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B1 noun (plural) | verb (3rd person singular) #41 most common 12 min read

links

Top 41

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips links in 30 Seconds

Explanation links in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'links' is most commonly used to talk about the internet. You might see it in a sentence like 'Click the links.' Here, it means the blue, underlined text on a computer screen that takes you to a new page. It is also used to talk about a chain, like the one on a bicycle. Each small metal circle in the chain is a 'link,' and together they are 'links.' At this level, you should focus on the idea of 'connecting' two things. If you have a link, you can go from one place to another. It is a simple word for a connection. You might also hear it when someone says 'I will send you the links,' meaning they will send you website addresses. It is a very useful word for using technology and talking about basic physical objects that are joined together. Just remember that 'links' is more than one, and 'link' is only one.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'links' to describe relationships between people or places. For example, 'The bus links the train station to the airport.' This means the bus connects the two places. You also use it to talk about information. 'The teacher links the new lesson to what we learned last week.' This means the teacher shows how the two lessons are connected. You might also see 'links' used in the plural to talk about social connections, like 'He has links to many famous people.' This means he knows them or is connected to them in some way. At this level, you should start to notice that 'links' can be a noun (the connections) or a verb (the action of connecting). It is a common word in news and daily conversation, especially when talking about how things are related to each other in a simple way.

At the B1 level, 'links' becomes a key word for expressing more complex ideas and relationships. You will use it to describe logical connections in your writing and speaking. For example, 'The report links air pollution to health problems in the city.' Here, 'links' is a verb that shows a cause-and-effect relationship. You will also use it as a noun to describe various types of associations, such as 'commercial links' between businesses or 'historical links' between countries. At this level, you should be comfortable using 'links' in both its noun and verb forms and understanding the difference. You might also encounter phrases like 'missing links' or 'weak links.' A 'weak link' is a part of a system that is not strong and might cause the whole thing to fail. This figurative use is very common in B1 level texts and discussions about teamwork or project management.

At the B2 level, you use 'links' to discuss abstract concepts and systemic relationships. You might analyze the 'links' between economic policy and social inequality, or how a specific event 'links' back to a larger historical trend. At this level, you should be able to use 'links' with more precision, choosing it over simpler words like 'connects' when you want to imply a structural or evidentiary relationship. You will also encounter 'links' in more specialized contexts, such as 'hyperlinks' in web design or 'genetic links' in biology. You should be able to understand and use the word in formal reports, essays, and debates. For instance, 'The evidence links the increase in crime to the lack of youth programs.' This usage shows that you can use 'links' to build a logical argument based on evidence. You are also expected to know common collocations like 'establish links' or 'sever links.'

At the C1 level, 'links' is used to describe intricate and often hidden interdependencies within complex systems. You might explore the 'links' between geopolitical stability and energy markets, or the 'psychological links' between childhood experiences and adult behavior. At this level, you use 'links' to convey a sense of depth and nuance. You might use it as a verb to synthesize diverse pieces of information into a coherent whole: 'The author links disparate philosophical traditions to create a new framework for understanding ethics.' You are also expected to be familiar with more idiomatic and technical uses, such as 'the links' in golf or 'cufflinks' in formal attire. Your use of 'links' should reflect an understanding of its various registers, from the technical language of a research paper to the more evocative language of a literary analysis. You should also be able to distinguish 'links' from similar words like 'nexus,' 'nexus,' or 'confluence.'

