Advanced academic writing involves writing sentences that connect ideas logically. There are many linking devices that help us connect ideas together in the same sentence, and these can be categorized as coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions and transition signals.

Coordinating Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions Transition Signals

Link independent clauses in a sentence

He has been working there for three years, yet he has never taken any time off work.

Link phrases or dependent clauses to an independent clause in a sentence

As soon as Winston realized his love for advertising, he began consulting for the Marketing department of his company.

Link independent clauses within a sentence.

OR

Link sentences within a paragraph.

She had a busy week ahead of her; however, she knew she was going to be sick on Monday. As a result, Sofie decided to email her clients on Sunday night to change her scheduled appointments.

Time

Coordinating Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions Transition Signals
 
  • after
  • after that
  • before
  • as soon as
  • just as
  • the moment
  • once
  • since
  • the first time
  • when
  • while
  • until
  • then
  • meanwhile
  • next
  • subsequently
  • initially
  • afterwards
 

Contrast

Coordinating Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions Transition Signals
  • but
  • yet
  • although
  • while
  • whereas
  • though
  • in spite of
  • despite
  • however
  • in contrast
  • nevertheless
  • on the other hand
  • on the contrary

Example

Coordinating Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions Transition Signals
 

for example

for instance

in particular

  

Cause

Coordinating Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions Transition Signals
  • for
  • because
  • since
  • as
  • due to
  • owing to
  • as a result of
  • because of
  

Purpose

Coordinating Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions Transition Signals
 
  • in order to
  • so as to
  

Effect

Coordinating Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions Transition Signals
  • so
  • therefore
  • consequently
  • as a result
  • thus
  

Addition

Coordinating Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions Transition Signals
  • and
  • in addition
  • furthermore
  • besides
  • moreover
  • additionally
  • also
  

Condition

Coordinating Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions Transition Signals
 
  • if
  • unless
  • provided that
  • providing
  otherwise

Exercise

Please open the exercise to continue.

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