argumentative essay connectors

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Connecting ideas

How to connect ideas at the sentence and paragraph level in academic writing.

What is cohesion?

Cohesion refers to the way we use vocabulary and grammatical structures to make connections between the ideas within a text. It provides flow and sequence to your work and helps make your paragraphs clear for the reader.

Cohesive devices are words and expressions that show relationships between parts of text and ideas, such as cause and effect, time, addition, or comparison and contrast.

Watch the video to learn how to make your ideas link together and your narrative flow.

How can I create cohesion?

Let’s look at types of cohesive devices.

Linking words

Academic writing usually deals with complex ideas. To enable the reader to follow your thoughts, they need to be clearly and smoothly linked. To join ideas and sentences, we use a number of connecting words and phrases. For example:

Additionally, and, also, apart from this, as well (as), in addition, moreover, further, furthermore.

If, in that case, provided that, unless.

Correspondingly, equally, for the same reason, in a similar manner, in comparison, in the same way, on the one hand, similarly.

Alternatively, although, but, conversely, despite, even so, even though, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, on the contrary, contrary to, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, on the other hand, rather, still, though, yet, whereas, while.

Again, in fact, interestingly, indeed, it should be noted (that), more important(ly), most importantly, to repeat, (un)fortunately, unquestionably.

A further instance of this is..., an example of this is…, for example, for instance, such as, thus, as follows.

In other words, more simply, namely, simply put, to put it differently / another way, such as, that is.

A / the consequence of, because, due to, for, the effect of …, since, the result of …

Accordingly, as a result/consequence, consequently, for this reason, hence, so, therefore, thus.

Admittedly, although, clearly though, even though, however, indeed, obviously.

As a rule, for the most part, generally, in general, in most cases, normally, on the whole, usually.

First, second, third (etc), next, before, earlier, finally, following, given the above, later, meanwhile, subsequently, then, to conclude, while.

A note about presentation and style

Check a usage guide for exact rules for punctuation. Many introductory phrases have a comma after them. For example, 'therefore,' and 'in addition,'.

Referring backwards

To avoid repeating words and phrases many times, we use cohesive devices to make references to other parts of a text, such as:

• Pronouns: it, he, she, his, her, they, their
• Demonstratives: this, that, these, those
• Articles: a, the
• Adverbs: previously, subsequently

The Australian prime minister has called an early election. The date was selected to coincide with the start of the Olympic Games. This decision was based on the views of his ministerial advisors, who predicted that voter confidence in the government’s policies would be strong at this time . As previously mentioned , decisions on the timing of elections are based on predictions of voter confidence in the existing government.

In the example above:

• The date - refers back to the election date
• This decision - refers to the prime minister calling an early election
• His - refers to the Australian prime minister
• this time - refers to the start of the Olympic Games
• As previously mentioned - refers to all of the earlier information about the selection of election dates

Looking forward

We often use words and phrases to highlight new information for the reader. This helps make a smooth transition from one point to another. Such phrases include: the following, as follows, below, next, subsequently .

The following dates have been proposed for the forthcoming election: September 8, September 15 and 3 October.

The next issue to be discussed is the influence of the media on voter confidence in the government.

Connecting paragraphs

Apart from using the linking words / phrases above, showing the link between paragraphs could involve writing ‘hand-holding’ sentences. These are sentences that link back to the ideas of the previous paragraph. For instance, when outlining the positive and negative issues about a topic you could use the following:

Example (from beginning of previous paragraph):

• One of the main advantages of X is…

When you are ready to move your discussion to the negative issues, you could write one of the following as a paragraph opener:

• Having considered the positive effects of X, negative issues may now need to be taken into account…
• Despite the positive effects outlined above, negative issues also need to be considered...

It is always important to make paragraphs part of a coherent whole text; they must not remain isolated units.

Checking for paragraph links in your own work

When you are editing your next written assignment, ask yourself the following questions as you read through your work (Gillett, Hammond, & Martala, 2009):

• Does the start of my paragraph give my reader enough information about what the paragraph will be about?
• Does my paragraph add to or elaborate on a point made previously and, if so, have I made this explicit with an appropriate linking word / phrase?
• Does my paragraph introduce a completely new point or a different viewpoint to before and, if so, have I explicitly shown this with a suitable connective?
• Have I used similar connectives repeatedly? If yes, try to vary them using the above list.

Strategies to improve cohesion

• Select a piece of writing, preferably from a textbook or journal article, from your area of study.
• Choose a paragraph and underline or highlight all the different forms of cohesion used, such as using linking words, referring backwards, looking forwards or adding synonyms.
• Which forms are the most common?
• Choose a couple that you think are effective and practice using them in your own writing.
• Try to use a variety of ways to show the relationship between your ideas.

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A List of Transition Words to Use for Argumentative Essays

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Writing an argumentative essay requires a lot of effort aside from research. Besides grammar and structure, you definitely need to make sure your essay is coherent by using transitions.

Argumentative essay transition words allow you to wrap up a piece of evidence to support your main point and then move on to another. Keep reading for tips and an exhaustive list of transition words I put together for your argumentative essays.

What Is a Transition Word?

A transition word is critical to producing quality content. Also known as linking words, transition words make basic connections between sentences and paragraphs to show a relationship between ideas.

A strong transition is crucial when writing an essay. It’s not enough that you provide complete information about your main points and supporting details. You also have to make your argument attractive and logical by using transitions in your academic essay.

The absence of transition words will make your paper less readable and understandable. But too many transitions can also ruin your piece. Use them in moderation to avoid confusion about your document.

Function and Importance of Transitions

The goal of transition words is to convey ideas clearly and concisely to your readers. If you’re writing an argumentative paper, you want to make logical connections in your document to prove your central point.

Transitional phrases and words help you produce a logical flow from one sentence or paragraph to another. In other words, they introduce what the following information will be. Some transitions come in single words, while others come in complete phrases and sentences.

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There are many categories of transitions, including those that present counterarguments and others that build on your arguments. Be careful about using the wrong transition. Otherwise, you won’t achieve your goal of clarity and conciseness. Consider these examples.

• “ For instance , an anonymous TikTok user reports having a shorter attention span because of its over-swiping feature.” (In this sentence, for instance is used to provide an example).
• “ Here’s an exception to my previous point. ” (This entire sentence is a transition, showing a logical connection between the previous and following sentences).

Transition can also be a sentence to a paragraph long. I’ll show you an example.

Paragraph A: A point that supports co-sleeping as a parenting method.

Transition: Despite this, there are many reasons that prove co-sleeping leads to sleep-related accidents.

Paragraph B: Points that oppose co-sleeping.

