What are linking words?

Linking words meaning：Firstly

Q：Is it a good idea to always eat healthy food?

A1：Yes it is, firstly, it helps us feel better, but it can also help us live longer.

A2：Yes I’d say so. To kick off, a healthy diet helps us feel better, and it can also help us live longer.

A3：First off, I’m inclined to agree, but it depends on the situation.

• I’m inclined to agree = I more or less agree.

A4：From the outset, I’d say yes it is, but eating healthy food all the time can also be a tall order sometimes.

• to be a tall order = to be difficult

Linking words meaning：Also

Q：What are the benefits of eating healthy food？

A1：On the one hand, you feel better, and also you can live longer.

A2：Well, obviously, you feel better. On top of that, you have more energy to spend time with family and friends.

A3：Well, obviously, you feel better, and come to think of it, it’s a great way to lose weight.

Linking words meaning：But

Q：Do you eat healthy food?

A1：Yes I do, but, I must admit, I don’t eat healthy food everyday.

• I must admit = I have to tell you the truth.

A2：Yes I do, mind you, it’s not always that easy, so I don’t manage to eat healthy food everyday.

A3：Well, I try to, but at the same time, I must confess I don’t eat healthy food everyday.

A4：Yes I do, that said, it can be a real struggle if you’re eating out with friends, so I don’t eat healthy food everyday.

• a real struggle = very difficult

Linking words meaning：To be honest

Q：Do you sometimes eat fast food？

A1：To be honest, I don’t like fast food very much, though I might eat it with friends once in a while.

A2：Quite honestly, I’m not particularly fond of fast food. Mind you, I might eat it with friends once in a while.

• I’m not particularly fond of = I’m not very fond of.

A3：To be totally up front, I don’t like fast food very much, but that said I might eat it with friends once in a while.

Linking words meaning：In summary

Q：Do you sometimes eat fast food?

A1：I might if I’m with friends, but not if I’m alone. Overall, I don’t like fast food that much.

A2：I might if I’m with friends, but not if I’m alone. In a nutshell, I don’t like fast food that much.

A3：I might if I’m with friends, but not if I’m alone. Basically, I don’t like fast food that much.