- similarity
- contrast
- actuality
- exemplification
- explanation
- definition
- relative significance
- chronological order
One easy way to increase the formality of your writing use some of the formal linkers below to show the relationship between the ideas in your sentences.
|
And… (adding information) |
But… (expressing contrast) |
Because… (identifying reasons or purpose) |
So… (explaining results or conclusions) |
That is… (giving definitions) |
For example… (giving support) |
In fact, … (expressing actuality) |
|
… also … as well (as) … too … not (only) … but (also) … Also, Furthermore, In addition, Moreover, What is more, Likewise, Similarly,
|
although even though though whereas while in spite of / despite (the fact that) However, Nonetheless, Nevertheless, On the other hand, On the contrary, |
Reasons: because as since due to / owing to / because of (the fact that) Purpose: (not) to (+ vb) in order (not) to (+ vb) so as (not) to (+ vb) |
Results: As a result, Consequently, For this reason, This is why … Thus, Therefore, |
In other words, That is to say, namely, which means / meaning which can be defined as i.e., |
For instance, To illustrate, To exemplify, such as including e.g., |
In fact, Actually, In reality, As a matter of fact, In actual fact, |
Notes:
- Avoid starting sentences with simple conjunctions like “and”, “but”, or “so”, and use formal linkers like those above
- Try to use a variety of linkers instead of relying on just one or two
- Only use linkers where it is necessary to show a logical or semantic relationship – don’t use them in every sentence to try and get “points”!