Write an Essay

Link your essay ideas and paragraphs

Make sure that each sentence flows logically. The traditional way to do this when writing an essay is to use connecting words or phrases, often conjunctions (linking words) such as “although”, “because”, “so”, “moreover”, or “therefore”. In this way, you build your logic and arguments. These connections come in simple and complex forms.

Simple connections
also, although, and, as, because, but, despite, first, however, if, next, now, second, then, therefore, third, until

Although we sometimes need words to show the logic and connection between sentences and paragraphs, many connecting words make your style more complex and academic than necessary. For example:

Complex connections
accordingly, as you are aware, consequently, for this reason, furthermore, hence, in addition, inasmuch as, likewise, more specifically, moreover, nevertheless, nonetheless

Here’s a comprehensive list of connections. Try to limit yourself to the simple connections shown in blue. Try to avoid those shown in red as they detract from a clear, concise style.

Addition

again, and, besides, finally, first, next, second, then, third

further, furthermore, in addition, in addition to, lastly, moreover

Comparison

after all, against, although, but, by comparison, compared to, however, in contrast, meanwhile, where, yet

although this may be true, balanced against this, conversely, in the meantime, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, vis-à-vis, whereas

Conclusion

therefore, in conclusion, in summary, to conclude, to summarize

accordingly, as a result, as has been shown, consequently, thus

Emphasis

always, forever, naturally, never

absolutely, certainly, definitely, emphatically, extremely, in fact, indeed, obviously, positively, undeniably

Example

for example, for instance, such as, that is

e.g., i.e., in this case, in this situation, on this occasion

Exception

despite, however, sometimes, still, yet

in spite of, nevertheless, of course, once in a while

Proof

because, besides, if

evidently, for the same reason, furthermore, in fact, indeed, moreover, obviously

Sequence

after, afterward, afterwards, before, finally, first, following, later, next, now, previously, soon, then, therefore

and so forth, at this point, at this time, concurrently, consequently, hence, subsequently, thus

Time

after, afterward, afterwards, and then, finally, first, formerly, immediately, later, next, previously, second, soon, then,

firstly, secondly, thereafter, thirdly

Look at this example with too many complex connecting words or phrases. Don’t you think the style looks false and unnatural?

Use the connections to make sure your reader can follow the flow of information, ideas and arguments within sentences, from sentence to sentence and between paragraphs. But don’t let too many connections creep into your writing and keep to the simple ones recommended.