Linking words and phrases
Although some of these words have already been mentioned as sentence connectors, they can also be
used to develop coherence within a paragraph, that is linking one idea / argument to another. Print off this
page to keep as a reference of useful linking words and phrases.
Sequence
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First / firstly, second /
secondly, third / thirdly
etc
Next, last, finally
In addition, moreover
Further / furthermore
Another
Also
In conclusion
To summarise
Result
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Emphasis
So
As a result
As a consequence (of)
Therefore
Thus
Consequently
Hence
Due to
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Undoubtedly
Indeed
Obviously
Generally
Admittedly
In fact
Particularly / in
particular
Especially
Clearly
Importantly
Addition
Reason
Example
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And
In addition /
additionally / an
additional
Furthermore
Also
Too
As well as
Contrast
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However
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Still
Although / even though
Though
But
Yet
Despite / in spite of
In contrast (to) / in
comparison
While
Whereas
On the other hand
On the contrary
For
Because
Since
As
Because of
Comparison
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Similarly
Likewise
Also
Like
Just as
Just like
Similar to
Same as
Compare
compare(d) to / with
Not only...but also
For example
For instance
That is (ie)
Such as
Including
Namely
Sentence connectors
Sentence connectors are used to link ideas from one sentence to the next and to give paragraphs
coherence. Sentence connectors perform different functions and are placed at the beginning of a
sentence. They are used to introduce, order, contrast, sequence ideas, theory, data etc. The following table
lists useful connectors.
Logical / sequential order
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Firstly, secondly, thirdly etc
Next, last, finally
In addition
Furthermore
Also
At present / presently
Contrast
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However
On the other hand
On the contrary
By (in) comparison
In contrast
Comparison
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Similarily
Likewise
Also
Order of importance
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Most / more importantly
Most significantly
Above all
Primarily
It is essential / essentially
Result
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As a result
As a consequence
Therefore
Thus
Consequently
Hence
Reason
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The cause of
The reason for