Types of Transition Words

There are several types of transitions you can use for making high-quality essays.

Transition Between Paragraphs

A type of transition required for a well-written essay is one you can find between paragraphs. Once you’ve arranged each paragraph according to your outline, it’s important to start each with an effective transition. This word or phrase is usually present in the topic sentence of the body.

Some examples include however, similarly, and for example. But these transition expressions cannot be a single sentence long. The initial sentence of every paragraph should be clear and substantial instead of simply connecting ideas.

Transition Within Paragraphs

Creating a powerful transition within every paragraph of your academic papers avoids choppy sentences. It provides a sense of connection between complex ideas to help readers anticipate what is coming.

These are usually single words or short phrases like in addition, since, and if.

Transition Between Sections

The last type of transition phrases and sentences are those between sections. You’ll find them all over the entire paper to summarize the information. They can be restatements of arguments or a short closing sentence to ensure the flow of ideas.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

It’s a type of essay that requires you to research a subject matter and establish a position for or against it.

Aside from researching and evaluating evidence, showing a relationship between sentences and sections is essential when writing a paper. This will allow you to wrap up an idea and then start another. You must cite different sources to support your point of view, then show counterarguments.

The entire essay should include an introduction, a conclusion, and at least three body paragraphs.

How Do You Start an Argumentative Essay?

Every type of paper starts with an introduction, which usually includes a hook, background, and thesis statement.

The common essay introduction piques the reader’s interest through a surprising statistic or an interesting question. Provide readers with a background of your entire content piece, then state your main argument in a clear sentence.

Transition expressions are not yet essential in this stage of essay writing. Focus on setting up your point and discussing how you will argue it throughout the paper.

Common Transitions for Argumentative Essay Writing

Take a look at this list of transitional words and phrases commonly used to make strong arguments.

• Additionally
• In addition
• Not only… but also
• In the same way
• Comparatively
• Furthermore
• Equally important

Counterargument Transition Words

Here’s a transition word list for essays showing different sides of an argument.

• While it is true that
• Nevertheless
• Despite this
• On the other hand
• Be that as it may
• Even though
• Although this may be true

Transition Words and Phrases for Comparing and Contrasting

Here’s a breakdown of transition words and phrases you can use when comparing and contrasting.

• In spite of
• On the contrary
• Different from
• In contrast

Transition Words to Include in Your College Essay

Here are some examples of transition words you can use when applying for college admission or scholarship.

• To put it in another way
• To demonstrate
• As an illustration
• By all means
• In other words

Transition Words for Cause and Effect

Consider this transition word list when showing cause and effect.

• As a result
• For this reason
• Consequently
• Accordingly
• Under those circumstances
• Because the

Transition Words for Essay Paragraphs

• At the present time
• In due time
• To begin with
• All of a sudden
• Immediately
• In a moment

Transitions to Emphasize a Point

• Most of all
• The main problem/issue is
• Without question
• More importantly
• Most important of all

Transition Words for Additional Support or Evidence

Transition words for sequence or order, transition words for space or place.

• In the middle of
• In the distance
• In the background
• Here and there
• On the side

To Cite a Source or Paraphrase

• According to
• This means that
• Put it more simply

Transition Words to Begin a Body Paragraph

• What is more
• Beyond that

Transition Words to Introduce Details

• For example
• As an example
• For instance
• A case in point
• Specifically
• In particular
• More specifically

Transition Words for Conclusion

• As can be seen
• By and large
• On the whole
• To summarize
• In the final analysis
• Generally speaking

More Transition Words

• With this intention
• In order to
• In the hope that
• With this in mind
• For the purpose of
• Provided that

Tips for Using Argumentative Essay Transitions

Follow these tips to improve your use of transitions in your essay.

Know What the Transitions Mean

Non-native speakers may need help knowing the meaning of every transition expression, so research every term before using it.

There are also many categories of transition words. You can use them to summarize points, show contradictions, express sequence, or begin a paragraph.

Start Your Essay with an Outline

Writing an outline will make it easier to map your ideas and move them around. This strategy will help you transition between paragraphs.

Don’t Overuse Transitions

The last mistake you shouldn’t make is overuse. Instead of making connections between sentences, you’ll make your paper more difficult to read. It creates more incoherence and distraction in your writing, contradicting its intended purpose in your paper.

Use Transition Words Properly

Now you know how to use transition words and phrases for your argumentative essay through this guide and list. These expressions will help you produce a coherent relationship between every idea.

Mastering transitions for your essay may not be a piece of cake, but practice makes perfect. Don’t forget to revise and proofread your argumentative before submitting it to your professor.

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The Role of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays

Table of contents

• 1 Importance of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays
• 2 Types of Transition Words and Phrases
• 3.1 Introduction: Setting the Platform for an Argumentative Essay
• 3.2 Body: Exploring Various Arguments
• 3.3 Conclusion: Laying Your Verdict Smartly
• 3.4 Addressing Arguments and Counterarguments
• 4 General Mistakes to Avoid When Using Transition Sentences For Argumentative Essays
• 5 Potential of Transition Phrases

Transitional expressions are words or phrases that help create a smooth connection in writing. In the same way, these transition words for argumentative essays are equally important as they help in structuring arguments and help maintain cohesion with persuasive words . Knowing how and where to use them will make the essay easier to read, understandable, and high quality.

After reading this article, you will get to know:

• The importance of adding transitions in writing. Also, how it improves the writing by creating a logical connection.
• Types of good transitional words for argumentative essay writing.
• Learning how to use them in various parts of an essay, – introduction, body, conclusion.
• How, with their help, construct solid counter-arguments.
• A short list of typical mistakes.

So, keep reading to learn about these important connecting words and phrases.

Importance of Transition Words in Argumentative Essays

Transition words for an argumentative essay create a smooth flow of ideas. It binds the readers, allowing them to understand the text easily. Specifically, they are like a conjunction (linking words) that builds a logical connection between lines and paragraphs.

Apart from building an effective connection, they also help in:

Flow and Cohesion: They help maintain a smooth and logical flow in a piece of writing. It ensures that sentences and paragraphs are related and build on each other in a coherent relationship.

Guide Readers: A transition expression acts as a signpost. It guides readers through the text and helps them understand the relationship between ideas. This makes it easier for readers to follow the argument or narrative.

Clarity: They provide clarity by emphasizing, comparing, contrasting, or showing cause and effect. It helps the reader better grasp the meaning and significance of what is being said.

Reduce Ambiguity: By clearly linking sentences and ideas, they reduce the chance of misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Emphasis and Nuance: They can emphasize certain points or introduce nuances to an argument, making the writer’s stance or perspective clearer.

