Connectors
There are a number of connectors in the English Language that can be used to help you show contrast, similarity, outcome, result, sequence and order or relevance or importance, exemplification, emphasis, explanation, dismissal, summarising or concluding, particularising, focusing, timing, and correction. Connectors are especially useful when it comes writing your IELTS essay as they will be able help you to optimize your essay.
Below is a list of all the connectors within the English language categorized by what they are used for. There also examples to help you see how they are applied.
Similarity
1. Likewise
There is never the perfect time to tell someone something unfortunate, likewise, no one is ever ready to receive bad news.
2. In the same way
Using painkillers will heal you of a headache in the same way cough syrups gets rid of a cough.
3. Similarly
Italian painters are renowned for their innovation, similarly so are the Greeks for their philosophies.
4. Also
I walked out of the meeting, also, why was John going off like that? That is no way to talk to an employee.
5. Correspondingly
I think mathematics is quite challenging, correspondingly, so is physical science.
6. Simultaneously
I walked out of the train, simultaneously, my ex-girlfriend walked in.
7. In the same breadth
I advocate for equal human rights, in the same breadth, I believe that we must all tolerate each other’s differences.
Outcome and Result
1. Therefore
I believe in the cosmos; therefore, I follow astronomy and horoscopes religiously.
2. As a consequence
I tried to write two exams on the same day, as a consequence, I failed one.
3. Thus
I wasn’t sure I could pass my IELTS exam, thus I decided to hire a tutor.
4. As a result
It rains quite often in Europe, as a result, most Europeans tend to vacation in sunnier destinations.
5. Accordingly
Umbrellas offer protection during various weather; accordingly, it is good to carry them around when it is hot and raining.
Contrast
1. Nonetheless
I know that humans only use on average about 10% of their brains, nonetheless, I often feel quite stupid.
2. Nevertheless
I really wasn’t feeling very well, nevertheless, I went to work because of the presentation.
3. In contrast
Property prices seem to constantly be soaring each year; in contrast, car prices seem to be diminishing.
4. However
I wanted to purchase a dress I saw in the shop last week, however, when I returned to the store today it was sold out.
5. Yet
Sometimes I feel like I cannot pass my final exams, yet, I still study hard.
6. All the same
He is a very good-looking guy, I can admit that, but all the same I still don’t think you should go out with him.
7. In any case
We planned to host a dinner party but only three people showed, in any case, we still had the party and it was a great time.
8. Instead
America should consider taking care of their gun laws, instead, they pretend there isn’t a problem.
9. On the contrary
I used to believe in Valentine’s day when I was younger, on the contrary, I think it is the dumbest holiday in the world.
10. By comparison
Dating in the 21 century certainly has its risks, by comparison, it also has its perks.
11. On the other hand
I can completely agree with what Lisa has said, on the other hand, I cannot disregard what Paul said either.
Sequence
1. First, Firstly, In the first place, First of all
Firstly, she mentioned that she would be on time for the meeting but she wasn’t.
2. Second, Secondly, In the second place
Secondly, we all noted how well she did in that physics exam.
3. Third, Thirdly, In the third place
Third, you can always just claim that you didn’t see the missed call from him.
4. Last, Lastly, Last of all
Last of all, it may be important to schedule the next meeting and delegate tasks.
5. For one thing
For one thing, dogs are completely loyal to their owners
6. To begin with
To begin with, how about you consider making a different choice.
7. For another thing
For another thing, your choice may not be incorrect just not currently applicable right now.
8. In addition
I stopped by Lisa’s apartment to check in on her, in addition I called her on her mobile phone but she didn’t respond.
9. Also
It is pouring rain outside Kate, also, why are you not dressed in warmer clothes?
10. Besides
Besides us no longer being in communication you are still someone I hold a great deal of respect for.
11. Moreover
I thought that smoking cannabis was illegal, moreover, I was certain there were health risks too.
12. Furthermore
She spoke to Ben last night and all you could hear was yelling and screaming, furthermore, I think they ended their relationship.
13. Finally
Finally, the package I ordered last week on Amazon has finally arrived.
Order of relevance or importance
1. Most importantly
I think its best we discuss work life balance, most importantly, how the organisation can ensure employees are not overworked.
2. Most significantly
She gave a rather impressive speech, most significantly, was how everyone stood up in great applause.
