When we have to write a text in English, we are often faced with the problem of always using the same connectors and, consequently, making our text neither lexically nor grammatically rich. In addition, when we use these connectors, we make the whole text look much more structured, and all the ideas are coherent. In this article we will give you the keys so that you can write an outstanding essay. Shall we start?
Types of connectors
To make it much easier for you to learn the main connectors, we have divided them according to their type. In fact, you will find its similarity with Spanish, as it involves conjunctions, adverbs and prepositions.
- Addition connectors: this typology includes those connectors that join two sentences, without one being contrary to the other.
And: and
As well as: in addition to
Also: also
By the way: by the way
In addition / moreover / furthermore / additionally: además
Such as: as
- Contrast: as the name indicates, these are connectors used to contrast two ideas.
But: but
On the one hand / on the other hand: on the one hand, on the other hand
However/nevertheless: however
Although: although
In spite of: a pesar de
If not
- To express facts: this type of connectors are used to make clarifications and express facts and/or explanations.
In fact: in fact
Really: for real
Actually: actually
As a matter of fact: in fact, as a matter of fact
Indeed: is more
- Cause and effect: thanks to them we can establish cause and effect relationships between two sentences.
Because: because
Therefore: therefore
Consequently: consequently
Because of: a causa de
Since: from
For this reason: por esto
Due to: because of
As a result of: as a result of
- To add information: they are used to add more information on the same subject.
Moreover: in addition
Besides: in addition, apart
In this context: in this context
Furthermore: in addition
Additionally: in addition
- Ordering: ideal to explain the order in which certain events happen, as well as to order the ideas to be written.
First/firstly: first
Finally: finally
Later: later
Next/then: next, then
Afterawards: later
- To indicate examples: they are used when we want to mention an example.
For instance / for example: por ejemplo
Like: like
Such as: such as
- To conclude: ideal for use in the last paragraph of an essay, as they allow us to conclude the text.
In conclusion
To sum up: to summarize
In short: in summary
In summary: to conclude
All in all: at the end of the day
Recommendations for writing
Now that you know the main connectors, it is important that you know how to use them. Here are a few tips to make your writing a 10 out of 10:
- Most connectors have a comma after them.
- Avoid using connectors in a forced, unnatural way.
- Do not always repeat the same connectors.
- Structure the text beforehand, as if it were an outline. In this way you will see much more clearly the structure of the writing, and you will be able to choose better the connectors. Remember that all writing has three parts: the introduction, the knot and the denouement.