Enhance Readability: By effectively using transition words, writers can avoid abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas, making the content more fluid and accessible. This smooth progression of thoughts ensures that readers can easily follow the writer’s logic, thereby enhancing the overall readability of the essay.

Strengthen Arguments: In argumentative or persuasive writing, these words help strengthen the argument by clearly moving from one point to another.

Professionalism and Polish: Proper use of transition words can give writing a polished and professional look.

Types of Transition Words and Phrases

In argumentative essays, using transition words is super important. They help our ideas connect smoothly and make our arguments stronger. There are many types of transition words, each doing a different job to help our essay sound better.

Addition: Also, known as supporting transition words, these are used to expand one idea with additional support. For example, it can be “Additionally,” “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “In addition,” “Similarly, etc.”

Supporting a Claim: Knowing how to introduce evidence in an essay is important. But, strategically improving the evidence with transitions can make it even more impactful. Some of the transition words to prove a point are “To demonstrate,” “One study illustrates this point,” “Research indicates,” “For instance,” “In fact,” “Notably,” etc.

Example: It’s one alternative to support the idea with an example. Some of the words to use are “For instance,” “Such as,” “In this case,” Namely,””Including,” etc.

Comparison: Creating a comparison with the help of these flow words for essays makes the writing more understandable. Some of the words to use are “In comparison,” Compared to,” “In the same way,” “Just as,” etc.

Contrast: The contrast words help to highlight differences in viewpoints or ideas. It can be like, “On the other hand,” Conversely,” etc.

Causation: The transition words for cause and its effects draw a meaningful relationship between two sentences. Some of its examples are “Therefore,” “As a result,” “Consequently,” “Because,” “Since,” etc.

Conclusion: The transition words for the final body paragraph summarize any writing piece, wrap up ideas, and lead readers to the conclusion. You can use examples like “In summary,” “To sum up,” “In conclusion,” “To summarize,” “Overall,” “All in all,” etc.

Use of Transitional Phrases in Different Sections of Argumentative Essay

By using these connectors strategically, one can effectively introduce new ideas, emphasize critical points, contrast differing viewpoints, and lead the reader towards a coherent conclusion. It’s essential to choose the right transition for each part of the argumentative essay , keeping in mind the specific purpose it serves.

Introduction: Setting the Platform for an Argumentative Essay

The introduction of the writing sets the stage for what to expect from the essay. In this, transition words for introduction paragraph emphasize certain points or introduce nuances to an argument. It makes the writer’s stance or perspective more explicit.

An example of the use of transition words for introduction:

“In today’s ever-evolving world, technology has become integral to our daily lives. From the convenience of smartphones to the power of artificial intelligence, innovations have changed how we live, work, interact, and socialize.

In this essay , we will explore the dual impact of technology on our lives, considering its positive and negative effects. To begin with , we will delve into the beneficial aspects of technological advancements, highlighting how they have enhanced efficiency and connectivity. Subsequently , we will transition to the darker side of this digital revolution, discussing the challenges and potential pitfalls of our growing reliance on technology. Finally , we will conclude by discussing the delicate balance that must be struck between embracing innovation and safeguarding our humanity .”

Some other transition words for essays to start a paragraph are:

• In the first place
• To begin with
• Furthermore
• In the meantime

Body: Exploring Various Arguments

To add transition words for body paragraphs, you can address various views, comparisons, and results in the essay. Then, divide it into multiple sections. It can add support for evidence, complex ideas, exceptions, rays of hope, etc.

In the body paragraph, you can also use transition words for compare-contrast essays with comparative words like, “In contrast, it’s a necessary evil for economic interests.”

For a better understanding of body paragraph transition words, see the following example:

“ Moreover , technology has significantly improved our access to information. Previously, obtaining knowledge was often limited to physical libraries and printed materials. First and foremost , search engines have revolutionized how we research and learn. Additionally, online libraries and academic databases have made scholarly articles and research papers accessible globally. In conclusion , the transformative impact of technology on information access cannot be overstated, as it has opened doors to a wealth of knowledge that was once beyond our reach, fostering a more informed and educated society.”

Examples of transition words to start a body paragraph:

• To start off
• Another important factor is
• First and foremost

In the middle of an essay, are usually presented both the main points and opposing views. Using transition words, such as “Additionally,” “Contrastingly,” and “Furthermore,” helps in smoothly guiding the reader from one idea to the next. These words act as signposts, highlighting shifts in thought or emphasizing a continuation of a point, making the narrative cohesive and easily digestible. Later, we take a look at this in more detail.

Example of transition words for the last body paragraph:

• In light of this
• Coupled with this insight
• Furthermore, it is imperative to address
• As an extension of this
• Moreover, it is crucial to mention
• Expanding on this idea

Conclusion: Laying Your Verdict Smartly

The conclusion of an argumentative essay provides the final insights. It’s where you sum up essential takeaways and main points. It also encourages readers to ponder the discussed issues, leaving a lasting impact. Using transition words for closing statements enhances clarity and flow in this section.

“ To sum up , we have seen how technology has reshaped our daily lives, offering convenience, connectivity, and access to information like never before. However , this transformative power comes with its fair share of challenges, from concerns about privacy and security to the potential erosion of face-to-face interactions. In the grand scheme of things , technology is a tool that can be harnessed for the greater good, but it is up to us, as a society, to wield it responsibly.”

Some of the transition words to start a conclusion paragraph:

• All things considered
• Given these points
• To summarize
• In the final analysis

Addressing Arguments and Counterarguments

Transition words in an argumentative essay serve as bridges that smoothly connect different points, ensuring that the arguments presented are coherent and logically structured.

However , while many believe that technology is causing a decline in face-to-face interaction, there is ample evidence to suggest the contrary. For instance , video conferencing tools have bridged geographical gaps, enabling face-to-face conversations despite physical distance. Furthermore , social media platforms facilitate connections between people who might never have met in person.

The counterarguments discussing both aspects of the topics make the writing more informative. You can enhance the counterarguments by using transition words for rebuttal paragraph.

Example of transition words for counterclaim:

On the other hand , it’s crucial to note that an overreliance on technology can lead to isolation. Therefore , it’s all about finding a balance between digital connections and real-world interactions. In conclusion , while there are valid concerns about technology reducing face-to-face communication, it can also foster and enhance human connections when used judiciously.

You must have noticed that transition words appear at the beginning of the sentence. This means we mostly use transition words to start a counterclaim.

Some of the transition words for opposing arguments are:

• On the other hand
• In spite of
• In contrast

Some other transition words for opposing claim are: but, nevertheless, even though, despite, and the list goes on.

