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Connecting Words
Words that connect ideas together fall into four main groups:
the and relationship, which shows that additional information is
given that is likely to add to your argument, or which give
further illustration of your point;
the but relationship, which shows that you wish to present
information that will contrast with or contradict your previous
point;
the so relationship, which gives the idea of outcome or result…
this is the case, so that must follow;
and words that give a sense of time, words which mark each
point in a series of points, or indicate that you are about to
summarise or conclude.
The following sheets give words and phrases that are frequently
used to express these connections. Their use is sometimes subtle.
Practice looking out for them in your reading and becoming aware
of any slight differences in their meaning.
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And
Conjunctive adverbs: these join
two clauses together after a semi-
colon and must be followed by a
comma.
Example: There were many Words to use within sentences
problems with the design of the
rocket; moreover, changes in the
crew also affected the launch.
Some conjunctive adverbs can
also begin sentences.
In addition Also
Furthermore That is
Alternatively (note: not Besides
necessarily contrasting, but
another point to consider)
Likewise Not only… but also
Similarly
In the same way
Moreover
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But
Conjunctive adverbs: these join
two clauses together after a semi-
colon and must be followed by a
comma.
Example: There were many Words to use within sentences
problems with the design of the
rocket; however, the changes in
the crew were more important
regarding the crash.
Some conjunctive adverbs can
also begin sentences.
Despite this Rather
However Yet
Nevertheless
Instead
On the other hand
At the same time
On the contrary
In any case
In either case
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So
Conjunctive adverbs: these join
two clauses together after a semi-
colon and must be followed by a
comma.
Example: There were many Words to use within sentences
problems with the design of the
rocket; moreover, changes in the
crew also affected the launch.
Some conjunctive adverbs can
also begin sentences.
Therefore Hence
Consequently Because of this
For this reason That being so
On account of this Otherwise
In consequence
Arising out of this
To this end
In that case
In such a case
Under the circumstances
With reference to this
In other respects
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Time
Conjunctive adverbs: these join two clauses together after a semi-
colon (or colon in a list) and must be followed by a comma.
Example: Several factors affected the launch: firstly, there were
problems with the design of the rocket; secondly, the crew were not
prepared; and finally, the stormy weather affected the launch site.
Some conjunctive adverbs can also begin sentences.
First… then… next… finally
Firstly… secondly… thirdly…
finally After a time
At first… in the end On another occasion
Previously Meanwhile
Up to now To sum up
Hitherto In summary
Now Briefly
At this point In conclusion
After that
From now on
