Linking Words and Pharses PDF

I. Coherence: Linking words and phrases.
To make your work more readable and meaningful, ideas and paragraphs must be linked. Linking words are
essential in developing coherent logical arguments and discussion in your assignments. They show the
relationships between the ideas and are the glue that holds your assignment together. The table below
provides an overview of commonly used linking words.
List/Sequence words: orders Effect/Results: something Emphasis: special importance

the information in a sequence brought about by a cause or significance
first, firstly, the first … so as a result undoubtedly

second, secondly, the second, as a consequence indeed
the third, etc., therefore obviously
next, last the next, the last thus generally
finally consequently admittedly
in addition hence in theory
moreover due to in fact
furthermore as a result of
particularly
also as a consequence of
especially
one … (reason / problem / factor) This/ it results in clearly
Addition: adds to what was Cause/Reason: responsible for an Elaboration /Qualification
previously stated action or result
in addition, for frequently

furthermore, because occasionally
also since usually
and as especially
as well as because of in fact
to cause in particular
the cause of actually
the reason for specifically
Conclusion/Summary: Restatement/Explanation: Alternative:

generalising or summing up referring back
in conclusion in fact otherwise …

to summarise indeed or if
in brief that is unless
in conclusion in other words
in short
in general
Concede a point: indicates a Build towards climax: Narrow the focus:

surprising statement in view of
previous comments
it is true that more/most importantly specifically

of course more/most significantly more to the point
no doubt above all looking more closely at
primarily
essentially
1
Comparison: indicates the similar Contrast: indicates the different Example: illustrating the point
relationship between things relationship between things
similarly however for example

likewise nevertheless for instance
also although that is to say
too (even)though such as
as but including
and yet to illustrate
just like in contrast
similar to in comparison
the same as whereas
not only…but on the other hand
also on the contrary
compared to/with despite
Time – moving forward: Time – moving backward: Time – simultaneous
then previously meanwhile

later earlier in the meantime
next before that simultaneously
after that prior to that at the same time
finally formerly at that moment
at long last initially … but now
in time
eventually
subsequently
II. Other ways of ensuring clarity in your writing
1. Use internal referent words (or pronouns): These words refer back to something that has
been mentioned already. They are used to link ideas, to repeat the reference, to avoid an unclear
reference, to avoid unnecessary repetition of subject/object
this / that
the + noun
it / they / them
these / those
her / his / its
its / their
Please be careful that the reader can clearly understand what or who these words refer to.
2. Repeat phrases and key words: Repeating an idea will help you develop coherent writing and
also help your reader stay focussed by reminding them of your main ideas. Using synonyms or
other terms also adds variety to your writing.
3. Use parallel structures: Using similar grammatical structures in sentences to group similar
types of ideas or elements can help readers to see the connections between them.
4. Plan and organise your ideas: Well organised paragraphs are the most effective way to
maintain coherence. Plan what you are going to write so that information is clear and logical.
Group related ideas together. Make sure each paragraph has a topic sentence and that all
information in that paragraph relates to it so the reader isn’t distracted by irrelevant details. Good
structure is the key to making an assignment flow and easy to understand.
Ionut Alecsandru
Centre d'Idiomes Moderns
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya 2

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I. Coherence: Linking words and phrases.

List/Sequence words: orders Effect/Results: something Emphasis: special importance

first, firstly, the first … so as a result undoubtedly

in addition, for frequently

Conclusion/Summary: Restatement/Explanation: Alternative:

in conclusion in fact otherwise …

Concede a point: indicates a Build towards climax: Narrow the focus:

it is true that more/most importantly specifically

similarly however for example

Time – moving forward: Time – moving backward: Time – simultaneous

then previously meanwhile

II. Other ways of ensuring clarity in your writing

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