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'links' allows you to use it with complete flexibility across all domains of English. You can use it to describe the most subtle and profound connections in philosophy, science, and art. For example, you might discuss how a composer 'links' various musical motifs to create a sense of thematic unity throughout a symphony. Or you might analyze the 'links' between linguistic structures and cognitive processes at a very high level of abstraction. At this level, 'links' is not just a word for connection; it is a tool for sophisticated analysis and synthesis. You can use it to challenge existing ideas, such as 'The study calls into question the long-held links between these two variables.' Your use of the word will be characterized by precision, variety, and an awareness of its historical and cultural connotations. Whether you are writing a doctoral thesis or delivering a keynote speech, 'links' is a word that helps you articulate the complex web of reality.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

links in 30 Seconds

The word 'links' refers to connections, whether they are physical (chains), digital (hyperlinks), or abstract (relationships between ideas or people).
As a verb, 'links' is the third-person singular form meaning 'to connect' or 'to join' two or more things together.
It is a versatile word used in technology, science, journalism, and everyday conversation to describe how things are related.
Commonly paired with prepositions like 'to' or 'with', it helps clarify the nature and direction of a connection.

The word links is a versatile English term that functions both as a plural noun and a third-person singular verb. At its core, it signifies a connection. Whether you are talking about the physical metal loops that form a heavy industrial chain or the invisible digital threads that connect one webpage to another, 'links' is the essential term for describing how two or more entities are joined. In modern communication, we most frequently encounter 'links' in the context of the internet—hyperlinks that allow us to navigate the vast sea of information with a single click. However, the word carries significant weight in abstract contexts as well, such as the 'links' between poverty and crime, or the 'links' between different historical eras. When used as a verb, it describes the action of establishing these connections. For example, a scientist might say that a specific gene 'links' a patient to a higher risk of a particular disease. The beauty of the word lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the tangible and the intangible, making it a cornerstone of both technical and everyday vocabulary.

Physical Connection: Refers to individual rings or segments of a chain. Each link provides strength to the whole structure.

The heavy iron chain had several rusted links that looked ready to snap.

Digital Navigation: In computing, these are clickable elements (hyperlinks) that direct a user to a different location or document.

Please check the links in the email to ensure they lead to the correct registration page.

Beyond these common uses, 'links' is pivotal in investigative work and academia. A detective looks for links between a suspect and a crime scene, which might include DNA evidence or witness testimony. In sociology, researchers study the links between social media usage and mental health outcomes. The word implies a relationship that is not necessarily visible but is demonstrably present. As a verb, 'links' is often used to describe how one thing leads to another or how a person facilitates a connection. For instance, 'The new highway links the two major cities, reducing travel time significantly.' This usage emphasizes the functional result of the connection—the movement or flow that the link enables. Whether you are building a bridge, writing code, or forming a friendship, you are creating links that hold the world together.

The professor links the fall of the Roman Empire to various economic and environmental factors.

Social and Professional Ties: Refers to the relationships or associations between people, organizations, or countries.

The two companies have strong commercial links that have lasted for decades.

This software links your calendar with your task list automatically.

Using 'links' correctly requires understanding whether you are using it as a noun or a verb. As a plural noun, 'links' usually follows an adjective or a possessive noun to describe the nature of the connection. For example, 'strong links,' 'historical links,' or 'the website's links.' In these cases, 'links' is the subject or object of the sentence. As a verb, 'links' is the third-person singular present form of 'to link.' It must agree with a singular subject like 'it,' 'he,' 'she,' or a singular noun. You will often see it paired with the preposition 'to' or 'with' to indicate what is being connected. For example, 'The bridge links the island to the mainland.' Here, the bridge is the active agent doing the linking. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grammatical accuracy, especially in formal writing where subject-verb agreement is strictly monitored.

As a Plural Noun (Subject): The links between the two families date back to the nineteenth century.

Several links in the chain were found to be defective during the safety inspection.

As a Plural Noun (Object): The detective discovered several suspicious links in the suspect's financial records.

You should include internal links to other articles on your blog to improve SEO.

In academic and professional contexts, 'links' is frequently used to describe causal relationships. For instance, 'Research links high sugar consumption with an increased risk of heart disease.' In this sentence, 'links' acts as a powerful verb that suggests a proven or observed correlation. It is more formal than saying 'is connected to' and carries a sense of scientific or logical evidence. Another common usage is in the phrase 'missing links,' which refers to gaps in a sequence or a logical argument. For example, 'The missing links in the fossil record make it difficult to trace the exact evolution of this species.' This figurative use of 'links' as parts of a larger whole is very common in English literature and scientific discourse. By mastering these patterns, you can use 'links' to describe everything from physical objects to complex logical frameworks.

