All sentences in a paragraph need to relate to the main idea in the topic sentence. The reader should be able to see how each sentence flows from the previous one and how each is connected to the topic sentence. Linking words and phrases weave sentences together to create a cohesive paragraph.
Linking words and phrases
Sequence
| First, firstly, second, third, thirdly | next, last finally |
| in addition, moreover | furthermore |
| also | In conclusion, to summarise |
| The first... | The/a second |
| One... | Another... |
| An additional... | |
Addition
| In addition | Furthermore |
| Also | and |
| as well as | |
Cause
| For | because |
| since | as |
| because of | to cause |
Effect
| So | as a result |
| as a consequence | therefore |
| thus | consequently |
| hence | to result from |
| due to | as a result/consequence |
| of | to result in |
| to affect | |
Emphasis
| Undoubtedly | Indeed |
| Obviously | Generally |
| Admittedly | In theory/fact |
| Particularly | Especially |
| Clearly | |
Comparison
| Similarly | Likewise |
| Also | Too |
| as | just as |
| and | like |
| just like | similar to |
| be similar to/ the same as | be alike |
| not only...but also | to compare to/with |
Contrast
| However | Nevertheless |
| Nonetheless | Still |
| Although, Even though, though | but |
| yet | Despite, In spite of |
| In contrast, In comparison | While, whereas |
| On the other hand | On the contrary |
| But | |
Example
| For example | For instance |
| That is | Such as |
| Including | Namely |
