CONNECTORS: Developing Fluency

Developing vocabulary that enables us to connect our thoughts is fundamental in achieving fluency in English.  These words and expressions help us to articulate cause and effect, contrast; demonstrate exceptions, examples and time sequences; as well as introduce, emphasize, expand, summarize and conclude our arguments and points of view.  Here is a useful list of commonly used advanced-level connectors in English.  I've compiled shortlist of words with the intent of finding transition words that aren't commonly found in grammar books and that are often used in day to day (professional) speech.

Introduction

• In light of
• With regard to
• Concerning
• When it comes to

Cause-Effect/

• Therefore
• As a result
• Consequently
• In order to

Contrast

• However
• Whereas
• Conversely
• Despite the fact that
• On one hand....yet on the other hand...
• As opposed to (Note: When using a verb, use the gerund (-ing)...e.g. It's better to take the train, as opposed to flying.) 

Examples

• For instance
• Take a look at
• To illustrate
• In this case

 

Time Sequences

• First (second, third, fourth...) of all
• Meanwhile
• Subsequently (Note: This is the same as right after, soon after.)
• Previously
• Formerly
• For the time being
• In the long run
• Sooner or later (It will happen eventually...)

 

Emphasis

• Above all
• Without a doubt
• Undeniably
• Unquestionably
• Particularly
• Primarily
• Most importantly/significantly
• By all means

 

Expansion

• Furthermore
• In addition to this
• ....not to mention...
• As a matter of fact
• Equally important
• Similarly

 

Summary

• By and large
• All in all
• To sum up
• On the whole
• In brief
• For the most part

 

Conclusion

• In the end
• Ultimately
• In any case
• To sum up