Writing tips

Continuing the topic of previous posts (part 1 and part 2), here are some more connective words to use in your IELTS essay, letter or report. The headings in bold are the purpose for which you are using the connective words.

Certainty

obviously

I was very disappointed, obviously because my expectations were too high.

certainly

I will certainly let her know your opinion.

plainly

You are plainly wrong

of course

undoubtedly

She is undoubtedly very beautiful

Condition

if

unless

I won’t be able to participate, unless we schedule the meeting in the morning.

whether

Whether you like it or not, this is the truth.

provided that

I can guarantee a good result, provided that you study.

so that

I can send you the documents so that you would have proof.

depending on

We can have a picnic this weekend, depending on the weather.

Summary

in conclusion

in summary

lastly

finally

to sum up

To sum up, I strongly support the efforts of our society to help the environment.

to conclude

to recapitulate

in short

I was going to post more connective words again, if it wasn’t for an email that gave me another good idea.

These connective words are awesome, but they won’t help you if you are seeing them for the first time and don’t know how to use them in a sentence. So now, I am repeating the whole list – with examples, where appropriate.

Addition

in addition

In addition, I would like to point out that my neighbor is disturbing me late at night.

and similarly

Your life will change forever and similarly, your whole family will feel the change.

likewise

Some people have little time for a hobby, and have likewise little will to get one.

as well as

Beauty, as well as smarts, is a remarkable quality

besides

We aren’t friends. Besides, I don’t feel it’s my place to set him straight.

furthermore

Computers are getting faster and faster these days; furthermore, their cost is getting lower and lower.

also

moreover

I’ve been wanting a change for a long time, moreover, I feel I deserve one.

and then too

not only … but also

Not only is this product good for your hair, but also for softening your skin.

Sequence

first(ly) initially

Initially, you would start putting a plan together.

second(ly)

to begin with

To begin with, you will need to commit a portion of your time to studying.

then

next

earlier/later

Later on there comes a stage when your skills are put to a test.

after this/that

following this/that

Consequence

as a result

I studied well and as a result, I got a high score.

thus

so

therefore

I was younger and therefore less experienced.

consequently

it follows that

thereby

I upset my friend, thereby causing her pain.

eventually

then in that case

admittedly

Admittedly, he is the smartest person I know.

Contrast

however

The book is expensive, however it is worth it.

on the other hand

She says she feels fine, but on the other hand, her face is pale and she doesn’t look healthy.

despite

in spite of

In spite of the difficulties, the task was completed.

though

He still insists, though he knows that won’t do any good.

although

but

on the contrary

The music didn’t lift her spirit, on contrary, it made her feel weak and vulnerable again.

otherwise

yet instead of

He felt unwelcome, yet instead of leaving, he stayed.

rather

Eggs for breakfast is not a good idea, I would rather have some toast.

whereas

He was her true love, whereas for him she was just another girlfriend.

nonetheless

While they didn’t trust each other, nonetheless they worked together for many years.

even though

compared with

in contrast

alternatively