The evidence clearly links the defendant to the scene of the crime.

As a Verb (Facilitating Connection): This new software links all your devices together for seamless file sharing.

A common language often links diverse cultures across a large geographic region.

The project links local farmers with urban consumers through a direct-delivery app.

You will hear 'links' in a variety of settings, ranging from the highly technical to the casually social. In the tech industry, it is perhaps the most common word used to describe the architecture of the web. Web developers talk about 'broken links,' 'backlinks,' and 'internal links' constantly. If you are in an office, you might hear a colleague say, 'I'll send you the links to those documents later.' In this context, 'links' is shorthand for the URL or the digital path to a file. In the news, 'links' is often used to describe political or criminal associations. News anchors might report on 'alleged links between the campaign and foreign entities.' Here, the word carries a more serious, investigative tone, implying a hidden or significant relationship that needs to be explored. It is a word that suggests depth and complexity, moving beyond simple surface-level interactions.

In Information Technology: Developers use 'links' to describe how data nodes or webpages are interconnected.

The website's navigation menu contains several links that are currently non-functional.

In Journalism and News: Reporters often investigate the links between corporations and government policy changes.

The documentary explores the links between industrial pollution and local health crises.

In academic lectures, professors use 'links' to help students synthesize information. A history professor might say, 'This event links the Enlightenment to the French Revolution.' In this way, 'links' serves as a cognitive bridge, helping learners see the continuity between seemingly disparate events. In the medical field, doctors discuss the links between lifestyle choices and chronic diseases. Patients are often told how smoking 'links' directly to lung cancer risk. In all these scenarios, 'links' is a word of connection, evidence, and structure. It is rarely used for trivial things; rather, it is used to describe the fundamental ways in which our world is tied together. Whether it's the links in a DNA strand or the links in a global supply chain, the word helps us understand the interconnected nature of reality.

The supply chain links raw material providers in Asia with manufacturers in Europe.

In Sports (Golf): Golfers often travel to Scotland to play on the traditional coastal links.

He spent his vacation playing at some of the most famous links in the world.

The detective is still looking for the links that will tie the two cases together.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'links' is confusing the singular and plural forms. Remember that 'link' is singular (one connection) and 'links' is plural (two or more connections). For example, 'There is a link between them' vs 'There are many links between them.' Another common error occurs when using 'links' as a verb. Because it is the third-person singular form, it must be used with subjects like 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or a singular noun. Many learners mistakenly use 'link' with a singular subject (e.g., 'The study link' instead of 'The study links'). Additionally, learners often confuse 'links' with 'link' when referring to a single URL. While we often talk about 'links' in general, if you are providing just one web address, you should say 'the link.' Using the plural when you mean the singular can lead to confusion about how much information is being shared.

Subject-Verb Agreement Error: Incorrect: 'The evidence link the two events.' Correct: 'The evidence links the two events.'

She often links her personal blog in her social media bio.

Singular vs. Plural Noun: Incorrect: 'I clicked all the link on the page.' Correct: 'I clicked all the links on the page.'

The links in this chain are made of high-grade steel.

Another subtle mistake involves the prepositions used with 'links.' While 'links to' and 'links with' are both common, they are used in slightly different ways. 'Links to' often implies a directional or causal connection (e.g., 'This road links to the highway'), while 'links with' often implies a partnership or association (e.g., 'Our company links with local charities'). Using the wrong preposition can slightly alter the meaning of your sentence. Furthermore, avoid using 'links' as a synonym for 'relationships' in every context. While they are similar, 'links' often implies a more structural or functional connection, whereas 'relationships' can be more emotional or personal. For example, you have 'links' with your business partners but 'relationships' with your family members. Distinguishing between these nuances will make your English sound more natural and precise.

The report links the increase in temperature with the melting of the glaciers.

