Cohesive devices, also known as cohesive ties or transitional words and phrases, are words and phrases that help connect and link ideas in a piece of writing or speech. They can be used to signal the relationships between different parts of a text, such as the relationship between cause and effect, comparison and contrast, or sequence and time. Here are 30 examples of cohesive devices:
- Addition: and, also, in addition, moreover, furthermore
Example: "I like to play soccer, and I also enjoy playing basketball."
- Comparison: as, like, similarly, in the same way, just as
Example: "She sings like an angel."
- Contrast: but, however, on the other hand, in contrast, despite
Example: "He wanted to go to the park, but it was raining."
- Cause and effect: because, so, therefore, as a result, hence
Example: "I forgot my keys, so I had to climb through the window."
- Emphasis: indeed, in fact, actually, absolutely, certainly
Example: "She is, indeed, the best candidate for the job."
- Generalizing: generally, generally speaking, on the whole, as a rule
Example: "Generally speaking, it's not a good idea to eat too much sugar."
- Giving examples: for example, such as, like, as
Example: "There are many types of fruit, such as apples, bananas, and oranges."
- Clarification: that is, in other words, to put it another way
Example: "I'm sorry, I didn't understand. Could you explain that again, in other words?"
- Concession: although, even though, despite, while
Example: "Although I'm not a fan of horror movies, I'll watch it with you."
- Contrasting idea: but, on the other hand, however, alternatively
Example: "I like coffee, but I prefer tea."
- Sequence: first, second, third, then, next, finally
Example: "First, we will gather all the necessary materials. Next, we will follow the instructions to assemble the bookshelf. Finally, we will test it to make sure it's stable."
- Time: after, before, when, while, as, during
Example: "After dinner, we will watch a movie."
- Summary: in summary, to summarize, in conclusion, overall
Example: "In conclusion, the evidence suggests that increasing physical activity can improve mental health."
- Emphasis: above all, especially, indeed, in particular
Example: "Above all, remember to be kind to yourself."
- Cause and effect: as a result, consequently, thus, therefore
Example: "She didn't eat breakfast, and as a result, she felt hungry during the meeting."
- Condition: if, unless, provided that, on condition that
Example: "I'll lend you my car if you promise to be careful with it."
- Purpose: so that, in order to, to
Example: "I'm going to the store to buy milk."
- Consequence: as a result, therefore, consequently
Example: "She forgot to turn off the stove, and as a result, the kitchen caught on fire."
- Exception: except, excluding, besides, apart from
Example: "Everyone is invited to the party, except for Bob."
- Emphasis: indeed, in fact, actually, absolutely, certainly
Example: "She is, indeed, the best candidate for the job."
- Restatement: that is, in other words, to put it another way.
Example: "I'm sorry, I didn't understand. Could you explain that again, in other words?"
- Concession: although, even though, despite, while
Example: "Although I'm not a fan of horror movies, I'll watch it with you."
- Contrasting idea: but, on the other hand, however, alternatively
Example: "I like coffee, but I prefer tea."
- Comparison: as, like, similarly, in the same way, just as
Example: "She sings like an angel."
- Adding information: and, also, in addition, moreover, furthermore
Example: "I like to play soccer, and I also enjoy playing basketball."
- Result: so, therefore, as a result, hence
Example: "I forgot my keys, so I had to climb through the window."
- Time: after, before, when, while, as, during
Example: "After dinner, we will watch a movie."
- Condition: if, unless, provided that, on condition that
Example: "I'll lend you my car if you promise to be careful with it."
- Purpose: so that, in order to, to
Example: "I'm going to the store to buy milk."
- Exception: except, excluding, besides, apart from
Example: "Everyone is invited to the party, except for Bob.