3. Essentially, Basically
Essentially, you are going to have to come to terms with the loss.
4. Above all
My dad is one of the most loyal people I know, above all, he is always supportive of my goals.
5. Primarily
When I drive I tend to be quite cautious, primarily, about really fast drivers.
Exemplification – Giving Examples
1. For example
I think Thailand is a country known for its religion, for example, they have an endless collection of beautiful temples.
2. For instance
Apparently, every time you walk out of the house you could die, for instance, you could be hit by a bus while crossing the road.
3. To illustrate
Misinformation can cause many disagreements. To illustrate, a company advertising the incorrect price could lead to the customer getting quite upset.
Emphasis
1. In fact
I could say that trade sanctions are trouble for the economy, in fact, I could go on a limb and say they start wars.
2. Actually
I was going to install the new app on my computer tomorrow, actually I think I’ll just do it today.
3. As a matter of fact
What most people fail to understand is that travelling isn’t for everyone, as a matter of fact many people prefer to settle down in one place.
4. Indeed
Indeed, it may be a lot easier to just give up on passing your driver’s licence test.
Explanation
1. Namely
Calling any customer service hotline is rather useless, namely, calling the bank’s hotline.
2. That is to say (that is)
Never apologise for learning something new, that is to say, don’t give up on your dreams because of what other people think.
3. Put differently (“in other words” can also be used)
It gets really busy during holiday time and the beaches tend to get crowded, put differently, rather go to the beach before holiday season starts
4. In other words
There is much to discuss before choosing to start a family, in other words, you don’t just want to rush into it.
Dismissal (dismissing what has been said prior)
1. AnyhowAnyhow, I’ll just take the next train instead.
2. At any rateAt any rate, learning a new language will not be easy.
3. AnywayI was trying to get your attention earlier. Anyway, it doesn’t matter now.
Summarising or Concluding
1. In summary
In summary, I have come to the realisation that communication plays a huge role in the success of a team.
2. To sum up
To sum up my thoughts, I think choosing a single piece of art from a couple hundred is rather difficult.
3. In conclusion
In conclusion, winning isn’t necessarily the most important thing, that is of course in my opinion.
4. In brief
Today wasn’t not the best day at the office, in brief, it was a mess.
5. All in all
The project turned out okay, all in all, I think everyone did a fantastic job.
Particularising1. Most specifically
Eating vegetables is very good for eyesight, most specifically, eating carrots.
2. In particular, particularly
Nearly a third of teenage girls will experience some form of abuse, in particular, physical abuse by a boyfriend.
Focusing and Linking
1. With respect to
Buying an apartment is quite convenient, with respect to building a home straight from the ground up, that’s far more difficult.
2. Regarding
I came to see my lawyer regarding the issues I had with landlord.
3. With regard to
I would say picking a prom dress was rather a mission, especially with regard to finding the right colour and fit.
4. As for
I liked the entire concert, as for Jennifer Lopez, she could have done much better.
5. As far as
As far as everyone was concerned the entire football team played very well.
6. As regards
Entering a relationship is great and certainly has perks, as regards, you may giving away a lot of your personal space.
7. Talking of (can also be used as “speaking of”)
Talking of relocating, do you know where you going to stay? Have you found and apartment?
8. When it comes toSometimes when it comes to debating it is best to not always try to have the last word.
Timing
1. Then
I wrote a spelling test earlier this morning, then, I forgot all the words.
2. Afterwards
There is no point in saying one thing and afterwards changing your mind.
3. At First
At first, I wasn’t exactly sure how to start my preparation for the IELTS test.
4. Meanwhile
Meanwhile, the world economy is failing as a result of incompetent leaders.
5. Later
I went to university to study accounting, later, I changed to engineering.
6. In the mean time
I received an acceptance to study design in England, in the mean time I just need to pass my IELTS test.
Correction
1. To be more precise
To be more precise what I meant to say was that I believe all Religions are bias.
2. Rather
I wanted to move to the US, rather, I wanted more opportunities for me and my family.
Chronobiology might sound a little futuristic – like
something from a science fiction novel, perhaps – but it’s actually a field of
study that concerns one of the oldest processes life on this planet has ever
known: short-term rhythms of time and their effect on flora and fauna.