Confusing 'Links' with 'Lynx': A 'lynx' is a wild cat. 'Links' are connections. They sound identical (homophones).

The links between the two species are still being studied by biologists.

The chain's links were reinforced to handle the extra weight.

While 'links' is a very useful word, there are many alternatives that can provide more specific meaning depending on the context. If you are talking about a physical connection, words like 'connections,' 'joints,' or 'bonds' might be more appropriate. 'Connections' is a broad term that can replace 'links' in almost any context, but it lacks the specific imagery of a chain or a digital hyperlink. 'Joints' refers specifically to the place where two things are joined, often in a mechanical or anatomical sense. 'Bonds' usually implies a very strong, often emotional or chemical, connection. In a digital context, you might use 'hyperlinks' or 'URLs' for more technical precision. If you are describing a relationship between ideas, words like 'associations,' 'correlations,' or 'ties' can add variety to your writing. 'Correlations' is particularly useful in scientific contexts to describe a statistical link between two variables.

Links vs. Connections: 'Links' often implies a series or a structural part (like a chain), while 'connections' is more general.

The links between the two departments are essential for the project's success.

Links vs. Ties: 'Ties' is often used for social, family, or diplomatic relationships (e.g., 'family ties').

The two countries have maintained strong diplomatic links for over a century.

In formal or academic writing, you might choose 'interdependencies' or 'interconnections' to describe complex systems where everything 'links' together. These words suggest a higher level of complexity than simple 'links.' For example, 'The interconnections between global markets mean that a crisis in one region affects everyone.' If you are talking about the verb 'links,' you could use 'connects,' 'joins,' 'unites,' or 'associates.' 'Connects' is the most direct synonym, while 'unites' implies bringing things together to form a single whole. 'Associates' is often used when the link is mental or conceptual rather than physical. By choosing the right alternative, you can make your descriptions more vivid and your arguments more persuasive. Whether you are describing the 'links' in a chain or the 'correlations' in a data set, precision in vocabulary is key to effective communication.

The researcher links the data points to show a clear upward trend.

Links vs. Correlations: 'Correlations' is used specifically for statistical relationships between two sets of data.

There are clear links between education levels and lifetime earnings.

The new bridge links the two communities, fostering better social integration.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The use of 'links' to describe a golf course comes from the Old English word 'hlinc', which means a ridge or rising ground. It is actually a different word from the 'link' in a chain, though they are spelled the same today!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /lɪŋks/

US /lɪŋks/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

blinks drinks inks kinks pinks sinks thinks winks

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'links' with a long 'i' (like 'likes').
Confusing it with 'lynx' (though they sound the same, the spelling is different).
Failing to pronounce the 's' at the end when it is plural or third-person singular.
In German-speaking areas, confusing it with the word for 'left'.
Muffling the 'nk' sound so it sounds like 'lins'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in most contexts, especially digital ones.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to subject-verb agreement and singular/plural forms.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though 'nk' can be tricky for some.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but watch out for homophones like 'lynx'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

connect join chain web internet

Learn Next

nexus correlation interdependency association bond

Advanced

hyperlink backlink geopolitical causality motif

Grammar to Know

Subject-Verb Agreement

The study (singular) links (singular verb) the two events.

Plural Nouns

There are many links (plural noun) on this page.

Prepositional Phrases

The bridge links the island *to* the mainland.

Transitive Verbs

The software links (verb) the files (object).

Compound Nouns

He wore expensive cufflinks to the wedding.

Examples by Level

Click the links to see the pictures.

Klikněte na odkazy, abyste viděli obrázky.

Plural noun 'links' used as the object of the verb 'click'.

The chain has many links.

Řetěz má mnoho článků.

Plural noun 'links' referring to physical parts of a chain.

He links the two boxes together.

Spojuje ty dvě krabice k sobě.

Third-person singular verb 'links' with the subject 'He'.

I will send you the links in an email.

Pošlu vám ty odkazy v e-mailu.

Plural noun 'links' referring to web addresses.

