Grammar: Common English Linking Word Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Rose Sensei
Jan 3
3 min read

Updated: 7 hours ago

Linking words help your English sound smooth, natural, and confident. However, many learners make the same small mistakes again and again — especially with words like because, so, but, although, and however.

Let’s look at the most common linking word mistakes and learn how to fix them easily.

👉 Coordinating Conjunctions in English - Rules, Uses, Examples

Woman in cozy room reading at desk. Speech bubbles with linking words surround her. Text: Common Linking Word Mistakes. Warm tones.

📚Learn Grammar Through Stories:

👉The Rainy Day Surprise: How to Use Although, Though, But, However

Watch the video for listening & pronunciation practice:

🎥 The Rainy Day Surprise https://youtu.be/8PitcjPbNe0

Some Common Linking Words Mistakes Learners Make

1️⃣ Using Because and So in the Same Sentence ❌

❌ Incorrect:

I stayed at home because I was tired, so I didn’t go out.

Why it’s wrong: Both because and so show cause and result. Using both is unnecessary.

✅ Correct:

I stayed at home because I was tired. I was tired, so I stayed at home.

🎯 Tip: Use because for the reason.Use so for the result — not both.

2️⃣ Using But and Although Together ❌

❌ Incorrect:

Although it was raining, but we went for a walk.

Why it’s wrong: Although already shows contrast. Adding but is a common learner mistake.

✅ Correct:

Although it was raining, we went for a walk. It was raining, but we went for a walk.

🧠 Remember: Although = no but needed.

3️⃣ Incorrect Placement of However ❌

❌ Incorrect:

I like yoga, however I don’t have time.

Why it sounds unnatural:

In writing, however usually needs punctuation.

✅ Correct:

I like yoga. However, I don’t have time.

I like yoga; however, I don’t have time.

🗣️ Speaking tip:

In conversation, pauses help — but in writing, punctuation matters.

4️⃣ Starting Every Sentence with And or But ❌

❌ Example:

And I went to the gym. But I was tired.

Why it’s a problem:

It’s not always wrong, but overusing and/but at the start makes writing sound simple or repetitive.

✅ Better options:

I went to the gym. Also, I met a friend.

I was tired. However, I finished my work.

🎯 Upgrade your writing: Try however, also, therefore, because of this.

5️⃣ Confusing Because and Because of ❌

❌ Incorrect:

I stayed home because of I was tired.

Rule made simple:

[because + subject + verb]
[because of + noun]

✅ Correct:

I stayed home because I was tired.

I stayed home because of the rain.

6️⃣ Using Too Many Linking Words in One Sentence ❌

❌ Example:

I was tired, so because it was late, and I decided to go home.

✅ Better:

I was tired, so I decided to go home.

Because it was late, I went home.

🎯 Less is more. One strong linking word is enough.

🌿 Quick Practice: Fix the Mistake

Correct the sentences:

Although she was busy, but she replied quickly.
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I was hungry because so I ordered food.
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I like travelling, however I don’t like flying.

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