Grammar: 💡 Effective Word Choice & Style - Intermediate/Advanced (B2) - Lesson 8: Advanced Linking Words & Cohesive Devices (e.g., furthermore, nevertheless, consequently, thus)

💡 Lesson 8: Advanced Linking Words & Cohesive Devices

To create sophisticated and logical writing, you need to connect your ideas smoothly. While you know basic conjunctions like 'and', 'but', and 'so', B2-level writing often requires more formal linking words¹. These words and phrases, also known as cohesive devices², act as signposts for your reader, showing the logical relationship between your sentences.

Category 1: Adding Information (Formal alternatives to 'and' or 'also')

• Furthermore: Used to add another significant point to an argument.
  "The new park will provide a space for recreation. Furthermore, it will help to improve air quality in the city."
• Moreover: Similar to 'furthermore', used to add another piece of information that supports your point.
  "The history of Battambang is fascinating. Moreover, its modern art scene is incredibly vibrant."
• In addition: A very clear way to add another item or idea.
  "Applicants must have a university degree. In addition, they are required to have five years of experience."

Category 2: Showing Contrast (Formal alternatives to 'but')

• However: The most common and versatile word to show contrast.
  "He studied extremely hard for the test. However, he did not achieve the score he wanted."
• Nevertheless³: A stronger contrast, meaning 'despite that'. Used when a result is surprising.
  "The journey was long and tiring. Nevertheless, it was a truly unforgettable experience."

Category 3: Showing a Result (Formal alternatives to 'so')

• Consequently⁴ / As a result: Shows a direct result of the previous sentence.
  "The company lost millions of dollars. Consequently, over 100 workers lost their jobs."
• Therefore / Thus⁵: Shows a logical conclusion. 'Thus' is very formal.
  "The evidence was overwhelming. Therefore, the man was found guilty."

Important Punctuation Rule

When these words connect two complete sentences, you CANNOT use just a comma. You must use either a full stop or a semicolon.

Correct: The weather was beautiful; however, we decided to stay inside.
Correct: The weather was beautiful. However, we decided to stay inside.

Incorrect (Comma Splice): The weather was beautiful, however, we decided to stay inside.

🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Right Link

Choose the best linking word to connect the two ideas.

1. The hotel is beautiful and has a large swimming pool. _______, it is located right in the city center. (However / Furthermore)
   Answer: Furthermore (This adds another positive point.)
2. He is fluent in English. _______, he finds it difficult to understand fast-spoken idioms. (Nevertheless / Therefore)
   Answer: Nevertheless (This shows a surprising contrast.)
3. The company's profits increased by 20% last year. _______, all employees received a bonus. (Consequently / In addition)
   Answer: Consequently (The bonus is a direct result of the profits.)
4. The final exam was extremely difficult. _______, he was confident he had passed. (However / Nevertheless)
   Answer: Nevertheless ('Despite that' - this is the best word for a surprising contrast.)

📝 Homework: Connect the Sentences

Combine these pairs of sentences using an appropriate advanced linking word from the lesson. Remember the punctuation!

1. He is an excellent teacher. He is also a respected researcher in his field.
   Answer: He is an excellent teacher; moreover, he is a respected researcher in his field.
2. The storm was very strong. The old bridge was not damaged.
   Answer: The storm was very strong. Nevertheless, the old bridge was not damaged.
3. She did not submit her application on time. She was not considered for the position.
   Answer: She did not submit her application on time; therefore, she was not considered for the position.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Linking Words: (Noun Phrase) - ពាក្យតភ្ជាប់ (péak tâ'ph'chŏăp) - Words or phrases that connect ideas, sentences, or paragraphs. ↩
2. Cohesive Devices: (Noun Phrase) - ឧបករណ៍เชื่อมโยง (ŏb'bâ'kao chhuəm'yoang) - The words and phrases used to link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly. ↩
3. Nevertheless: (Adverb) - ទោះបីជាយ៉ាងណាក៏ដោយ (toah'bei'chéa'yang'naa'kɑ'daoy) - Despite what has just been said or referred to. ↩
4. Consequently: (Adverb) - ជាលទ្ធផល (chéa lŏt'thâ'phól) - As a result. ↩
5. Thus: (Adverb) - ដូច្នេះ (doch'chnéh) - A very formal word for 'therefore' or 'as a result'. ↩