Cohesive Devices
Introduction
An important part of any piece of writing is its flow. In order to make writing more clear, varied and logical, there are specific words and phrases that can be used, these are called cohesive devices. While transitions help link or synthesise ideas, sentences and paragraphs, conjunctions are useful in creating more complex and compound sentences.
Transitions
There are many different types of transitions. These are words or phrases used to link sentences or paragraphs together. It is important to use transitions in academic writing so that the reader understands the relationship between your ideas, evidence, and claims.
Addition (for sentences that provide more information to the previous one)
Transitions: also, again, as well as, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly
Example: Watching YouTube is the most popular past time for many young people today. Furthermore, they are known to spend upwards of 2 hours per evening using the app.
Consequence (for sentences that provide outcomes of an action/event mentioned in previous one)
Transitions: accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus,
Example: Watching YouTube tutorials can provide students with additional support in their learning. Consequently, studies have shown a steady increase in the academic skills of students in contemporary society.
Contrast (for sentences that provide an opposing view or fact from the previous one)
Transitions: conversely, instead, in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, regardless, unfortunately, nonetheless
Example: Watching YouTube tutorials can provide students with additional support in their learning. However, studies have shown the majority of young people are using the app for entertainment over education.
Emphasis/Exemplification (for sentences that provide an elaboration on the previous one)
Transitions: above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly, specifically, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely, including, such as
Example: Watching YouTube tutorials can provide students with additional support in their learning. In particular, there are many university students who have uploaded their note taking methods as guides for other students.
Generalising (for sentences that provide a general statement resulting from the previous one)
Transitions: as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually
Example: Watching YouTube tutorials can provide students with additional support in their learning. Usually, this is most effective with teacher guidance.
Illustrating (for sentences that provide an illustration or example supporting the previous one)
Transitions: for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated with, as an example, in this case
Example: Watching YouTube tutorials can provide students with additional support in their learning. For example, EngVid.com has many practical videos for people with English as a second language, and these can assist with their studies.
Restatement (for sentences that provide clarification on a previous one)
Transitions: in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently
Example: Watching YouTube tutorials can provide students with additional support in their learning. That is to say, having open access to instruction, and being able to pause and restart, is beneficial when practice new skills.
Sequences (for sentences that follow on from a previous one)
Transitions: at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, secondly, at the same time, the next step, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, in the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind,
Example: Firstly, watching YouTube tutorials can provide students with additional support in their learning. Secondly, they are free and easily accessible. Finally, the platform also provides news and entertainment.
Similarity (for sentences that provide a comparison of something from the previous one)
Transitions: comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar, moreover, together with
Example: Watching YouTube tutorials can provide students with additional support in their learning. Similarly, recording lessons and replaying them during study sessions can assist as well.
Summarising (for sentences that provide a conclusion to the previous ones)
Transitions: after all, all in all, all things considered, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, on balance, to sum up, to summarise, finally
Example: Watching YouTube tutorials can provide students with additional support in their learning. In conclusion, teachers should consider prescribing videos as part of their homework routines.
Example (without transitions)
Cell phones have changed our family communication for the worse. Parents complain about their teenagers spending too much time on their phones. Teenagers are annoyed that they can't get the attention of their parents, who are always working or shopping on their phones. We need to make some changes.
Example (with transitions)
Generally speaking, cell phones have changed our family communication for the worse. Obviously, parents complain about their teenagers spending too much time on their phones. Moreover, teenagers are annoyed that they can't get the attention of their parents, who are always working or shopping on their phones. Unquestionably, we need to make some changes.
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are an important aspect of complex and compound sentences, and allow the reader to better understand the relationship between ideas or parts of a sentence. FANBOYS in an acronym used to remember several popular conjunctions. Examples of these are outlined below:
For: We went to the park, for the dog was restless.
And: The boy liked flying kites and playing in the sandpit.
Nor: My sister doesn't like cats, nor does she like dogs.
But: All of my friends wanted to go see the movie, but I didn't like their choice.
Or: We could have had pizza or a cheeseburger.
Yet: Grandma was afraid of storms, yet she braved the weather to see her grandchildren.
So: The student did not complete the assignment, so they were not allowed a reward.
Exceptions (for clauses that may contradict the phrase/clause previous)
Conjunctions: aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, save, unless
Example: Watching YouTube tutorials can provide students with additional support in their learning, except in situations where they are distracted by entertainment videos.