Grammar: Common English Linking Word Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
- Rose Sensei
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 20
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.
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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.
________________________________________________
I was hungry because so I ordered food.
________________________________________________
I like travelling, however I don’t like flying.
________________________________________________
🎁 Free Download
Perfect for self-study or classroom use.
💡 Final Tip for Confident English
Linking words are powerful — but only when used simply and correctly.
Start with because, so, but, although, however, and practice them in real-life topics like work, travel, food, and daily routines.
🎯Need More Practice?
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