General Mistakes to Avoid When Using Transition Sentences For Argumentative Essays

The basic idea of implementing transitions in argumentative essays will help you write your college essays and even school essays easily. As a writer, you should know basic transition phrases, where to enter them, and how not to overdo them.

To guide you further, here are some common mistakes to avoid while adding transitions in an argumentative essay:

Overuse: Relying too heavily on transition words can make the entire essay sound forced and artificial. It’s essential to strike a balance.

Misuse: Using them incorrectly can confuse the reader. For instance, using “therefore” (which implies causation) when you merely mean to add information can mislead the reader.

Being Redundant: Some writers use transitional words when the relationship between ideas is already clear, which can be redundant. For example, starting a sentence with “in addition” after you’ve already used “also” in the previous sentence.

Using the Same Transitions: Repeatedly using similar fashion transitions, like “however” or “furthermore,” can make writing monotonous. Variety is essential to evidence additionally in the essay.

Overlooking Relationships: Using a transition word without ensuring a logical relationship between the ideas can confuse the reader. For instance, using “on the contrary” when not presenting an opposing viewpoint.

Reading good argumentative essay examples can help to understand how to strike the right balance when adding transitions. There is no pre-mix formula for transitions. As a writer, you will learn to add them with reading and practice perfectly.

Potential of Transition Phrases

Transition phrases for argumentative essays are simple yet revolutionary, linking expressions to craft compelling essays. They enhance the effective connection, comparison, and conclusions and create a persuasive stance. Moreover, the writing stays in the reader’s mind for long.

You can explore argumentative essay guides, college essay tips, and more at PapersOwl . Our writers feature various writing tools and principles that help you enhance your literary and grammar skills. So, explore different types of short phrases and similarly use them with the help of the main points mentioned above.

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Transition Words useful for Argument Writing

Transitional Words/Expressions to Use in Writing

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Linking/transition words: Things you need to know...

All assignments are written in formal language.   You need to ensure that you demonstrate your knowledge and understanding alongside your ability to answer the question/solve the problem. 

Below are some ideas to help you to develop your structure and flow.

• Linking / transition words and phrases join ideas, sentences and paragraphs together. They should be used within sentences and to move from one idea to another (between sentences).   

These words and phrases indicate the direction, order and flow of ideas. Significantly, they strengthen the quality and structure of your work.

• Redundant Words - less is more.  P articularly when trying to reduce the word count, it is important to look for phrases which can be replaced with a single word.

Linking/Transition Words

Transitions link one main idea to another separated by a semi-colon or full-stop.  When the transition word is at the beginning of the sentence, it should be followed by a comma:

Among other functions, they can signal cause and effect or sequencing (see examples in the table below).

Linking words: conjunctions

Linking words within a sentence  are referred to as coordinating conjunctions.  Do not worry about the term: think about the function.

Conciseness / redundant words

Microsoft Word now has an additional feature within the Edito r - it is called conciseness or wordiness.  

• If you cannot see the Editor menu a quick tip is to hold down the function (fn key at the bottom left of the keyboard) + F7 (top line of keys).
• From the Refinements section - select Conciseness - if there are any suggestions a number will appear in the box alongside this option
• A dotted line will appear under any groups of groups
• Either select the identified text by clicking with your right mouse button OR click on the down down next to the Conciseness menu.
• MS Word will display any alternative words which you can either select and they will be replaced in your text or reject if you want to keep the original phrases.

Examples:  try to replace phrases with a single words which mean the same.

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• Academic writing Illustrates the main features of academic writing so that you are aware of what it is and what it involves
• Critical Thinking Academic work involves thinking, not just accepting what you read or are told.
• Terms and Definitions Important words appear in your assignments and examinations. The aim of this factsheet is to help you to fully understand what they mean.

Additional resources to help you to improve your confidence and grades:-

• Writing Effectively  demonstrates the importance of: clarity, structure, relevance, argument and precision.
• Writing Mechanics  gives further examples and resources on areas including: sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Linking/Transition words - Scribbr  https://www.scribbr.co.uk/syntax/transition-words-examples/ [Accessed 10 February 2023]

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70+ Connective Words To Power Up Your Essays [COMPREHENSIVE LIST]

by Kerri-Anne Edinburgh | Aug 5, 2021

When you’re writing an essay or assignment, you need to use every trick in the book to maximise your marks. And one of the best tools for radically improving your writing is the power of connective words .

Used correctly, connective words can give your writing new depth and meaning, improve readability (important for your examiner!) and demonstrate the logic of your arguments.

Luckily for you, we’ve got plenty of categories, definitions and connectives examples to help you get started…

Psst – this article uses loads of connectives. See if you can spot them in use: we’ve italicised the best examples!

What are connective words?

Simply put, connectives are words – or phrases – that link parts of your writing together.

You’re probably familiar with the most common connective words: and, as, because, but, if, or, so . In fact, I’ve used a few of them already – did you spot them?

Don’t limit your essay writing to the basics though, because there are hundreds of connectives that can help you to demonstrate different ideas, such as cause and effect , or the chronology of events .

We’re going to explore ten types of connectives below, but first , here’s a quick refresher on the grammar behind connective words:  

Definitions: The grammatical bit

Understanding the grammar behind your writing might not be your thing – but bear with me, because remembering these six definitions will help you know which connective to use when, and where to place them!

(If you’re just looking for examples of connectives, feel free to skip straight past this bit!)

Connectives fall into three grammatical categories: conjunctions, prepositions, and adverbs.

• For example: and, but, for, or, yet .
• Today , I finished my history assignment but forgot to workout .
• Such as: at, in, of, on, under .
• I need to finish the conclusion of my essay before I go to dinner.
• For instance: upwards, quickly, fortunately .
• My deadline is tomorrow. Fortunately , I proofread my thesis chapter already .

Using adverb and preposition connective words adds specific meaning – and thus clarity – to your writing. They are particularly useful for successful essay signposting .

Definitions part 2: Connectives in sentences

When using connectives, it’s also important to remember that not all sentences are created equal in importance . And so , when connecting them into longer sentences, different types of connectives create different results:

• For example: I find French tricky but I love learning Spanish.

On the other hand,

• A subordinate clause relies on the main clause to make sense. Therefore, these connectives give information about the relationship between the clauses by specifying an order or place to events, or a cause and effect link.
• Here’s an example: I need to do my homework if I want to get a good grade .

A useful type of subordinating connective for essay writing is the:

• For instance: Firstly , I carried out the experiment, and secondly , I analysed the results.

And that’s your grammar refresh done!

