Useful linking words and phrases that can be used at the start of new paragraphs:

A contrary explanation is that,

Although,
As a consequence,
As a result,
As we have seen,
At the same time,
Accordingly,
An equally significant aspect of
Another, significant factor in
Before considering X it is important to note Y
By the same token,
But we should also consider,
Despite these criticisms, its popularity remains high.
Certainly, there is no shortage of disagreement within
Consequently,
Correspondingly,
Conversely,
Chaytor, in particular, has focused on the
Despite this,
Despite these criticisms, the popularity of X remains largely undiminished.
Each of these theoretical positions make an important contribution to our understanding of,
Evidence for in support of this position, can be found in,
Evidently,
For this reason,
For these reasons,
Furthermore,
Given, the current high profile debate with regard to, it is quite surprising that

Given, the advantages of outlined in the previous paragraph, it is quite predictable that
However,
Having considered X, it is also reasonable to look at
Hence,
In addition to,
In contrast,
In this way,
In this manner,
In the final analysis,
In short,
Indeed,
It can be seen from the above analysis that,
It could also be said that,
It is however, important to note the limitations of
It is important to note however, that
It is important however not to assume the applicability of, in all cases.
It is important however not to overemphasis the strengths of
In the face of such criticism, proponents of, have responded in a number of ways.
Moreover,
Notwithstanding such criticism, .its popularity remains largely undiminished.
Notwithstanding these limitations, .it worth remains in a number of situations.
Noting the compelling nature of this new evidence, has suggested that.
Nevertheless, remains a growing problem.
Nonetheless, the number of, has continued to expand at an exponential rate.
Despite these criticisms, its popularity remains high.
On the other hand, critics of, point to its blindness, with respect to.
Of central concern therefore to, sociologists is explaining how societal processes and institutions

Proponents of, have also suggested that

Subsequently,
Similarly,
The sentiment expressed in the quotation, embodies the view that,
This interpretation of, has not been without its detractors however.
This approach is similar to the, . position
This critique, unfortunately, implies a singular cause of,
This point is also sustained by the work of,
Thirdly,
This counter argument is supported by evidence from,
The use of the term,
Therefore,
There appears then to be an acceleration in the growth of
There is also, however, a further point to be considered.
These technological developments have greatly increased the growth in,
Thus,
To be able to understand,
Undoubtedly,
While such failures must not be discounted, there were in comparison small, when compared
Whilst the discussion in the preceding paragraph,
Whether crime rates were actually lower at this time continues to be a matter of debate. Evidence from
There are an almost limitless number of linking phrases and words one can use. What is important is that they
complement the style of your writing.
Sequence

First / firstly, second /

secondly, third / thirdly etc
Next, last, finally
In addition, moreover
Further / furthermore
Another
Also

Result

Emphasis
So

As a result

As a consequence (of)
Therefore

Thus

Consequently

Hence

Undoubtedly
Indeed
Obviously
Generally
Admittedly
In fact
Particularly / in

In conclusion
To summarise

Addition

And
In addition / additionally /
an additional
Furthermore
Also
Too
As well as

However
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Still
Although / even though
Though
But
Yet
Despite / in spite of
In contrast (to) / in
comparison
While
Whereas
On the other hand
On the contrary

particular
Especially
Clearly
Importantly

Reason

Contrast

Due to

Example

For
Because
Since
As
Because of

For example
For instance
That is (ie)
Such as
Including
Namely

Comparison

Similarly
Likewise
Also
Like
Just as
Just like
Similar to
Same as
Compare
compare(d) to / with
Not only...but also

Agreement / Addition / Similarity

The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express
agreement with preceding material.

in the first place

not to mention

not only ... but also

to say nothing of

as a matter of fact

equally important

in like manner

by the same token

in addition

again

coupled with

to

in the same fashion / way

and

first, second, third

also

in the light of

then

equally

of course

identically

likewise

uniquely

comparatively

like

correspondingly

as

similarly

too

furthermore

moreover

additionally

as well as
together with

Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction

Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to thecontrary or point
out alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast).

although this may be true

while

in contrast

albeit

different from

besides

of course ..., but

as much as

on the other hand

even though

on the contrary

although

at the same time

instead

in spite of

whereas

even so / though

despite

be that as it may

conversely

then again

otherwise

above all

however

in reality

rather

after all

nevertheless

but

nonetheless

(and) still

regardless

unlike

notwithstanding

or
(and) yet

Cause / Condition / Purpose

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions.

in the event that

whenever

granted (that)

while

as / so long as
on (the) condition (that)

because of

for the purpose of

as

with this intention

since

with this in mind

while

in the hope that

lest

to the end that

in case

for fear that

provided that

in order to

given that

seeing / being that

only / even if

in view of

so that

If

so as to

... then

owing to

unless

inasmuch as
due to

when
Examples / Support / Emphasis
These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples assupport, to
indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.

in other words

another key point

to put it differently

first thing to remember

for one thing

most compelling evidence

as an illustration

must be remembered

in this case

point often overlooked

for this reason

to point out

to put it another way

on the positive side

that is to say

on the negative side

with attention to

with this in mind

by all means

notably
including
like
to be sure

important to realize

namely

chiefly

significantly

truly

particularly

indeed

in fact

certainly

in general

surely

in particular

markedly

in detail

such as

for example
for instance

especially

to demonstrate

explicitly

to emphasize

specifically

to repeat

expressly

to clarify

surprisingly

to explain

frequently

to enumerate

Effect / Consequence / Result

Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are time
words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect.
Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the
consequences or effects.

