🗣️ 30 Commonly Used IELTS Speaking Connectors — And Why You Need Them

Maher
Jun 5
4 min read

MASTER ENGLISH IELTS COURSE IN SYDNEY OR ONLINE - IMAGE GENERATED BY AI

When it comes to the IELTS Speaking test, it's not just what you say that matters, but how you say it. To achieve a higher band score—especially for Fluency & Coherence, one of the four official criteria—students must demonstrate their ability to express ideas clearly and logically. This is where connecting words (also called discourse markers or linking phrases) become essential.

At Master English, we train our students—both in class and online—to use natural, spoken connectors to boost their fluency, organise their answers, and leave a strong impression on the examiner.

Downloadable PDF at the end of this post

Connecting Word	Meaning	Example Sentence
Actually	Used to introduce a surprising fact or correct a misunderstanding	Actually, I prefer tea over coffee.
Also	Used to add more information	I like swimming. Also, I enjoy playing tennis.
Although	Used to contrast two ideas	Although it was raining, we went hiking.
And	Used to connect similar ideas	I love reading and writing.
As a result	Used to show the effect of something	He didn't study. As a result, he failed.
Besides	Used to add another point	I'm too tired to go out. Besides, it's raining.
But	Used to contrast two ideas	I wanted to go, but I was busy.
By the way	Used to introduce a new topic or add information	By the way, have you seen my keys?
Finally	Used to introduce the last point	Finally, I would like to thank you all.
First of all	Used to introduce the first point	First of all, I’d like to say thank you.
For example	Used to give an example	I enjoy outdoor sports, for example, hiking and cycling.
For instance	Another way to give an example	For instance, I learned a lot from that mistake.
I mean	Used to clarify something	She’s intense—I mean, really passionate.
I suppose	Used to show uncertainty	I suppose we could try a different route.
I think	Used to express an opinion	I think it's a great idea.
In my opinion	Used to express your opinion	In my opinion, this is the best solution.
In other words	Used to rephrase something	In other words, we need more time.
Instead	Used to present an alternative	I’ll stay home instead of going out.
Likewise	Used to express similarity	She enjoys painting. Likewise, her sister does too.
Meanwhile	Used to show events happening at the same time	He was cooking. Meanwhile, she set the table.
Next	Used to show sequence	Next, we visited the museum.
On the other hand	Used to present another point of view	I like cities. On the other hand, countryside is relaxing.
Otherwise	Used to show consequences	We must leave now, otherwise we’ll be late.
So	Used to show result	It was cold, so I wore a jacket.
Still	Used to show contrast	He’s not very social. Still, he’s a good friend.
Then	Used to show sequence	We had dinner, then we watched a movie.
Though	Used to show contrast	Though it was late, we stayed longer.
To begin with	Used to start a point	To begin with, let’s define the problem.
To tell the truth	Used to give a true opinion	To tell the truth, I didn't like the movie.
While	Used to show contrast or time	While I agree, I still have concerns.

🧠 Why Are Connectors Important?

According to the IELTS Speaking Public Band Descriptors, to reach Band 7 or above, candidates must:

“Use a range of connectives and discourse markers with some flexibility”
“Speak fluently with only occasional repetition or self-correction”
“Develop topics coherently and appropriately”

This doesn’t mean memorising academic or overly formal phrases (like moreover, hence, or nevertheless). In fact, unnatural connectors can hurt your score by making you sound rehearsed.

Instead, examiners are listening for real, conversational language—phrases like I guess, actually, so, by the way, or I mean—which show that you can communicate naturally and keep the conversation flowing.

📝 30 Commonly Used IELTS Speaking Connectors

We’ve put together a free Word document with 30 of the most useful and natural connectors for IELTS Speaking. Each one comes with:

✅ A simple definition✅ A model sentence✅ A format that's perfect for self-study or class practice

💡 These phrases are used every day by native speakers—and they’re exactly what examiners want to hear.

💬 How We Teach These in Our Courses

At Master English, we include these connectors in all our IELTS preparation classes:

🎓 Group and private IELTS courses (online and in-person near Town Hall, Sydney)
💻 Online Speaking Workshops with real-time feedback
🗂️ Mock tests where you receive detailed feedback using the public band descriptors
📚 Free resources, including downloadable connector lists, vocabulary packs, and model answers

We focus on speaking naturally and confidently, not just passing the test.

✅ Ready to Boost Your Speaking Score?

Want to sound more fluent and confident in your IELTS Speaking test? Download our free list of connectors, or join one of our upcoming IELTS courses in Sydney our classroom or live online to practise them in a supportive, professional environment.

📅 Classes run weekly. Spots are limited.📍 Based in Sydney CBD. Also available 100% online.

👉 Contact us today to book a free trial class or download your resource pack.