If you’re struggling with essay-writing grammar, a great tool for checking your writing is Grammarly * – we use it at Exam Study Expert because it catches a broad range of mistakes. Their blog is also a great place to learn how to use conjunctions , prepositions , adverbs and more.

How to use connective words

So how do you go about using connectives?

In this section, we’re going to discuss the where, what and how …

Where to add connectives:

As we’ve seen , connective words are often found in the middle of a sentence, joining two clauses. But don’t forget you can also use them at the beginning of a sentence to link two consecutive sentences – OR two ideas within your paragraphs (did you see what I did there?).

Some of your connectives will even be linking entire paragraphs and sections – these are often examples of signposting to guide the reader through your section or argument.

What’s more , many connectives are not just single words but phrases. These connectives are particularly useful for essay writing and academic vocabulary. For example: as well as, for an example of this, for instance, in addition to, on the other hand, such as .

What to use connectives for:

When you’re writing an essay or assignment there are plenty of tasks you need to achieve: presenting evidence, making arguments and more.

Happily, connectives can help you achieve all these tasks by clarifying your meaning. You can use connectives for:

• Reinforcing or emphasising a point
• Exemplifying and showing results
• Comparing and discussing points of view
• Constructing a timeline or sequence of events
• Listing points (and signposting them)
• Explaining your argument
• Drawing together conclusions

It’s a long list! So master using connectives and you’ll drastically improve the readability of your writing across all sections of your essay.

How to add in useful connective words:

You’re probably already using basic connectives in your writing.

But if you want to get serious about the benefits to your grades, make sure you’re systematic about how you add them during your essay construction – and (later) proofreading to check they make sense on a large(r) scale!

From experience, I would suggest that the best method for choosing and adding effective connectives is to:

• Sketch out a rough draft of your paragraph or essay section
• Are they separate arguments for the same thing? Or opposite points of view? Do they follow on logically (cause and effect) or chronologically?
• Mark where you want to add signposting connectives to indicate structure
• Check your examples of connective word types and choose options that convey the meaning you need…

And for that purpose, we’ve compiled four lists of connective words for you – including the TOP 70 connectives for effective essay writing! So read on…

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Types of connective words

So let’s get down to the really useful stuff: examples of connectives you can use in different situations in your essays!

There are three main types of connectives that we’re going to explore in turn:

• Comparative , Causal, and Temporal

Comparative connective words

These helpful words and phrases are perfect both for comparing similarities in data and arguments, and for pointing out their differences and oppositions. Use them to compare, discuss and argue.

When comparing points, you’ll often be adding to your argument, so these connectives are used for “ addition ”. The most common connectives for addition are: and, also, furthermore, moreover .

Here are some examples in practice:

• Leonardo Da Vinci was an artist and inventor, and also an influential Renaissance humanist.
• Exam Study Expert’s psychologist William offers expert one-on-one exam coaching . Furthermore , you can sign up for a free introductory session!
• My empirical data demonstrates that … ; similarly , theoretical models projected …

On the other hand , you might need to demonstrate and contrast your argument with the opposing point of view with a connective for “ opposition ”. The most commonly used are: alternatively, except, however, unless .

These examples all demonstrate opposition:

• Winston Churchill is best known for his wartime leadership of the United Kingdom, yet he was already in his 60’s when he took office.
• Some students find great study motivation from starting the day with their hardest task. In contrast , others find getting the ball rolling with smaller tasks more effective.
• Our first questionnaire was comprised of six questions. However , for our second questionnaire we …

Causal connective words

Causal connectives are effective for discussing cause and effect – relationships that have logical links that you want to point out and prove.

As such , academic writing is often full of causal connectives, and many of them demonstrate a very academic vocabulary (great for bonus points in your assignment!).

Most essays and assignments have a section (or several sections!) where you need to draw together your facts, ideas and arguments and point out the connections. These are the connectives to turn to at those moments!

The most commonly used are: as such, as a result (of), because, consequently, therefore, thus .

Here are some examples:

• The brains of London taxi drivers have a larger than usual area that deals with memory because they are required to memorise and navigate thousands of streets.
• Flashcards are a highly effective learning and memory tool, provided that you use them correctly.
• This study surveyed over 3,000 students. As a result , we were able to …

Temporal connective words

Whether you’re explaining the sequence of events that led to a historical battle, or demonstrating the steps in your experiment, temporal connectives are a highly valuable tool.

They’re all about discussing time and the chronology of events – what happened before, during and after . Therefore , they make for great signposting words too!

These examples explore each of the four sections in our temporal connectives lists:

• The law of gravity was not widely understood until it was mathematically formulated by Sir Isaac Newton in 1687.
• If you’re stressed about your exams, mindful meditation can be a great help. At the same time ,an inspirational quote might give you the boost you need!
• Initially , the experiment was expected to demonstrate … Eventually , we came to the conclusion that …

The TOP 70 connective words for effective essay writing!

To make sure that you’ve got the tools you need to improve your grades, we’ve compiled this epic list of all the best connectives to use in academic writing.

This is just a selection from the hundreds of connective words and phrases available. So there’s no need to make your essay stale by over-using the same one or two!

If there’s nothing else you grab when you’re ticking off Step #4 from the connectives methodology above – make sure you grab this list!

It covers all the stages of essay structuring and writing, from introduction to conclusion . And includes lists of connectives for:

• Signposting and listing
• Comparing and contrasting
• Illustrating your findings
• Demonstrating cause and effect
• Emphasising points
• Qualifying your arguments

We’ve highlighted the best and most commonly used connectives for each section to ensure you’ve got THE best resource to improve the quality of your essay immediately.

To finish off , here are some examples to get your essay-writing inspiration flowing:

• Firstly , it is well-known that retrieval practice is an effective learning method as compared with re-reading study texts and notes.
• I’m feeling tired tonight. Nevertheless , I must finish my homework and I want to take the dog for a walk.
• When it comes to …, however , there are several effective methods to …, in particular , …

Good luck with your essay!

Now you’ve mastered adding effective connective words to your essay you’re ready for the next step. Be sure to check out our guide on proofreading your assignment before you hand it in. Good luck!

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Linking Words – Full List, Examples & Worksheet

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Worried that your essay lacks structure and coherence? Perhaps you should use linking words, transition words, or connectors to give it a boost.

Linking words join separate sentences to improve writing flow. You can also find them mid-sentence to connect clauses.

Read on as I show you the definition and types of linking words in English. I also list examples of linking words under every category, and I whipped up a helpful worksheet to test your skills.

What Are Linking Words?

Linking words, transition words, or connecting words in the English language help connect ideas and sentences when speaking or writing.

