Paragraph Coherence:
Gluing Sentences Together
Sentence glue is necessary to provide coherence to your paragraph. These
transitions help the reader understand how each sentence supports your topic.
Between each sentence, there must be word glue and logic glue.
Word Glue
These are actual words a writer uses to join two sentences together.
 Key Words: repeated words or synonyms that refer to the previous
idea.
 Pronouns: [it, here, they those] use to refer to nouns in previous
sentences
 Traditional transitional words:
 For example
 Furthermore
 In addition
 First, second, third
Logic Glue
These might not be words that you actually use, but they represent the
relationship between two sentences. Quite often, this relationship is implied
rather than stated.
For example:
AND
Continues the same idea with new facts
Aluminum is a cheap metal to make. It’s cost-effective for consumers.
BUT
A change in the idea of the previous sentence
It’s cost-effective for consumers. Aluminum is not the strongest metal, however.
OR
An alternative for the earlier sentence
Aluminum foil can be used to wrap leftover food. My nephew uses it to make a
space helmet.
THAT IS
A definition or restatement of the earlier sentence
The laborious extraction of copper is a costly process. Paying the workers and
running the machinery is very expensive.
FOR EXAMPLE An example of the earlier sentence
Aluminum foil is both cheap and useful. I got some at the store, and it only cost
$1.29.
THEREFORE
A conclusion or effect based on the earlier sentence
My nephew uses foil to make a space helmet and protect himself from alien
laser beams. We plan to take him to see the doctor very soon.
FOR A reason or cause for the earlier sentence
I am so annoyed about these crummy grocery store sacks. My sack broke on the
way to the car.
More Examples of Transitional Language
LOGICAL RELATIONSHIP
TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION
Similarity
also, in the same way, just as ...
so too, likewise, similarly
Exception/Contrast
but, however, in spite of, on the
one hand ... on the other hand,
nevertheless, nonetheless,
notwithstanding, in contrast, on
the contrary, still, yet
Sequence/Order
first, second, third, ... next, then,
finally
Time
after, afterward, at last, before,
currently, during, earlier,
immediately, later, meanwhile,
now, recently, simultaneously,
subsequently, then
Example
for example, for instance, namely,
specifically, to illustrate
Emphasis
even, indeed, in fact, of course,
truly
Place/Position
above, adjacent, below, beyond,
here, in front, in back, nearby,
there
Cause and Effect
accordingly, consequently, hence,
so, therefore, thus
Additional Support or
Evidence
additionally, again, also, and, as
well, besides, equally important,
further, furthermore, in addition,
moreover, then
Conclusion/Summary
finally, in a word, in brief, in
conclusion, in the end, in the final
analysis, on the whole, thus, to
conclude, to summarize, in sum, in
summary
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/transitions.html
Helpful Tip: When paraphrasing a direct quote (something someone actually said), it’s wise
to give them credit in your paper. Remember the Jacques Cousteau quote we practiced in
class. “According to _________...”
“____________ states that…” “_________ believes that….”
“______ explains…” “As __________ said…” “______ has documented…” “Based on
what _____ said…” “_______ shares the idea of…” “_______ found that…” “________
expresses…” “_______ remarks that…”