Using connective words when writing

November 21, 2009
Using connective words well when writing help to keep the reader's attention

Using connective words well when writing help to keep the reader's attention

Sentences and paragraphs that open in different ways and include connective words within will hold a reader’s attention because they help to lead the reader easily from one point to the next.

Conversely, if sentences and paragraphs are written in short, staccato-like sentences with no words that connect the sentences, reading is very difficult. Likewise, long-winded rambling sentences without a variety of connecting words are very difficult to read. In fact, well constructed sentences and paragraphs  show the reader the connections between ideas and from one sentence to the next.

Examples of connecting words for a variety of writing styles

To add to a statement or viewpoint

equally important, finally, further, furthermore, what is more, moreover, as well as, in addition, to expand, firstly (secondly, thirdly and so forth), not only this … but also (note you must include ‘also’ after but), in fact, another way to, besides, in general, more specifically, no matter what

To show similarity

similarly, likewise, in a similar manner, like, in the same way, such as, at any rate, also, even so, in other words, in general, more specifically, at the same time, in addition to, for the same reason

To contrast

however, nevertheless, rather, whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, on the contrary, by comparison, compared to, although, conversely, but, meanwhile, in contrast, after all, otherwise, alternatively, nonetheless, notwithstanding, regardless, in any case, even, yet, despite this

To express an alternative

or, either . . . or, whether . . . or, conversely, this can be relevant in at least two, first … second, or firstly … secondly (using ‘ly’ is grammatically correct)

To make a concession

granted, naturally, of course

To place statement in a particular context

in this connection, from this perspective, from this viewpoint, this point of view, in this school of thought, from this standpoint, from this standpoint, so conceptually one could argue

To place a statement in a timely fashion

previously, before this, to begin with, at first, ultimately, later, then, since then, since, after that, soon, next, gradually, while, meanwhile, furthermore, sometimes, eventually, finally, lastly, summing up, in summation, in conclusion, [there are three reasons for this] firstly, secondly, thirdly, soon, sometimes, when, now, once,

To show cause and effect

as a result, consequently, as a consequence, hence, due to, in view of, on account of, accordingly, for this reason, therefore, following on from this, thus, hence, moreover, that is why

To prove a point

because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, indeed, in fact, in any case, that is, demonstrably, in all likelihood, in all probability, no doubt, seemingly, therefore, in that, owing to, on account of, considering, be reason of, hence, consequently, in view of, insofar as, increasingly, more importantly, even though, particularly, above all, especially since, in any case, by far, even if

To give an example of an earlier point of view

for example, for instance, in this case, to illustrate, as an illustration, to take another example, namely, that is, as shown by, as illustrated by, as expressed by

To repeat, insist on or refer back to an earlier point

as previously mentioned, as I have said, in brief, as I have noted, as has been noted

To emphasise when adding a conditional statement

indeed, obviously, patently, apparently, accordingly, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, understandably, in accordance with, according to, otherwise, as far as

To conclude a paragraph or an essay

thus, lastly, in brief, in short, on the whole, to sum up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, in summary, to summarise, in conclusion, ultimately

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