Linking words and phrases are connectors or transitional phrases. They are also part of formal language, so you’ll find them in academic writing, opinion writing, critical essays, dialectic essays , journalism, and business documents.

Some linking verbs link clauses within a sentence, such as although, in case, and whatever. That means you can find them in the middle of sentences from time to time. Others link two complete sentences, such as besides, as a result, and however.

List of Transition Words

Now that you know the meaning of transition words, let’s look at the usage of transition words in sentences and clauses. Don’t worry, I’ll break it all down for you!

Below, I’ve got a list of linking words and phrases to serve as alternative choices for connecting ideas in writing. Note that there are several types of transition words which we will discuss later.

Agreement/Addition/Similarity

Linking words may help the reader understand additional comments or ideas in a statement. They may also express agreement or similarities. These words are also called additive transition words, commonly found in expository essays and narrative essays.

• In the first place
• As a matter of fact
• In like manner
• In addition
• Not only, but also
• Coupled with
• In the same way
• In the same manner
• First, second, third
• Not to mention
• In the light of
• By the same token
• Additionally
• Correspondingly
• Furthermore
• Comparatively
• At the same time
• Together with
• Identically

Here are some examples of additive linking words in a sentence.

• The group found that a constructivist approach leads to higher test scores. Moreover, essay examinations show higher levels of learning.
• The resort has tennis courts. Furthermore, it has an Olympic pool.

Negative Ideas

Some linking words come in pairs to join negative ideas.

• Not, neither
• Neither, nor

Here are sentence examples of linking words showing negative ideas.

• I haven’t seen Lory, neither have I talked to her friend.
• I neither drink nor smoke.

Opposition/Limitation/Contradiction

Whereas some linking words show an extra idea, these transition phrases and words express contrasting ideas in writing.

• Although this may be true
• In contrast
• (and) still
• Notwithstanding
• Different from
• Of course…, but
• On the other hand
• On the contrary
• Be that as it may
• Nonetheless
• Even so/though
• Nevertheless
• In spite of

Here are some sentences with linking words of opposition.

• The short story can be analyzed using a functionalist lens. However, its historical theme is better understood with a critical perspective.
• As much as I want to go, I must take care of my sister.

Some linking words show relationships between ideas by accepting an idea with reservation instead of showing complete opposition. Here are some examples.

• All the same
• Regardless of this
• Up to a point

Here are some sentence examples.

• Many citizens opposed this unfair policy, which the president nevertheless enacted.
• I like him even if we have different views in life.

Cause/Condition/Purpose

You may also use linking words in your writing piece to show conditions and purpose for a logical flow of ideas. Words like reason get the reader ready to understand why. These words are commonly found in hypothesis essays.

• In the event that
• Granted (that)
• Provided that
• On (the) condition (that)
• For the purpose of
• With this intention
• With this in mind
• In the hope that
• Inasmuch as
• To the end that
• For fear that
• In order to
• Seeing/being that
• The researchers used this method so that the results would be valid, reliable, and aligned with the objectives.
• I will not be attending the seminar due to a high fever.

Examples/Support/Emphasis

You can also use transition words in your piece of writing that show examples or support of an idea.

• In other words
• To put it differently
• For one thing
• In particular
• As an illustration
• In this case
• For example
• For instance
• For this reason
• To put it another way
• To demonstrate
• That is to say
• With attention to
• By all means
• To emphasize
• To enumerate
• Particularly
• Significantly
• Specifically
• Surprisingly
• Important to realize
• Another key point
• On the negative side
• First thing to remember
• Must be remembered
• To point out
• Point often overlooked
• She visited several cities, namely Portland, Jacksonville, Charleston, and Hartford.
• Transition words improve writing flow. For instance, we use further to add extra ideas related to the previous statement.

Effect/Consequence/Result

You might also spot transitional devices for essays that show consequences, results, and effects.

• As a result
• In that case
• Under those circumstances
• Accordingly
• Consequently

Consider the examples below.

• We watered the plant for seven days. In effect, it grew three inches taller.
• Because she didn’t study for the test, Anna failed and had to retake it.

Conclusion/Summary/Restatement

These words and phrases show transitions between sentences to show conclusions. You’ll find these words in essay conclusions of different essay types.

• In simple language
• In explanation
• In lay terms
• In a nutshell
• As can be seen
• In simple terms
• Generally speaking
• All things considered
• As shown above
• In the final analysis
• In the long run
• In either case
• Given these points
• As has been noted
• In any event
• On the whole
• By and large
• For the most part
• In conclusion
• To summarize

Note that in lay terms and in explanation are formal alternative choices to “ in a nutshell.”

Here are some examples.

• Matter is a material that occupies space and has mass. In simple language, it is any physical substance.
• I don’t want to climb the corporate ladder. After all, money isn’t everything.

Time/Chronology/Sequence

Linking words’ other role in writing is to show sequence or chronology. Under the time category, these phrases add a meaning of time. You can find these words in an essay introduction when the writer explains how the paper is structured.

• In due time
• From time to time
• At the present time
• Sooner or later
• Up to the present time
• To begin with
• Straightaway
• In the meantime
• In a moment
• Without delay
• All of a sudden
• At this instant
• First, second
• By the time
• Immediately
• Occasionally
• I watched the movie on television. Eventually, I fell asleep.
• First, fill the pan with water. Then, bring it to a boil.

Space/Location/Place

The following transition words are famous adverbial expressions that limit or modify space. Some of these words and phrases are also transition words of time.

• In the middle of
• To the left/right
• In front of
• On this side
• In the distance
• In the foreground
• In the background
• In the center of
• Adjacent to
• Opposite to

Below are sentence examples using transition words of space.

• My house is located behind the building.
• To the left of the supermarket is a flower shop.

Common Mistakes With Transition Words

Transition words help you create a flow of arguments for readers to understand what you’re saying. But misused transition words and phrases will make your writing unclear. Avoid these mistakes to give your readers a better experience.

Starting a Sentence With So, And, and Also

Both so and and are coordinating conjunctions, which means they can start independent clauses that stand on their own. But it’s not recommended to use these words and also as sentence starters in formal writing. For example:

• Incorrect: Also, there are unauthorized charges on my credit card account.
• Correct: Furthermore, there are unauthorized charges on my credit card account.

Combination of Transition Words And/Or

When writing an essay, avoid English transition words and/or because it makes your paper look messy. Instead, consider whether you need both connectors or only one of them. If you need them both, try this alternative.

• Incorrect: boat and/or plane.
• Correct: boat, plane, or both.

