Connecting Words

Connecting words are used to connect thoughts, ideas and evidence in a logical sequence. If you use them
correctly, your writing will read smoother and appear more mature. There are different types of
connecting words, the most common are displayed in the table below. If you notice words that are missing
from the table add them to the back of this sheet, making sure you label what type of connective word it
is.

To Compare To Contrast

Likewise, similarly, in comparison, by But, however, whereas, conversely, in

comparison, correspondingly, in the same way,
compared to, as with, like, in the same
manner, similar to.
contrast, unlike, on the contrary, on the other
hand, yet, although this may be true,
nevertheless, alternatively, instead, regardless,
even though/so, opposingly, different from,
while.

To Give an Example To Conclude

For example, that is, such as, for instance,
thus, as follows, the following, in another case,
on this occasion, in this situation, take the case
of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an
illustration, as revealed by, to clarify, to point
out, in detail.
In conclusion, to conclude, finally, in brief,
therefore, otherwise, on the whole, in
summary, as has been shown, as stated,
hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result,
consequently, all in all, to sum up, all things
considered, as has been noted/stated, for that
reason, as a result, consequently.

To Add To Emphasise

And, in addition, moreover, besides, above all,
further, furthermore, not only…but also,
what’s more, in the same way, and then,
equally important, additionally, next, also, as
well as.
Mainly, especially, notably, in particular,
particularly, specifically, clearly, definitely,
extremely, in fact, positively, emphatically,
without a doubt, surprisingly, undeniably,
significantly, more importantly, first and
foremost.