause, result, and purpose. These words help connect ideas smoothly, making your communication clearer and more effective. Mastering them can significantly improve your performance in both the listening and reading sections of the TOEIC exam.

Explanation

Cause: Linking words that show the reason something happens. Common examples include because, due to, and since.
Example: The meeting was canceled because the manager was sick.
Example: Due to the heavy rain, the event was postponed.

Result: These words indicate the outcome of a situation. Examples include therefore, as a result, and so.
Example: The project was completed on time; therefore, the client was pleased.
Example: She didn't study for the exam, so she didn't pass.

Purpose: These words show the intention behind an action. Common examples are in order to, so that, and for.
Example: He took a day off in order to relax.
Example: They are saving money so that they can buy a new car.

Common mistakes

Confusing "because" and "so": Remember, “because” introduces a reason, while “so” introduces a result.
Incorrect: She was late, so she missed the bus.
Correct: She was late because she missed the bus.
Correct: She missed the bus, so she was late.

Using "due to" incorrectly: “Due to” should be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause (subject + verb).
Incorrect: The event was canceled due to it was raining.
Correct: The event was canceled because it was raining.
Correct: The event was canceled due to heavy rain.

Tips for the TOEIC test

Pay attention to linking words in reading passages; they often signal important relationships between ideas.
In listening sections, these words can help you understand the speaker's logic and intentions.
Practice identifying these words in practice tests to improve your speed and comprehension.

Mini practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct linking word: because, therefore, or in order to.

The team worked overtime ______ meet the project deadline.
The report was unclear, ______ the manager asked for a revision.
The conference was canceled ______ the speaker was unavailable.

Answers

in order to
therefore
because

Introduction

Explanation

Cause: Linking words that show the reason something happens. Common examples include because, due to, and since.

Example: The meeting was canceled because the manager was sick.

Example: Due to the heavy rain, the event was postponed.

Result: These words indicate the outcome of a situation. Examples include therefore, as a result, and so.

Example: The project was completed on time; therefore, the client was pleased.

Example: She didn't study for the exam, so she didn't pass.

Purpose: These words show the intention behind an action. Common examples are in order to, so that, and for.

Example: He took a day off in order to relax.

Example: They are saving money so that they can buy a new car.

Common mistakes

Confusing "because" and "so": Remember, “because” introduces a reason, while “so” introduces a result.

Incorrect: She was late, so she missed the bus.

Correct: She was late because she missed the bus.

Correct: She missed the bus, so she was late.

Using "due to" incorrectly: “Due to” should be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause (subject + verb).

Incorrect: The event was canceled due to it was raining.

Correct: The event was canceled because it was raining.

Correct: The event was canceled due to heavy rain.

Linking words to express cause, result and purpose

Introduction

Explanation

Common mistakes

Tips for the TOEIC test

Mini practice

Answers

Linking words to express cause, result and purpose

Introduction

Explanation

Common mistakes

Tips for the TOEIC test

Mini practice

Answers