Vocabulary aid
This is a useful list of expressions and connectors or linking words that you can use to write your compositions.
(P) = preposition, therefore, it is followed by either a noun or -ing.
(F) = formal style.
Although a number of people think that..., it is also the case that...; for the great majority of people...; history provides numerous instances of (P)...; it is often said/ asserted/ claimed that...; there are several aspects to the problem of (P)...
Although a number of people think that capital punishment is an effective deterrent, it is also the case that a number of people have been sentenced for crimes they did not commit.
2. To order points and add information:
Also, besides, first(ly)/ second(ly)/ etc, first of all, finally, furthermore, in the first/second/etc place, last(ly), moreover, not only... but also, to begin with,
one of the main arguments in favour of / against ... is that...; the first thing to be considered is..., the first thing that needs to be said is that...3. To give examples:
As an illustration, for example, for instance, i.e., like, namely, ... shows/ exemplifies/ illustrates this, the following are examples of ... : ...; such as…
Alternatives to the word "examples" are "cases, instances".
Electronic devices such as mobile phones and personal stereos should not be used during the flight.
4. To make something clear:
Actually, i.e. (=that is), in fact, in other words…
The company is facing financial difficulties; in other words, they cannot pay off their debts.
5. To compare, contrast, present alternatives:
Alternatively, although, but, however, in the same way/manner, ... is virtually/almost/nearly the same as..., nevertheless, nonetheless , on the contrary, (on the one hand) ... on the other hand, or, the difficulty about ... is that..., though, whereas, while…
(On the one hand) if I do the exam in June, I'll be able to spend the summer with my family. On the other hand if I leave it until December, I'll have more time to prepare.
6. To express cause and effect, reason and result, purpose:
as a result, as a consequence, because, because of (this/that), consequently , due to (the fact that), for this/that reason, in case, in order (not) to, ... is the cause of (P)..., ... often causes/results in/leads to/ produces..., one effect/ consequence/result of ... is..., so, so (adjective/adverb) that, such (a) (adjective-noun) that, that is why,
the cause of/reason for ... is... , the effect/ consequence/result of ... is...,
therefore, thus...There are not many good basketball players in our country. Because of this teams try to recruit foreign players.
7. To show time:
After that, afterwards, at first, at last, at the moment, at the same time, before that/then/etc, finally, first(ly), initially, lastly, later, then, until, when, whenever, while…
Firstly, I would like to say that we have raised over ₤200 pounds. Secondly,...
8. To show place or direction:
Above, below, beyond, nearby, where, wherever...
We can't decide where to go on holiday this year.
9. To show manner:
As if/though, in the same way...
10. To express condition:
If, in case (of), unless…
We took an umbrella with us in case it rained.
11. To conclude:
In conclusion, in summary, to conclude, to summarise...
To summarise, I believe that animals have the right to a happy life.
