20 Linking Phrases That Sound Natural

Coherence and Cohesion assesses logical organisation and connections between ideas, not a linker list alone. An expression such as “This essay will discuss...” is not wrong in every context, but should contribute to the response. “In a nutshell” can have an informal tone; check its suitability for an academic essay. Assessment considers the whole text’s progression and appropriate links.

Compare the twenty expressions by function:

1. Choose according to contrast, addition, cause, result or summary.
2. Here Task 1 means the Academic data report: do not add personal opinion or unprovided causes. Not every expression suits both tasks; for example, In my view signals a personal position.

Each expression has an example and usage note. All the material is free — no section is locked. Read the groups and try two or three expressions from each in a separate exercise; fitting all twenty into an essay is not the aim. There is no official one-or-two-use quota per essay: logical connections, appropriacy, reference and substitution also matter. A practice choice is to write two example sentences and try one or two suitable expressions next time, without forcing them where the meaning does not fit.

Contrast and concession — the function group most needed when writing an essay.

1. However, — the most versatile contrast linker; used at the start of a sentence with a comma. “Online courses are convenient. However, they rarely replace face-to-face feedback.”
2. Although — builds the contrast within one sentence; don't confuse it with “despite”: in these initial examples, although + clause and despite + noun. More broadly, although can introduce reduced and -ing clauses, while despite can take -ing or the fact that + clause. “Although solar panels are expensive to install, they cut household bills over time.”
3. While — builds a soft comparison. “While cities grow quickly, rural services often lag behind.”
4. On the other hand, — sets two different aspects against each other; confusing it with “on the contrary” is a typical mistake. “Cars offer personal freedom. On the other hand, they create congestion.”
5. Despite + noun — the shortest way to a concession. “Despite higher taxes, fuel consumption barely fell.”

Note: never write “despite of” — the correct forms are despite or in spite of. For practice, write your own position in one sentence and rebuild the same point in two variants, with “however” and with “although” — choose for yourself which reads more fluently.

1. Moreover, — adds a further argument to the previous sentence; it is in the same family as “furthermore”, a little softer. “Free Wi-Fi attracts students. Moreover, it encourages longer visits.”
2. In addition, — a neutral addition; works both at the start of a sentence and within it. “The library offers evening classes. In addition, members can borrow e-books.”
3. What is more, — carries a slightly spoken tone; effective in Task 2. “The scheme saves money. What is more, it has reduced waiting times.”
4. Firstly / Secondly / Finally — shows sequence; there is no official limit of three, so check logic and repetition. “Firstly, fees were abolished; secondly, enrolment doubled.”
5. A further advantage is that... — creates the link through sentence structure instead of a sequencing word; is an alternative to sequencing with “Thirdly...”; suitability depends on context. “A further advantage is that remote work reduces office costs.”

The job of sequencing linkers is to show the logic: every “moreover” must truly add to the previous sentence, otherwise it is just a new idea written next to it. A check is to ask which logical relationship the linker signals. An unchanged main proposition does not prove it is unnecessary; assess appropriacy and flow.

1. As a result, — the cleanest expression of cause and effect. “Subscriptions doubled. As a result, the museum extended its opening hours.”
2. This is because... — explains the visible result. “Crowds fell sharply. This is because ticket prices rose twice in one year.”
3. Consequently, — the same strength as “as a result”, more formal. “The dam altered the river’s flow; consequently, fish stocks declined.”
4. For example / For instance — the safest pair for introducing an example. “Some cities charge congestion fees, for example London and Milan.”
5. ...such as... — lists examples within the sentence. “Renewable sources such as wind and solar now cover a third of demand.”

Cause-and-effect language is especially important in Task 1, but be careful: write the reason for a change in a graph only if the question provides the information. Don't add your own guess — Task 1 is a report, not a commentary. In Task 2, this group can signal cause and result, but a claim and its support can be complete and clear without the particular word “consequently”.

1. In my view, — the same as “in my opinion”, sounds a little more modern; don't use it in Task 1. “In my view, prevention is cheaper than treatment.”
2. It could be argued that... — a hedged position; more academic than “some people say”. “It could be argued that roads aid rural areas more than railways do.”
3. On balance, — gives a verdict after weighing the two sides. “On balance, the benefits of free tuition outweigh the costs.”
4. In conclusion, — one way to introduce a conclusion; “to sum up” is also used in written summaries. “In a nutshell” can have an informal tone, but is not an automatic error rule for every exam context. “In conclusion, cities should prioritise mass transit over new motorways.”
5. Taken as a whole, — an excellent alternative for Task 1 overview sentences. “Taken as a whole, the data confirms a steady shift towards online shopping.”

Do not open a new main argument in the conclusion. But phrases 16-20 are not all conclusion-only: In my view can introduce a position and It could be argued that a possible view in an introduction or main paragraph too. An Academic Task 1 overview summarises the supplied data, while a Task 2 conclusion closes the discussion. Choose by function; no particular opening phrase is compulsory.

The biggest danger of linkers is mechanical writing — when every sentence opens with the same scheme, the essay resembles a filled-in form. Three defences:

1. Quantity control: try one or two expressions from a family in a separate exercise; there is no official essay quota. Repetition is not an automatic mark loss, but revise mechanical repetition of the same connection.
2. Alternative structures: not every connection needs a linker. Pronouns (this, these, such) and demonstrative nouns (this approach, that figure) can refer back: “The scheme proved costly. This expense, however, was offset by rising tourism revenue.”
3. Variety of openings: vary structures for meaning and readability. Three consecutive similar openings are not automatically errors; do not force every sentence into a different form just for variety.

For a final exercise, cover the twenty phrases and try writing a paragraph in five minutes, then check the functions: where are contrast, addition, cause and result clear? Remove an unnecessary linker, but do not delete it automatically just because the main proposition stays the same. Five minutes is a practice choice, not an official time or a guarantee of deeper learning; assess logic, reference and flow.