Using As Well As as Alternative to And

As well as has a different meaning from the transition word and. And means you’re listing something of equal importance. Meanwhile, as well as is for additional, less essential information. Here’s an example.

• Incorrect: In this paper, I discuss my movie analysis as well as provide recommendations for improvement.
• Correct: In this paper, I discuss my movie analysis and provide recommendations for improvement.

Archaic Words

Your writing may not make any sense to readers if you overuse archaic transition words like therewith .

For example, hereby means as a result. We can replace it with more modern and explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement is connected to the previous statement.

Linking Words Summary

A linking word is a term that connects different ideas in your text, whether they are contrasting, supporting, or adding. They can improve your writing and help it flow better, I promise!

Regardless of the style of writing, every piece of writing contains linking words to show perfect transitions. I hope my guide on the definition and list of transitions helps you use these words and phrases correctly. Memorize each category, and don’t overuse them in essays.

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50 Persuasive Examples of Essay Connectives In Use Today

Essay connectors are words or phrases used to show the logical relationship between the points. They help to achieve an essay flow – preventing the essay from appearing as a loose collection of points, among which the reader ‘jumps about’ randomly. An article without essay connectives may lead to a disconnect of the reader from what the writer intended.

Connectives to use in an essay are carefully assembled and creatively applied to achieve a top-notch piece. The writer should ensure that the sentences make sense to him/her first before settling on special connectors for essays.

In the following extensive paragraphs, we are going to explore some of these top connective words and phrases. Where possible, a sentence example may be added for each connector to give you an idea of how to use the connectives in speech.

Connectors Showing Reason and Cause

They are used when justifying why an action or an event seemed possible or appropriate. Some of the top connector words for reason or cause include:

• Consequently
• As a result
• Seeing that
• On account of
• Accordingly
• It suggests that
• It follows that
• For this reason

Example in a Sentence: Because of the government directive, we decided to stay at home.

Connective Words for Adding Information

When writing your essay, you can use such paragraph connectors to emphasize a point. The following are some top-class connectives used to add information.

• For example
• To illustrate
• First, second and third
• For instance

Model in a Sentence: Apart from washing hands, we can prevent Corona Virus by using a face mask and social distancing.

Connectives for Succession

One can use these transitions for essays when showing the progression of actions or events. They include the following:

• First of all / firstly
• To begin with
• Second / Secondly
• Third / Thirdly
• The next stage

Example in a Sentence: To begin with, you have to get your hands, then apply soap, wash for at least 20 seconds and finally dry your hands.

Showing Comparison and Contrast

Connectives in speech used here show either differences or similarities expressed in a particular essay. Examples include:

• Alternatively
• In contrast
• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• On the contrary
• All the same

Model in a Sentence: Although he stayed indoors, he still contracted the dreaded COVID-19 and died.

Connectives for Expressing Personal Opinion

These are essay connectives used to show a personal view or attitude towards a particular subject. They include:

• According to my understanding
• As far as I am concerned
• I think that
• in my opinion
• To tell the truth
• It is true that
• To be honest
• From my point of view

Example in a Sentence: As far as I am concerned, wearing a sweater on a cold day may not be practical as wearing a trench coat.

Connectors for Explaining

Such transition words are used when making an essay idea clear to the reader. One may opt to use the following transition words list.

• More or less
• In other words:
• On the whole
• To a certain extent
• Essentially
• In particular

Example in a sentence: Basically, different types of face masks need a doctor’s authorization before use.

Summarizing Essay Connectors

They are used to mark the conclusion of your essay. The readers can ascertain the finality in your article when such a summarizing connector is used. They include:

• In conclusion

Connective words ensure clarity and conciseness as much as possible. It can only be achieved when the right words are used to convey your argument.

Do you need writing help to achieve a smarter paper, without generally detracting from your ideas? Contact our able team of professional writers today.

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208 Best Transition words for Argumentative essay

Searching for “transition words for argumentative essays”? Want some good collection of these words to make your essay top-notch? Seeking an expert guide? Couldn’t find the best sources for it? Deadline approaching but still in the middle of nowhere? Ensure to read this exciting article to know the argumentative essay transition words before you type write my Essay request.

In an argumentative essay writing service, the writer tends to make his stance clear by giving sufficient evidence and using strong vocabulary to convince the audience. Hence, the most important pillar of such an essay is to add transition words that make it top-notch and ensure a flowy transition from one sentence and idea to another without creating ambiguity.

So, to give you what is most important in your essay, here we are with the perfect essay writing guide. Let’s move to it.

Table of Contents

What Are Transition Words?

These words are often used in the essay writing and essay service to create, show, or build a relationship between phrases, words, sentences, paragraphs, and even ideas. Consider these argumentative words as one way to make it easier for the writer, especially when utilizing essay service, to push thoughts and ideas in a way that is most understandable and does not create ambiguity. These words are very important when moving from one idea to another, especially in the context of essay service, as they ensure a flowy transition in ideas. Lacking transitions can distract the audience and make them lose direction easily.

These argumentative transition words, in addition to above, make the audience prepared for what is coming ahead, immediately after one thought or idea. But as we know “with power comes great responsibility”, so we have to ensure the balance of using it. Using these words too much is harmful, just as using these words less will make the essay clumpy and ambiguous. Hence, moderation is necessary for proper utilisation of transition sentences for argumentative essays.

An easier way to understand these words is that they are simply joining words or conjunctions that join two sentences, ideas, thoughts, and paragraphs together.

When crafting content, it also has to be ensured that these words used have a strong relationship with the writing, paragraphs, sentences, etc. Irrelevancy should be avoided, and an AI essay writer can assist in achieving coherence and relevance in your writing.

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What Is the Purpose of Transition Words?

The purpose of such words is to:

Read on as there’s more to come on transition words argumentative essay!

Tie the entire paper together 

Disagreements

Convey the thoughts and ideas with rationality and clarity

Help readers understand phrases, words, sentences and the entire piece of writing easily.

Present complex ideas in most understandable way.

Ensure smooth flow of writing by forming a bridge and integrating logic into it.

Help add rigor into the essay and make it enjoyable to read.

How To Use Transition Words?

The use of transition words, although complex, can become spontaneous when used frequently and practising them in writing. This is how to use it generally:

• These words generally appear at the start of any paragraph, sentence, and clause in an essay followed by a comma. This purpose as a connection between the previous sentence and the following clause. Example: the presence of her mother in the function was a big trouble. However, she still was a blessing in disguise.
• These words can also be used in the middle of any clause or sentence but it has to be ensured that it make sense with the idea. Example: she was, however, a blessing in disguise.
• Do not use these argument essay transition words too often. For that you can take help from an  AI essay writer , it keeps the transition terms usage standard and gives the best version. Example to understand is: whereas, close people are blessing in disguise, however, the presence of some people make us irritated. Although, not always, but, it happens usually. See, the sentence involving overuse of these words become too clumpy.