The toy train links together easily.

Ten hračkový vlak se snadno spojuje.

Third-person singular verb 'links' with the subject 'toy train'.

Are these the correct links?

Jsou toto ty správné odkazy?

Plural noun 'links' used in a question.

She links her arm with mine.

Zaklesne svou paži do mé.

Third-person singular verb 'links' describing a physical action.

The website has many useful links.

Tato webová stránka má mnoho užitečných odkazů.

Plural noun 'links' modified by the adjective 'useful'.

The new road links our town to the city.

Nová silnice spojuje naše město s městem.

Verb 'links' showing a physical connection between two places.

There are strong links between the two schools.

Mezi těmito dvěma školami jsou silné vazby.

Plural noun 'links' meaning social or professional connections.

The detective links the man to the crime.

Detektiv spojuje toho muže s tím zločinem.

Verb 'links' meaning to find a connection in an investigation.

We need to find the links in this story.

Musíme najít souvislosti v tomto příběhu.

Plural noun 'links' meaning logical connections.

This app links your phone to your car.

Tato aplikace propojí váš telefon s vaším autem.

Verb 'links' describing a technological connection.

She has many links to the local community.

Má mnoho vazeb na místní komunitu.

Plural noun 'links' meaning social relationships.

The bridge links the two islands.

Most spojuje ty dva ostrovy.

Verb 'links' with a singular subject 'bridge'.

The professor links the two ideas in her lecture.

Profesorka ve své přednášce spojuje tyto dvě myšlenky.

Verb 'links' used in an academic context.

The study links smoking to various heart diseases.

Studie spojuje kouření s různými srdečními chorobami.

Verb 'links' expressing a causal relationship.

We must strengthen the links between our departments.

Musíme posílit vazby mezi našimi odděleními.

Plural noun 'links' in a professional context.

The missing links in the evidence made the case difficult.

Chybějící články v důkazech ztížily případ.

Phrase 'missing links' used figuratively.

The software links all the data into one report.

Software propojuje všechna data do jedné zprávy.

Verb 'links' describing data processing.

There are historical links between the two nations.

Mezi těmito dvěma národy existují historické vazby.

Plural noun 'links' referring to history.

The detective is looking for links to the suspect's past.

Detektiv hledá souvislosti s minulostí podezřelého.

Plural noun 'links' in an investigative context.

This chapter links the previous events to the climax.

Tato kapitola spojuje předchozí události s vyvrcholením.

Verb 'links' used in literary analysis.

The project links local farmers with international buyers.

Projekt spojuje místní farmáře s mezinárodními kupci.

Verb 'links' describing a business relationship.

The article explores the links between poverty and crime.

Článek zkoumá souvislosti mezi chudobou a zločinem.

Plural noun 'links' used in a sociological context.

The new policy links teacher pay to student performance.

Nová politika spojuje plat učitelů s výkonem studentů.

Verb 'links' describing a policy connection.

Researchers have established links between diet and mood.

Vědci prokázali souvislosti mezi stravou a náladou.

Plural noun 'links' used with the verb 'establish'.

The company has severed all links with its former partner.

Společnost přerušila veškeré vazby se svým bývalým partnerem.

Phrase 'severed links' meaning to end a relationship.

The detective found links that were previously overlooked.

Detektiv našel souvislosti, které byly dříve přehlédnuty.

Plural noun 'links' as the object of 'found'.

The curriculum links theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

Učební osnovy propojují teoretické znalosti s praktickými dovednostmi.

Verb 'links' in an educational context.

There are clear links between the two environmental disasters.

Mezi těmito dvěma ekologickými katastrofami existují jasné souvislosti.

Plural noun 'links' modified by the adjective 'clear'.

The network links thousands of computers across the globe.

Síť propojuje tisíce počítačů po celém světě.

Verb 'links' describing a global network.

The philosopher links the concept of freedom to moral responsibility.

Filozof spojuje koncept svobody s morální odpovědností.

