Level AAASince WCAG 2.0
2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only)
Guideline 2.4: Navigable – People can find their way and always know where they are.
What does the rule require?
The link text makes sense entirely on its own – without the surrounding text. Screen readers can show links as a plain list.
How to get it right
Avoid repeated “Read more”. Write “Read more: new rules from 2025”.
Who benefits most?
- Blind people
- People with cognitive disabilities
Official wording
This page explains the rule in simple words. Only the original W3C text is normative.
- “Understanding Link Purpose (Link Only)” at W3C (external site)
- Techniques in the WCAG Quick Reference (external site)