This sentence can be best presented as “Although, mothers are always supportive. Father, however, are more rational and harsher. As, family is made of both. So, decide how to keep the balance”.

Which Transition Words or Phrases Indicate a Time Relationship?

Following are transition words for an argumentative essay to indicate a time relationship:

How To Start a Paragraph Transition Words?

These are some words to use in an argumentative essay:

151 Transition Words for An Argumentative Essay

Here is the list of 151 of these argumentative essay words:

For conclusion

For adding quotations.

As shown in

As declared in

As rightly said

As mentioned

This acknowledges

This states that

As confirmed

For analysis

According to

To demonstrate

Subsequently

with this in mind

this is to say that

For synthesis

In this regard

This leads to

Another thing

As noted earlier

The underlying concept

For college essay

Secure Your Custom Essay Writing Solution

Writing and integrating transition words into an essay might not be an easy task. Several important stuff have to be kept in mind to begin with it. However, with this writing guide, pro essay writers ensure that they have made clear how to implement and use such kind of words and phrases.

But if you are still trying to find and seek help from essay helper , never forget that perfect essay writing is always here to help. We move hand in hand with our help seekers/clients. So, don’t get late. Hurry up, get your perfect services right away.

What are three transition words that go against an argument?

The transition words that goes against an arguments are:

In contrast

Alternatively

To put differently

On the contrary

In another way

Another thing is to

On the other hand

What is a good transition sentence in an essay?

A good transition sentence in an essay are:

In addition to

Importantly

For instance

Not only but also

What are some examples of transition words?

Some examples of transition words are:

In contrast 

To put differently 

To show it, 

On the contrary 

In another way 

While 

At the same time 

Chiefly 

Generally speaking

Alternatively 

One alternative is...

To clarify 

As a result 

How do you use transition words?

These words generally appear at the start of any paragraph, sentence, and clause in an essay followed by a comma.

These words can also be used in the middle of any clause or sentence but it has to be ensured that it make sense with the idea.

Do not use these words too often.

Compare sentences and paragraphs with and without these transitions, and then decide the importance and use of them.

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Argumentation and Connectives

How Do Discourse Connectives Constrain Argumentation and Utterance Interpretations?

• First Online: 01 January 2015

Cite this chapter

• Jacques Moeschler 3  

Part of the book series: Perspectives in Pragmatics, Philosophy & Psychology ((PEPRPHPS,volume 4))

4218 Accesses

2 Citations

This chapter is about argumentation and connectives. It first gives a general definition of argumentation, as a relation between arguments and conclusions, such that arguments have as properties polarity, force, order, linguistic marking, and logical impairment. The function of an argument is to assign an argumentative orientation to an utterance and make acceptable conclusions that would be unacceptable without the presence of an argument.

Second, the chapter gives a pragmatic description of close meanings connectives, implying causal, inferential, and temporal inferences ( parce que, donc, et in French). Linguistic as well as experimental findings are given to support the thesis that causality is linguistically and cognitively a backward relation, and that parce que is a backward causal connective. Finally, causality and argumentation are conceptually and linguistically connected via the analysis of the argumentative use of parce que .

In a nutshell, the main thesis of the chapter is that discourse connectives are devices that convey different levels of meaning, as semantic entailment, explicature, and implicature. For close connectives, their semantic differences do not rest on their conceptual content, but rather on the manner by which basic semantic and argumentative categories are conveyed in discourse, that is, their procedural meaning. French connectives, as parce que, donc, et (“because,” “therefore,” “and”), all include in their meaning a causal relation, the difference being the level at which this relation intervenes. The chapter aims at yielding a precise content to semantic and pragmatic meaning relations triggered by connectives, and, more specifically, the role of entailment, explicature, and implicature in discourse connectives meaning.

This chapter reports some findings of the Swiss National Science Foundation research project N 100012–11382 Lexical and non-lexical pragmatics of causality in French: Theoretical, descriptive and experimental aspects . I thank Cécile Grivaz and Joanna Blochowiak, who wrote their PhD during the project (Grivaz 2012 ; Blochowiak 2014 ).

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Literally, d’ailleurs means “from another place.”

This property has been stated in earlier work in linguistic, e.g., Bühler ( 1934 ). Cf. Moeschler ( 2014 ) for the relation between Bühler’s theory and Gricean pragmatics.

This assumption is strong because subjective predicates, as smart, gorgeous, that is, predicates that can be modified by hedges as very, in my opinion, in a certain manner, a kind of (Moeschler and Reboul 1994 , p. 378), have no intrinsic descriptive content by themselves (Ducrot 1983 ). Their descriptive content is a result of their usage, what Benveniste ( 1964 ) called delocutivity .

The extensive analysis of all pairs of examples (cause–consequence and consequence–cause order) is given in Blochowiak et al. ( 2006 ).

Half of the subjects received the instruction “e” for “likely”, “p” for “unlikely,” and half of them the opposite instruction.

These experiments have been possible thanks to the collaboration of students and researchers of the L2C2 laboratory at the Institute for Cognitive Science, Lyon. Special thanks to Thomas Castelain, who sampled the data and to Corallie Chevalier, who computed all statistics. I thank Jean-Baptiste van der Henst, who designed the experiments.

Note that the conclusion–argument order cannot be reproduced by donc: ?? Les cours de Jacques sont trop difficiles pour des étudiants de BA, donc peu d’étudiants ont réussi leur examen de pragmatique .“ Jacques’ classes are too difficult for BA students, therefore only a few students passed their pragmatics exam.”

As in Jean est tombé, donc Marie l’a poussé “John fell; therefore, Mary pushed him.”

It should be recalled that conventional implicatures are detachable, conventional, and non-cancellable (Grice 1975 ; Sadock 1978 ).

See Moeschler ( 2013 ) for a truth-conditional account of entailment, presupposition, implicatures and explicatures.

Cf. Carston ( 2002 ), and Soria and Romero ( 2010 ) for extensive discussions on explicatures.

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Jacques Moeschler

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Annex A: Distribution of parce que in the consequence–cause

Annex b: distribution of donc and et in cause–consequence and consequence–cause order, rights and permissions.

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Moeschler, J. (2016). Argumentation and Connectives. In: Capone, A., Mey, J. (eds) Interdisciplinary Studies in Pragmatics, Culture and Society. Perspectives in Pragmatics, Philosophy & Psychology, vol 4. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12616-6_26

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