Coherence Linking Words

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

the information in a sequence brought about by a cause importance or significance
first, firstly, the first … so undoubtedly
second, secondly, the second as a result indeed
third, etc as a consequence obviously
next, last therefore generally
the next, the last thus admittedly
finally consequently in theory
in addition hence in fact
moreover due to particularly
furthermore as a result of especially
also as a consequence of clearly
one … (reason / problem / factor) result in
Addition: adds to what was Cause / Reason: responsible Elaboration / Qualification

previously stated for an 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
in brief that is if
in conclusion in other words unless
in short
in general
Concede a point: indicates a Build towards climax: Narrow the focus:
surprising statement in view of more / most importantly specifically
previous comments more / most significantly more to the point
it is true that above all looking more closely at
of course primarily
no doubt essentially
1
Comparison: indicates the Contrast: indicates the different Example: illustrating the
similar relationship between relationship between things point
things
similarly however for example

likewise nevertheless for instance
also although that is
too (even) though such as
as but including
and yet to illustrate
just like in contrast namely
similar to in comparison
the same as whereas
not only…but also on the other hand
compared to/with on the contrary
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
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 phrase) it / they / them

these / those her / his / its its / their
N.B. 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. Similarly, in reports, lists of dot
points should consistent in the word forms used, that is, each point should begin with the same part of speech
(e.g. noun, verb) or same verb tense (e.g. past or present).
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.

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COHERENCE: LINKING WORDS AND PHRASES

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

Addition: adds to what was Cause / Reason: responsible Elaboration / Qualification

in addition for frequently

Conclusion / Summary: Restatement / Explanation : Alternative:

similarly however for example

Other ways of ensuring clarity in your writing

this / that the … (noun phrase) it / they / them

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