One of the most common weaknesses in TOEFL Speaking responses is weak coherence. You'll see this sad outcome in your Discourse Coherence score in the legacy test (i.e. 2025) and even more dimensions scores in the 2026 score reports (e.g. we actually have a "Linking" dimension score under the Topic Development construct).

Ideas repeat, transitions disappear, and the "listener" (i.e. AI) "loses the thread". Theoretically.

In practical terms, the AI knows that one of the ways proficient English speakers demonstrate their fluency is by using linking words to chain their ideas together.

The fix isn’t bigger words or longer sentences — it’s better connections between ideas.

Those connections come from linking words.
They help raters and the AI understand how your thoughts fit together.
You see the difference in three scoring dimensions: Delivery, Language Use, and Topic Development.

Let me give you an example.
TOEFL Speaking 2026 Interview-style prompt:
Do you prefer spending your free time alone or with other people? Why?

Strong sample:
“Personally, I prefer spending my free time with other people. First, it helps me relax after a long day. For example, meeting friends for dinner helps me stop thinking about schoolwork. However, I sometimes need quiet weekends to recharge. Therefore, I try to balance both.”

Each linking word — Personally, First, For example, However, Therefore — makes the response easy to follow.
They show structure, mark transitions, and create a clear rhythm.
That’s exactly what raters look for when scoring Delivery, Language Use, and Topic Development.

Why Linking Words Matter in TOEFL Speaking

1. They show structure

Clear transitions make your reasoning easy to follow.
When you say First, Next, or Finally, raters instantly see your organization.
That’s how you build a high Topic Development score.

2. They improve fluency

Short connectors act as natural pauses.
Instead of saying “uh” or “um,” you can say Well, So, or Actually.
That keeps your rhythm consistent and raises your Delivery score.

3. They display language control

Using a range of connectors — Although, Therefore, In addition — shows command of academic English.
That’s rewarded under Language Use.

4. They create logical flow

Linking words signal when you’re explaining, contrasting, or concluding.
That makes your message predictable in the best way — smooth, logical, and professional.

Reference Tables

The tables below show high-value linking words with TOEFL-ready examples and usage notes.

Opinion & Stance

Function	Useful Phrases	Example	When to Use
State your view	In my opinion; I believe; From my perspective	In my opinion, online learning helps students focus.	Opening line of your response.
Polite stance	As far as I’m concerned; It seems to me that	It seems to me that group projects can be unbalanced.	When you want a softer tone.

Adding Ideas

Function	Useful Phrases	Example	When to Use
Sequence	First; Second; Finally; Next	First, it saves time. Second, it reduces stress.	To organize reasons.
Add detail	Moreover; Furthermore; In addition	Moreover, it helps students stay motivated.	After your first main point.
Combine ideas	Not only … but also	Not only does it save time, but it also improves focus.	When two benefits are equal.

Contrast & Concession

Function	Useful Phrases	Example	When to Use
Contrast	However; But; Yet; Whereas; While	It’s convenient; however, it can be distracting.	When shifting direction.
Concession	Although; Even though; Despite	Although dorms are noisy, they help new students make friends.	When you admit a drawback.
Balanced view	On the one hand … On the other hand …	On the one hand, it’s cheaper; on the other hand, it’s less reliable.	For two-sided opinions.

Cause, Reason & Purpose

Function	Useful Phrases	Example	When to Use
Reason	Because; Since; As	I prefer early classes because I focus better in the morning.	When giving justification.
Purpose	To; In order to; So that	I take notes so that I remember key details.	When linking action and goal.

Result & Consequence

Function	Useful Phrases	Example	When to Use
Result	Therefore; As a result; So; Consequently	I reviewed my notes daily; as a result, my grades improved.	To conclude a reason or story.
Final effect	Thus; Hence; Eventually	Eventually, I improved my pronunciation through practice.	To show an outcome over time.

Explaining & Clarifying

Function	Useful Phrases	Example	When to Use
Clarify	In other words; That is; Specifically	In other words, the school wants to save paper.	To restate simply.
Example	For example; For instance; Such as	For instance, last year I joined a debate team.	To support a claim.

Conditions & Choices

Function	Useful Phrases	Example	When to Use
Condition	If; Unless; As long as; Provided that	I’ll choose that class if it fits my schedule.	When the decision depends on something.
Choice	Either … or; Neither … nor; Or	Either I take an online course or I study independently.	When offering options.

Practice Routine

Pick a TOEFL Speaking prompt.
Draft a skeleton using linking words only:
In my opinion… First… For example… However… Therefore…
Add real content around it.
Record and listen.
Replace repeated connectors with better ones.
Repeat daily.

Let me give you an example.
Prompt: Should your university expand its sports center?
Answer:
“In my opinion, the university should expand the sports center. First, it reduces overcrowding; for example, I often wait twenty minutes for a treadmill. Moreover, better facilities attract more students. Although construction is costly, alumni donations can help. Therefore, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.”

Common Mistakes

Overusing and. Replace it with Moreover, However, or Therefore.
Starting every sentence with a connector. Use them only when ideas shift.
Using incorrect forms (Despite of → Despite).
Forgetting a short pause after a connector.

Connector Cheat Sheet

Category	Top Choices	Why They Work
Opinion	In my opinion; I believe	Frames your stance clearly.
Addition	Moreover; In addition	Raises formality and coherence.
Contrast	However; Although	Shows balanced reasoning.
Reason	Because; Since	Explains cause directly.
Result	Therefore; As a result	Connects action and outcome.

FAQ

Q1. How many linking words should I use?
Five to eight is ideal. Enough for clarity, not clutter.

Q2. Can too many hurt my score?
Yes. Overuse sounds mechanical. Use them to mark transitions, not every sentence.

Q3. Which categories matter most?
Adding Ideas, Contrast/Concession, and Result — they shape the logic of your answer.

Q4. Are casual connectors like “plus” acceptable?
Occasionally, yes. But Moreover or However fit the TOEFL tone better.

Q5. How can I reduce “and” repetition?
Record yourself and replace half of your “ands” with stronger connectors.

Q6. Do linking words help with hesitation?
Yes. They give you rhythm and planning time, which improves Delivery.

Q7. How do I make them sound natural?
Pause slightly before and after each one. That creates control.

Q8. Should I memorize templates?
Yes, but change the examples each time. Keep the structure, not the script.

Final Advice

Learn a short list of linking words and use them every day.
Fluency isn’t speed — it’s flow.
When your ideas connect cleanly, your scores rise.

Linking Words for TOEFL Speaking: The Small Change That Lifts Your Score