Linking words and connectors

The opinions and ideas in a text are introduced by connectors that link the previous ideas or contrast, balance or justify with the next ideas. Whenever we need to organise an argument in a text we must use linking words or phrases to make the ideas understandable. Whenever we need to clarify the general meaning of a text to the reader we must use them, therefore the student comes across them quite often whether in writing or reading a text, the student of English must learn how to use them:

-Sequence of points: most people develop develop an argument by means of a sequence.

E.g. First, Second, Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, etc.

First of all, In the first place, For one thing, In the first/second/third/ fourth place…

-Adding information: these connectors are used to add information to the main idea…

E.g. Morever, Also, Apart from that, Besides, Furthermore, In addition to this, What is more, It must also be said that, Too, After that.

-Connectors: they connect paragraphs: Thus, Then, So, As, And, Therefore.

-Giving examples: For example, for instance, as an instance.

-Cause and Effect: they link the ideas of cause and effect in an argument…

E.g: Because of…Owing to…Due to…As a result, Consequently,

When a reason is given the text will go on with these connectors: For this/these reason/s, That is why/ the reason, Likewise…

-Contrast: to change the direction of the argument by contrasting ideas or points.

E.g. But, However, Although (at the beginning of a sentence), though, Nevertheless,

In spite of, At the same time, All the same, Nonetheless, After all, In contrast, Whereas,

On the one hand/ on the other hand, Despite, On the contrary, In contrast.

-Referring to a subject or person: Regarding, As regards, With regard to, As far as…is concerned, In this connection.

-Finish an argument or discussion: At/ In any case, After all, At all events, Anyway.

-Conclusion: to introduce a conclusion, the argument is coming to and end.

E.g. Finally, Lastly, Above all, In conclusion, To sum up, Summarising, Summing up,

Taking everything into account, All things considered, All in all, In brief, In short, In a word, To conclude, As the author points out, According to the text.

-To give an opinion: to introduce a personal opinion:

E.g. I (honestly) think, I believe, In my view, From my point of view, I agree, I disagree that, In my opinion, It seems to me that…