30 Cohesive Devices to Improve Your Writing: Included Examples

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:
  1. Addition: and, also, in addition, moreover, furthermore
    Example: "I like to play soccer, and I also enjoy playing basketball."
  2. Comparison: as, like, similarly, in the same way, just as
    Example: "She sings like an angel."
  3. Contrast: but, however, on the other hand, in contrast, despite
    Example: "He wanted to go to the park, but it was raining."
  4. Cause and effect: because, so, therefore, as a result, hence
    Example: "I forgot my keys, so I had to climb through the window."
  5. Emphasis: indeed, in fact, actually, absolutely, certainly
    Example: "She is, indeed, the best candidate for the job."
  6. Generalizing: generally, generally speaking, on the whole, as a rule
    Example: "Generally speaking, it's not a good idea to eat too much sugar."
  7. Giving examples: for example, such as, like, as
    Example: "There are many types of fruit, such as apples, bananas, and oranges."
  8. 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?"
  9. Concession: although, even though, despite, while
    Example: "Although I'm not a fan of horror movies, I'll watch it with you."
  10. Contrasting idea: but, on the other hand, however, alternatively
    Example: "I like coffee, but I prefer tea."
  11. 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."
  12. Time: after, before, when, while, as, during
    Example: "After dinner, we will watch a movie."
  13. Summary: in summary, to summarize, in conclusion, overall
    Example: "In conclusion, the evidence suggests that increasing physical activity can improve mental health."
  14. Emphasis: above all, especially, indeed, in particular
    Example: "Above all, remember to be kind to yourself."
  15. 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."
  16. Condition: if, unless, provided that, on condition that
    Example: "I'll lend you my car if you promise to be careful with it."
  17. Purpose: so that, in order to, to
    Example: "I'm going to the store to buy milk."
  18. Consequence: as a result, therefore, consequently
    Example: "She forgot to turn off the stove, and as a result, the kitchen caught on fire."
  19. Exception: except, excluding, besides, apart from
    Example: "Everyone is invited to the party, except for Bob."
  20. Emphasis: indeed, in fact, actually, absolutely, certainly
    Example: "She is, indeed, the best candidate for the job."
  21. 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?"
  22. Concession: although, even though, despite, while
    Example: "Although I'm not a fan of horror movies, I'll watch it with you."
  23. Contrasting idea: but, on the other hand, however, alternatively
    Example: "I like coffee, but I prefer tea."
  24. Comparison: as, like, similarly, in the same way, just as
    Example: "She sings like an angel."
  25. Adding information: and, also, in addition, moreover, furthermore
    Example: "I like to play soccer, and I also enjoy playing basketball."
  26. Result: so, therefore, as a result, hence
    Example: "I forgot my keys, so I had to climb through the window."
  27. Time: after, before, when, while, as, during
    Example: "After dinner, we will watch a movie."
  28. Condition: if, unless, provided that, on condition that
    Example: "I'll lend you my car if you promise to be careful with it."
  29. Purpose: so that, in order to, to
    Example: "I'm going to the store to buy milk."
  30. Exception: except, excluding, besides, apart from
    Example: "Everyone is invited to the party, except for Bob.
Cookie Consent
We serve cookies on this site to analyze traffic, remember your preferences, and optimize your experience.
Oops!
It seems there is something wrong with your internet connection. Please connect to the internet and start browsing again.
AdBlock Detected!
We have detected that you are using adblocking plugin in your browser.
The revenue we earn by the advertisements is used to manage this website, we request you to whitelist our website in your adblocking plugin.
Site is Blocked
Sorry! This site is not available in your country.