Verb 'links' used in a high-level abstract discussion.

The investigation revealed deep-seated links between the two organizations.

Vyšetřování odhalilo hluboce zakořeněné vazby mezi těmito dvěma organizacemi.

Plural noun 'links' modified by 'deep-seated'.

The author skillfully links various subplots into a cohesive narrative.

Autor dovedně spojuje různé vedlejší zápletky do uceleného vyprávění.

Verb 'links' used in literary criticism.

The report highlights the links between climate change and migration patterns.

Zpráva zdůrazňuje souvislosti mezi změnou klimatu a migračními vzorci.

Plural noun 'links' in a global policy context.

There are tenuous links between the suspect and the stolen property.

Mezi podezřelým a ukradeným majetkem existují jen slabé vazby.

Plural noun 'links' modified by 'tenuous' (weak).

The new technology links disparate systems into a unified platform.

Nová technologie propojuje nesourodé systémy do jednotné platformy.

Verb 'links' describing advanced systems integration.

The study examines the links between linguistic diversity and economic growth.

Studie zkoumá souvislosti mezi jazykovou rozmanitostí a ekonomickým růstem.

Plural noun 'links' in an academic research context.

The diplomat worked to forge new links between the two warring states.

Diplomat pracoval na vytvoření nových vazeb mezi těmito dvěma válčícími státy.

Phrase 'forge links' meaning to create new connections.

The symphony's recurring motif links the four movements into a grand whole.

Opakující se motiv symfonie spojuje čtyři věty do velkolepého celku.

Verb 'links' used in music theory and analysis.

The critique links the rise of postmodernism to the fragmentation of identity.

Kritika spojuje vzestup postmodernismu s fragmentací identity.

Verb 'links' in a high-level cultural critique.

The intricate links between the ecosystem's components are easily disrupted.

Složité vazby mezi složkami ekosystému se snadno naruší.

Plural noun 'links' describing biological interdependency.

The historian links the collapse of the dynasty to a confluence of internal and external pressures.

Historik spojuje kolaps dynastie se souběhem vnitřních a vnějších tlaků.

Verb 'links' used in complex historical synthesis.

The legal team is trying to prove the links between the corporation's actions and the environmental damage.

Právní tým se snaží prokázat souvislosti mezi jednáním korporace a poškozením životního prostředí.

Plural noun 'links' in a high-stakes legal context.

The poem links the transient nature of life with the enduring beauty of the landscape.

Báseň spojuje pomíjivou povahu života s trvalou krásou krajiny.

Verb 'links' used in poetic analysis.

The research links the neural pathways to specific behavioral patterns in primates.

Výzkum spojuje neurální dráhy se specifickými vzorci chování u primátů.

Verb 'links' in advanced neuroscience.

The treaty links the security of the region to the mutual cooperation of its members.

Smlouva spojuje bezpečnost regionu se vzájemnou spoluprací jeho členů.

Verb 'links' in international law and diplomacy.

Common Collocations

missing links

weak links

establish links

broken links

strong links

direct links

historical links

commercial links

internal links

causal links

Common Phrases

the links

— Specifically refers to a golf course, usually near the coast.

He spent the whole afternoon out on the links.

link up

— To meet or connect with someone or something.

Let's link up after the meeting to discuss the details.

chain links

— The individual loops that make up a chain.

The chain links were made of heavy-duty steel.

missing link

— A thing that is needed to complete a series or provide a connection.

This document could be the missing link we need for our research.

weakest link

— The least reliable part of a system or group.

In a team, you are only as strong as your weakest link.

link together

— To join two or more things to form a single unit.

The two stories link together in a surprising way at the end.

send a link

— To share a web address with someone.

Can you send me the link to that article you mentioned?

link to

— To be connected to or associated with something else.

This evidence clearly links to the suspect's previous crimes.

link with

— To work together or be associated with another person or group.

Our school links with a sister school in France for exchange programs.

back links

— Links from other websites that lead to your own site.

Having high-quality back links is essential for good search engine rankings.

