Adding Information Examples
and We have seen the movie twice, and now we want to see it again.
not only . . . but also Not only did my brother break his leg, but he also bruised his rib.
also My friend speaks Korean and English. She also speaks Chinese.
moreover (more formal) Cheating is dishonest. Moreover, it hinders students from learning.
furthermore (more formal) Students should be on time. Furthermore, they must be prepared.
in addition (more formal) You must complete this essay by 5 p.m. In addition, you must do the exercises
on page 47.
Giving Examples Examples
for example I have been to many countries. For example, I have been to Russia, Canada,
for instance Mexico, and Spain.
specifically He often eats strange foods. For instance, he once ate cow brains.
in particular I like to travel. Specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.
The first (second, another, I love fruit. In particular, I like bananas, pineapple, and berries.
etc.)example/reason is . . . My friend hates skiing for several reasons. The first reason is that she dislikes
being cold. Another reason is that she often falls.
Showing a Contrast Examples
but Bill earned an A on his essay, but Susan got a B.
however We wanted to leave at 8:00. However, Mike arrived too late.
on the other hand She hates housecleaning. On the other hand, she doesn't mind cooking.
otherwise Students should attend class. Otherwise, they may lose their status.
instead I am not going out tonight. Instead, I will stay home and watch a video.
in contrast (more formal) Women usually enjoy shopping. In contrast, men often dislike it.
Showing a Concession Examples
yet He knows that he should do his homework, yet he never does it.
nevertheless (more formal) I need to wear reading glasses. Nevertheless, I hate how I look in them.
even so I know you don't like to study. Even so, you must pass your exam.
however There are many benefits to exercising. However, you must take some
although precautions to avoid injury.
even though Even though the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.
despite the fact that . . . Although the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.
despite Despite the fact that Kate is good at tennis, she lost the match.
Despite Kate's skill at tennis, she lost the match.
Showing a Similarity Examples
likewise (more formal) Math was hard for me in high school. Likewise, it is hard in college.
similarly (more formal) Houseplants require much care and attention. Similarly, outdoor plants must be
in the same way cared for properly.
Rock climbing takes much practice and skill. In the same way, learning to write
well requires a great deal of practice.
Showing a Result Examples
so Janet passed her exam, so she is very happy.
as a result Tim was late. As a result, we could not go to the concert.
therefore James is not feeling well. Therefore, he will not be here today.
thus (more formal) The committee voted against the proposal. Thus, we must consider another
as a consequence idea.
consequently (more formal) I forgot that the cake was in the oven. As a consequence, it burned.
Tina lost her keys. Consequently, she could not drive home.
Establishing Time Relation or Examples
Sequence
First, I think that she is studying hard.
first Second, I believe that she is a bright student.
second Finally, I know that she has great potential.
finally In conclusion, I feel that she deserves to win the scholarship.
in conclusion In summary, we should offer her some financial help.
in summary Jeff was working hard to clean the house. Meanwhile, his brother was watching
meanwhile television.
Showing a Condition Examples
or I must study hard, or I will fail my exam.
whether . . . or Whether you are coming or not, I am still going to Amy's party.
if . . . (then) If you want to get good grades, then you must do your homework.
Explaining or Emphasizing Examples
in fact The bookstore sells cards. In fact, they have the best cards around.
actually James is actually the first person I have known who has been to Africa.
in other words He was late to class again. In other words, he didn't wake up on time.
namely (more formal) The plan needed only two things to succeed—namely, time and money.
Giving an Alternative Examples
or We can go to the beach, or we can go to the mountains.
either . . . or You can either ride the bus or walk to my apartment.
neither . . . nor (more formal) I like neither that person nor his brother.
Punctuation Rules
1. Coordinating Conjunctions (and, but, or, yet, so):
2. Put a comma before these conjunctions. (Don't use them at the beginning of a sentence in more formal
writing.)
3. example: The movie has already started, but my friend has not arrived yet.
4. Correlative Conjunctions (These have two parts: either . . . or):
○ Put a comma before the second part if it connects 2 clauses (complete sentences).
○ example: Eric is not only an outstanding teacher, but he is also a gourmet cook.
○ You don't need a comma if it only connects words or phrases.
○ example: Eric is not only an outstanding teacher but also a gourmet cook.
1. Transitional Words and Phrases:
○ Put a comma after these if they are at the beginning of a sentence.
○ example: I like to travel. Specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.
○ Use a semicolon to connect the two sentences.
○ example: I like to travel; specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.
○ Use a comma before and after the transitional word/phrase in the middle of a clause.
○ example: I like to travel, and, specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.
