Connectors are used to combine ideas in writing – and thus ensure that ideas within sentences and paragraphs are elegantly connected – for the benefit of the reader. They help the reader to progress from one idea to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent relationships within the text.
- SIMILARITY
likewise similarly correspondingly by the same token in the same way
- He failed the test in the same way he did before.
- She was late and I similarly was delayed.
- Public transportation is accessible in this country; likewise, its hospitals are also user-friendly.
- CONTRAST
On the other hand in contrast however nevertheless
- Dan worked hard. On the other hand/In contrast/ However, Ken hardly did any work at all.
- Greg is an optimist. In contrast/However/, Billy is a pessimist.
- She studied diligently for several months. Nevertheless/However, she failed.
- RESULT
Therefore thus consequently as a result hence
- He passed his exams. Therefore/Thus/Hence/Consequently, he had some good news to tell his parents.
- Professor Barry is an outstanding scientist. Hence, he is highly respected.
- He has been studying hard for a long time. Thus, he has made a lot of progress.
- The demand has increased sharply and as a result the prices are higher now.
- ADDITION AND LISTING
In addition moreover furthermore also besides additionally
First/first of all/firstly/to begin with secondly thirdly
- Tom plays football. Moreover/ Besides/ Also, he runs a restaurant.
- Mary writes short stories, in addition, she writes articles for a newspaper.
- Living in a big city offers good job opportunities. Also, it provides good educational opportunities.
- Owning a car has some advantages. First (First of all/Firstly/ To begin with), it gives you comfort. Secondly, it saves you a lot of time. Thirdly, it gives you great freedom of movement.
- TIME
at first afterwards later then in the meantime meanwhile
- I read the morning papers for a while. Afterwards, I took a shower.
- First pick up the receiver and then insert a coin into the coin-box.
- At first, I had great difficulty with grammar Later, however , I was able to overcome these difficulties by studying hard.
- The party is Tuesday, but in the meantime I have to shop and prepare the food.
- They’ll be here soon. Meanwhile, let’s have coffee.
- EXEMPLIFICATION
for instance for example to illustrate
- Women generally live longer than men. For instance, in the United States life expectancy for women is 75, while it is 73 for men.
- Earthquakes can be highly destructive. To illustrate, the earthquake which occurred in Japan in 1939 devastated the whole town, killing more than 35,000 people.
- PARTICULARIZATION
in particular particularly specifically
- Shopping in small markets is quite advantageous. In particular, one can find specialty items that larger stores do not contain.
- We still needed to arrange several details for the trip. Specifically, we had to make plane and train reservations as well as decide on the final itinerary.
- EXPLANATION
that is namely in other words that is
- The brochure dealt with travelling in Morocco. That is/In other words/ Namely, it discussed transportation, currency, and language.
- The machinery was not impaired; that is, it wasn’t damaged.
- Good readers should be able to read between the lines; that is, they should be able to make inferences (=to draw conclusions) about information that is conveyed indirectly or given only partially.
- There is only one topic to discuss, namely, the question of discipline.
- EMPHASIS
in fact indeed as a matter of fact actually
- He is quite wealthy. In fact, he is one of the richest men in Turkey.
- I like reading. As a matter of fact, it is my favorite pastime.
- Mural is a highly talented musician. Indeed, he has an extraordinary gift for music.
10.REFUTATION
on the contrary
- She is not ugly. On the contrary, she is a good-looking girl.
- I don’t hate classical music. On the contrary, I’m very fond of it.
12. REFORMULATION
in other words to put it in a different way, put differently
- He is a conservative. In other words, he favors the preservation of old institutions in their original form.
- Is there a cheaper solution? In other words, can you make a cheaper device?
13. CORRECTION
rather to be more precise
- He is enjoying himself. Rather, he seems to be enjoying himself.
- This system must be improved. Rather, it must be thoroughly changed.
- Her name is not Margeret. Rather, it is Margot.
14. TRANSITION
as for as to with regard to with respect to
as regards regarding as far as X is concerned
- Both Patrick and Owen are my friends. Patrick studies law at Ankara University. As for Owen, he studies mechanical engineering at METU.
- As far as comfort is concerned, a car is definitely much better than a bicycle. On the other hand, with respect to convenience, it is difficult to say the same thing.
15. NEGATIVE CONDITION
or else otherwise
- I must leave now, or else I’ll be late.
- You must study hard. Otherwise, you may fail.
16. SUMMATION/CONCLUSION
in summary in brief in short in conclusion to be brief to sum up all in all
- This is our most disastrous and embarrassing defeat ever; in short, it is a fiasco.
- The system lacked originality, efficiency and ingenuity. In conclusion, it was a complete failure.