Often Confused With

links vs link

The singular form. Use 'link' for one connection and 'links' for more than one.

links vs lynx

A wild cat. It sounds exactly like 'links' but has a completely different meaning.

links vs left (German: links)

In German, 'links' means 'left'. Don't confuse them if you speak both languages!

Idioms & Expressions

"the weakest link in the chain"

— The part of a system or group that is most likely to fail.

He was the weakest link in the chain, and his mistake cost us the game.

Informal

"missing link"

— A piece of evidence or a person that completes a puzzle or a logical sequence.

The discovery of this fossil is the missing link in our understanding of the species.

Neutral

"link arms"

— To join arms with another person, often as a sign of solidarity or friendship.

The protesters linked arms to form a human barrier.

Neutral

"forge a link"

— To create a new and strong connection or relationship.

The two companies hope to forge a link that will benefit both parties.

Formal

"sever all links"

— To completely end all connections or relationships with someone or something.

After the scandal, the university severed all links with the donor.

Formal

"a link in the chain"

— One part of a larger process or sequence.

Every employee is an important link in the chain of production.

Neutral

"missing links"

— Gaps in knowledge or a sequence of events.

There are still many missing links in the history of this ancient civilization.

Academic

"link in"

— To include or connect something into an existing system or plan.

We need to link in the new data before we finish the report.

Neutral

"link up with"

— To join or partner with another person or group.

The local charity is linking up with a national organization for the event.

Neutral

"the links of time"

— A poetic way to describe the connections between different historical periods.

The links of time connect us to our ancestors in ways we don't always see.

Literary

Easily Confused

links vs lynx

They are homophones (sound the same).

'Links' refers to connections; 'lynx' is a medium-sized wild cat with a short tail and tufted ears.

The links in the chain were strong, but the lynx in the forest was stronger.

links vs left

The German word for 'left' is 'links'.

In English, 'links' is about connections. In German, 'links' is a direction.

Turn left (links) at the corner to find the shop that sells chain links.

links vs connection

They are very close synonyms.

'Links' often implies a structural or digital part of a whole, while 'connection' is more general.

The internet links us together, creating a global connection.

links vs tie

Both mean a connection.

'Tie' is more common for social or family bonds, while 'links' is more common for tech or logic.

He has family ties in Italy and business links in Germany.

links vs joint

Both refer to where things meet.

'Joint' is usually physical or anatomical; 'links' can be digital or abstract.

The knee joint is complex, much like the links in a computer network.

Sentence Patterns

Click the links.

Click the links to see the photos.

The [noun] links [place] to [place].

The bridge links the town to the city.

The study links [A] to [B].

The study links stress to high blood pressure.

There are strong links between [A] and [B].

There are strong links between education and income.

The author links [abstract concept] with [abstract concept].

The author links freedom with responsibility.

The [complex system] links [disparate elements] into a [unified whole].

The ecosystem links various species into a delicate balance.

We need to find the missing links.

We need to find the missing links in the evidence.

The company severed all links with [partner].

The company severed all links with the corrupt supplier.

Word Family

Nouns

link

linkage

hyperlink

backlink

uplink

downlink

Verbs

link

interlink

unlink

Adjectives

linked

linking

linkable

connection

nexus

bond

tie

joint

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken English.

Common Mistakes

The study link the two events. → The study links the two events.
As a verb with a singular subject ('the study'), you must use the third-person singular form 'links'.
I clicked all the link on the page. → I clicked all the links on the page.
Since 'all' implies more than one, you must use the plural noun 'links'.
There is many links between them. → There are many links between them.
With a plural noun like 'links', you must use the plural verb 'are'.
He has family link in Italy. → He has family links in Italy.
When talking about general connections or ties, the plural 'links' is more common and natural.
The road link the two towns. → The road links the two towns.
The singular subject 'road' requires the verb form 'links'.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember that 'links' as a verb needs a singular subject. 'The research links...' is correct, but 'The researchers links...' is wrong.