as a result

hence

under those circumstances

consequently

in that case

therefore

for this reason

thereupon

in effect

forthwith

for

accordingly

thus

henceforth

because the
then
Conclusion / Summary / Restatement
These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a
final general statement. Also some words (like therefore) from the Effect / Consequence category can
be used to summarize.

as can be seen

generally speaking

in the final analysis

on balance

all things considered

altogether

as shown above

overall

in the long run

ordinarily

given these points

usually

as has been noted

by and large

in a word

to sum up

for the most part

on the whole

after all

in any event

in fact

in either case

in summary

all in all

in conclusion
in short

Obviously

in brief

Ultimately

in essence

Definitely

to summarize
Time / Chronology / Sequence
These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. They
can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions.

at the present time

immediately

from time to time

quickly

sooner or later

finally

at the same time

after

up to the present time

later

to begin with

last

in due time

until

as soon as

till

as long as

since

in the meantime

then

in a moment

before

without delay

hence

in the first place

since

all of a sudden

when

at this instant

once

first, second

about
next

now

prior to
forthwith
straightaway

formerly
suddenly

by the time

shortly

whenever

henceforth
whenever

until now

eventually

now that

meanwhile
further

instantly

during

presently

in time

occasionally

Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence;
henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.
Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further they add a meaning of timein expressing
conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list
examples. Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.

Space / Location / Place

These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict,
limit or qualify space. Quite a few of these are also found in theTime category and can be used to
describe spatial order or spatial reference.

in the middle

here

to the left/right

there

in front of

next

on this side

where

in the distance

from

here and there

over

in the foreground

near

in the background

above

in the center of

below
down

adjacent to

up

opposite to

under

further

amid

beyond

among

nearby

beneath

wherever

beside

around

behind

between

across

before
alongside

INTRODUCTION
This essay will deal with the following aspects of the question...
The aim of this essay is ......
2. GIVING AN OVERVIEW OF THE ESSAY CONTENT
In order to link.... with ...., the background to ... will be briefly outlined.
The first part of the analysis will examine....
The second part of this analysis will consider...
The final level of the analysis consists of...
3. MAKING A POINT
It is clear/ noticeable that...
It is necessary/ important/ useful/ interesting/to note/point out/ highlight/
emphasise that
4. EMPHASIS MARKERS show clearly what you think is most important but
allow you to avoid personal language such as 'I think'
Adjectives: main, crucial, important, significant, key, essential
Nouns: focus, element, concept, theory, aspect, part, idea, point, argument,
discussion, debate
Verbs: to emphasise, to summarise, to focus, to highlight
Examples:
The key aspect of this argument is
The most crucial point made so far
It is worth noting that
Another relevant point is that
5. INTRODUCING A NEW IDEA
Turning now to the question of
Bearing in mind the previous points,
Having considered (X
With regard to
As far as ....... is concerned

Useful Phrases for Proficiency Essays

Introducing the phenomenon to be discussed

More and more families are choosing to have only one child.

The trend nowadays is towards having smaller families.

Over the past ten years or so the media have frequently carried reports of ...............
Recent research indicates that the number of teenagers who smoke is increasing.
Hardly a week goes by without another report of ................. appearing in the media.
This raises the issue of whether .................
Although most people would generally agree that ............... few would deny that ................
Stating your opinion
As I see it,
It seems to me that ............ I would also say that ....
I am convinced that ...............
I am inclined to believe that ..................
There is no doubt in my mind that ..................
One of the drawbacks of ....... is ..........
However, one of the benefits is that ............
Changing topic
As regards the causes for this, ..............
Concerning the causes for this, .........
As for the causes, ...........
Presenting arguments
One justification often given for ........... is that.................
Advocates/Proponents would claim that ..................
Those who object to ................. often argue that ...................
Another objection is that ......
However, it should not be forgotten that ..............
........... are opposed to ................ on the grounds that .................
From the point of view of .................
According to ....................
Describing causes
One factor which has led to ............ is .............

One of the factors which has brought this about is .........

The problem often stems from ....................
The situation has been exacerbated by ................
.............. has only made the situation worse.
One consequence of ................ is ................
Proposing steps and measures
As regards the most appropriate response to this situation, one suggestion would be to .........
The first step to be taken would be to ........
To alleviate the situation people should ...........
In addition they ought to ...............
To begin to tackle this situation society/individuals/the government need/s to ..........
.............. would certainly ameliorate the situation.
This can only be dealt with if ............
To overcome this problem, ..............
Were the government to ..............., the situation would doubtless improve.
Individuals can do a great deal to ............
The burden of responsiblity lies in the hands of ........
It is vitally important that .........
Legislation should be introduced to control .................
It would be a grave error if we .................
Concluding
All in all it seems to me that ...........
The obvious conclusion to be drawn is that .......................
All things considered, .............
On balance, I tend to believe that ............
The world would surely be a better place to live in if ..............
If people stopped ....ing, we would have/ we could look forward to a ...............
The prospects for the future will be bleak/grim unless ...................
Tip
You should have a few pages safe somewhere where you can keep a record of other useful essay phrases that
you come across in your reading. Note them down and practise using them in your own writing.
Look out for more advanced expressions that you can use in place of phrases that weren't even impressive at the
B2 level - phrases like "solve the problem". Here are a few alternative problem and solution phrases to get you
going.:

a crisis in education which must be addressed

something that must be tackled / be dealt with
a challenge which must be met
something must be done to restore law and order in the inner cities