Linking ideas
There will be a number of arguments in a piece of discursive writing. Using linking words effectively can help you achieve this. These words are usually used at the beginning of a new paragraph, but they can also be used to link ideas within a paragraph.
| Type of link | Example |
| Same line of thought | furthermore, likewise, in addition, similarly, also, moreover - numbering your points (‘firstly’, ‘secondly’, etc) is a rather mechanical method of linking and is best avoided |
| Conclusion or summary | thus, therefore, consequently, accordingly, in retrospect, hence, in conclusion, in brief, as a result |
| Definite statement | without question, without doubt, unquestionably, absolutely |
| Contrasting idea | yet, on the other hand, nevertheless, however, although, conversely, otherwise, on the contrary |
| Further examples | because, for instance, since, for example, so that, despite the fact that, accordingly, although, if, though, unless |
| Type of link | Same line of thought |
|---|---|
| Example | furthermore, likewise, in addition, similarly, also, moreover - numbering your points (‘firstly’, ‘secondly’, etc) is a rather mechanical method of linking and is best avoided |
| Type of link | Conclusion or summary |
|---|---|
| Example | thus, therefore, consequently, accordingly, in retrospect, hence, in conclusion, in brief, as a result |
| Type of link | Definite statement |
|---|---|
| Example | without question, without doubt, unquestionably, absolutely |
| Type of link | Contrasting idea |
|---|---|
| Example | yet, on the other hand, nevertheless, however, although, conversely, otherwise, on the contrary |
| Type of link | Further examples |
|---|---|
| Example | because, for instance, since, for example, so that, despite the fact that, accordingly, although, if, though, unless |