Cohesive devices are words, phrases, or techniques used to connect ideas and create coherence in writing. They help establish relationships between sentences and paragraphs. Here are some common cohesive devices:
To Indicate Agreement, Addition, or Similarity:
These cohesive devices show that the information being presented is similar or adds to what was previously mentioned.
Examples:
- additionally
- in like manner
- of course
- again
- correspondingly
- in the first place
- similarly
- along with
- coupled with
- in the light of
- then
- also
- equally
- in the same way
- to
- and equally important
- like
- to say nothing of
- what is more
To Indicate an Example, Show Support, or Emphasize:
These cohesive devices provide examples, support statements, or emphasize specific points.
Examples:
- another key point
- important to realize
- namely
- to clarify
- as an illustration
- in fact
- notably
- to demonstrate
- compelling evidence
- that is to say
- with attention to
- to be sure
- with this in mind
To Indicate an Effect, Result, or Consequence:
These cohesive devices show the cause-effect relationship between ideas or events.
Examples:
- accordingly
- consequently
- henceforth
- thereupon
- as a result
- for this reason
- thus
- because
- therefore
- hence
To Indicate Contradiction, Opposition, or Limitation:
These cohesive devices show a contrast or limitation to the previous information.
Examples:
- still
- be that as it may
- in contrast
- on the other hand
- yet
- besides
- in reality
- or
- although
- different from
- nonetheless
- then again
- albeit
- despite
- nevertheless
- regardless
- although this may be
- even so
- notwithstanding
- unlike
- while
To Indicate Cause, Condition, or Purpose:
These cohesive device examples show the cause, condition, or purpose of an action or event.
Examples:
- as / so long as
- in order to
- only / even if
- to the end that
- because of
- in the event that
- owing to
- unless
- due to
- in the hope that
- provided that
- when
- for fear that
- in view of
- seeing / being that
- whenever
- for the purpose of
- inasmuch as
- since
- while
- given that
- lest
- so as to
- with this in mind
- granted (that) ... then
- on (the) condition (that)
- so that
- with this intention
To Indicate Conclusion, Summary, or Restatement:
These cohesive device examples convey the conclusion, summary, or restatement of ideas.
Examples:
- after all
- for the most part
- in either case
- on balance
- all in all
- generally speaking
- in essence
- on the whole
- all things considered
- given these points
- in fact
- ordinarily
- altogether
- in a word
- in short
- overall
- as can be seen
- in any event
- in summary
- to sum up
- as has been noted
- in brief
- in the final analysis
- to summarize
- as shown above
- in conclusion
- in the long run
- usually
To Indicate Time, Chronology, or Sequence:
These cohesive device examples indicate time, chronology, or sequence of events.
Examples:
- after
- formerly
- last
- sooner or later
- all of a sudden
- forthwith
- later
- straightaway
- as long as
- from time to time
- meanwhile
- suddenly
- as soon as
- further
- next
- then
- at the present time
- hence
- now
- till
- at the same time
- henceforth
- now that
- to begin with
- at this instant
- immediately
- occasionally
- until
- before
- in a moment
- once
- until now
- by the time
- in due time
- presently
- up to the present time
- during
- in the first place
- prior to
- when
- eventually
- in the meantime
- quickly
- whenever
- finally
- in time
- shortly
- whenever
- first
- second
- instantly
- since
- without delay
To Indicate Space, Location, or Place:
These cohesive device examples indicate space, location, or place.
Examples:
- above
- below
- here and there
- next
- across
- beneath
- in front of
- on this side
- adjacent to
- beside
- in the background
- opposite to
- alongside
- between
- in the center of
- over
- amid
- beyond
- in the distance
- there
- among
- down
- in the foreground
- to the left/right
- around
- from
- in the middle
- under
- before
- further
- near
- where
- behind
- here
- nearby
- wherever