Digital vs. Physical

Use 'links' for both web addresses and metal chains. It's a very versatile word that bridges the physical and digital worlds.

Be Specific

Instead of just saying 'there is a link', try to describe the nature of the link. Is it a 'strong link', a 'causal link', or a 'historical link'?

Casual Meetings

Use 'link up' when you want to meet a friend. It sounds natural and modern. 'Let's link up this weekend!'

Networking

In a business context, 'links' often refers to professional connections. Building 'strong links' is key to a successful career.

Evidence

When presenting data, use 'links' to show how one variable affects another. It sounds more objective than 'is related to'.

SEO

In digital marketing, 'backlinks' and 'internal links' are crucial terms. Understanding how they 'link' pages together is essential.

Don't Forget the S

Make sure to add the 's' when talking about multiple connections or using the third-person singular verb form.

Weakest Link

Use the phrase 'the weakest link' to describe the part of a plan or team that is most likely to fail. It's a very common idiom.

Global Connections

Use 'links' to describe how different cultures and countries are connected through trade, history, and technology.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a chain. Each 'link' connects to the next. Now think of a 'link' on a website—it 'links' you to the next page.

Visual Association

Imagine a shiny silver chain where each loop is a 'link'. Then imagine clicking a blue 'link' on a screen and seeing a new page appear.

Word Web

chain internet connection relationship golf button bridge DNA

Challenge

Try to use 'links' as a noun and a verb in the same paragraph about your favorite hobby.

Word Origin

The word 'link' comes from the Old Norse word 'hlekkr', which means a ring or a chain. It entered Middle English as 'linke'.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred specifically to the individual rings that make up a metal chain.

Germanic

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be careful not to use 'weakest link' to insult someone's intelligence.

In the UK and US, 'links' is a very common everyday word, especially in business and tech.

LinkedIn (professional social network) The Legend of Zelda (the main character is named Link) The weakest link (famous TV game show)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Computing

click the link
broken links
internal links
backlinks

Science

links between variables
genetic links
causal links
missing links

Business

commercial links
establish links
sever links
professional links

Daily Life

chain links
cufflinks
sausage links
link up

Sports

on the links
golf links
links course
the local links

Conversation Starters

"Have you seen the links I sent you about the new project?"

"Do you think there are strong links between diet and happiness?"

"What are the most important links in a successful team?"

"How do you usually link your different social media accounts?"

"Have you ever played golf on one of the famous coastal links?"

Journal Prompts

Describe the most important links in your life right now (people, places, or ideas).

Write about a time when you found a 'missing link' in a problem you were trying to solve.

How do you think the internet and its millions of links have changed the way we learn?

Reflect on the links between your childhood experiences and your current goals.

If you could forge a new link with any organization or group, which one would it be and why?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both! As a noun, it is the plural of 'link' (e.g., 'the links in a chain'). As a verb, it is the third-person singular form of 'to link' (e.g., 'He links the two files').

In golf, 'the links' refers to a specific type of golf course, usually built on coastal land with sandy soil and few trees. It is the traditional style of course found in Scotland.

Use it with a singular subject like 'it', 'he', 'she', or a singular noun. For example: 'The study links diet to health.' Don't forget the 's' at the end!

A 'missing link' is a piece of information or a thing that is needed to complete a series or a logical argument. It is often used in the context of evolution to describe transitional fossils.

Yes! If you are sending only one web address, use the singular 'link'. Use 'links' only if you are sending two or more.

Cufflinks are small decorative items used to fasten the cuffs of a dress shirt. They 'link' the two sides of the cuff together.

'Links to' often shows a direction or a result (e.g., 'This path links to the park'). 'Links with' often shows a partnership or association (e.g., 'Our company links with local schools').

Yes, it is extremely common, especially in the digital age because of 'hyperlinks' on the internet.

To 'sever links' means to completely break or end a relationship or connection with someone or something.

Yes, you can say someone has 'links' to a certain group or organization, meaning they are connected to them in some way.