Connecting ideas in writing

Suggestions for connecting ideas at the sentence and paragraph level in academic writing.

In academic writing, it is important to present an argument clearly and cohesively. In addition, you may be required to discuss and evaluate existing research or ideas about the topic under discussion. Often you will be assessed on your ability to do both. Developing the language to connect ideas in academic writing will help you with both these tasks. The appropriate use of 'discourse markers,' that is, words or phrases that signal a relationship, can reveal and reinforce the direction that your argument is taking, and make clear the relations between sections of your writing.

Here we provide suggestions for sentence openers, 'linking words' within sentences and between paragraphs, and alternative vocabulary choices you might use when connecting ideas in writing.

Connectives used in and between sentences

Connectives allow us to be more precise about the relationships between statements in a sentence or between sentences. Particular phrases and words serve different functions in connecting ideas and arguments. For example, different clauses or words can signal or 'signpost' additional or similar information, opposition or contrast, concession, cause or effect, emphasis, clarification, or a relationship in time or sequence. Some useful examples of each are categorised by function below.

Note that most of these terms can also be used to start new paragraphs. However, some of them need to be incorporated into fuller sentences to be effective as paragraph openers. For example, if you use notwithstanding as a paragraph opener you may have to add other content words to provide more information such as "Nothwithstanding a lack of natural resources, the region has…"

Addition To add an idea

Additionally, and, also, apart from this, as well (as), in addition, moreover, further, furthermore.

Condition to provide a condition

If, in that case, provided that, unless.

For comparison To show how things are similar

Correspondingly, equally, for the same reason, in a similar manner, in comparison, in the same way, on the one hand, similarly.

For contrast To show how things are different

Alternatively, although, but, conversely, despite, even so, even though, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, on the contrary, contrary to, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, on the other hand, rather, still, though, yet, whereas, while.

For emphasis To put forward an idea more forcefully

Again, in fact, interestingly, indeed, it should be noted (that), more important(ly), most importantly, to repeat, (un)fortunately, unquestionably.

For illustration To provide examples

A further instance of this is..., an example of this is…, for example, for instance, such as, thus, as follows.

For restatement For rephrasing statements

In other words, more simply, namely, simply put, to put it differently / another way, such as, that is.

The cause of things To attribute the reasons for something occurring

A / the consequence of, because, due to, for, the effect of …, since, the result of …

The effect of things To show the effect of something

Accordingly, as a result/consequence, consequently, for this reason, hence, so, therefore, thus.

For concession / qualification Conceding something

Admittedly, although, clearly though, even though, however, indeed, obviously.

Generalisation Making a general statement

As a rule, for the most part, generally, in general, in most cases, normally, on the whole, usually.

Time order To indicate a chronological sequence

First, second, third (etc), next, before, earlier, finally, following, given the above, later, meanwhile, subsequently, then, to conclude, while.

A note about presentation and style

Check a usage guide for exact rules for punctuation. Many introductory phrases have a comma after them. For example, 'therefore,' and 'in addition,'.

Connecting paragraphs

Apart from using the linking words / phrases above, showing the link between paragraphs could involve writing 'hand-holding' sentences. These are sentences that link back to the ideas of the previous paragraph. For instance, when outlining the positive and negative issues about a topic you could use the following:

Example (from beginning of previous paragraph):

  • One of the main advantages of X is…

When you are ready to move your discussion to the negative issues, you could write one of the following as a paragraph opener:

Example

  • Having considered the positive effects of X, negative issues may now need to be taken into account…
  • Despite the positive effects outlined above, negative issues also need to be considered...

It is always important to make paragraphs part of a coherent whole text; they must not remain isolated units.

Checking for paragraph links in your own work

When you are editing your next written assignment, ask yourself the following questions as you read through your work (Gillett, Hammond, & Martala, 2009):

  • Does the start of my paragraph give my reader enough information about what the paragraph will be about?
  • Does my paragraph add to or elaborate on a point made previously and, if so, have I made this explicit with an appropriate linking word / phrase?
  • Does my paragraph introduce a completely new point or a different viewpoint to before and, if so, have I explicitly shown this with a suitable connective?
  • Have I used similar connectives repeatedly? If yes, try to vary them using the above list.

Explore all resources

    • Online learning module

    Building good paragraphs

    Understand paragraph structure, cohesion and coherence, and other elements that assist you to produce well-developed academic paragraphs.

    • Quick read

    Using sources in assessments: voice in academic writing

    Effectively combine your ideas with those of other writers.

    • Online learning module

    Essay writing

    We break down the structure of an essay and show you how to do it well.

Two people looking over study materials

Looking for one-on-one advice?

Get tailored advice from an Academic Skills adviser by booking an individual appointment, or get quick advice from one of our Academic Writing Tutors in our online drop-in sessions.

Get one-on-one advice