Linking ideas

In English communication, especially when delivering answers or lengthy speeches, it is crucial for the speaker to know how to organize and connect ideas in a way that is coherent, while also helping the listener grasp the structure of your speech more easily. In this article, Essay King will introduce you to some common ways of linking ideas.

1. Ways of linking ideas

We use conjunctions (e.g. but, because) to join two clauses in one sentence:

We can use adverbial expressions (e.g. consequently, howerver) to connect ideas in separate sentences. These usually go at the begining of the sentence or clause:

Fish is known as a ‘brain food’ because of the benefits it has for brain development. However, recent studies have shown that fish can also contain mercury.

Some adverbial expressions (e.g. therefore, however, also) can be used in a variety of positions:

People therefore are unsure of whether to eat fish.
People are therefore unsure of whether to eat fish.
People are unsure therefore of whether to eat fish.

We can use prepositions (e.g. in spite of, because of) before a noun phrase or an -ing form:

The match was cancelled because of the snow. (not because of it snowed)
In spite of losing the first game, the team went on to win the tournament.

2. Linking expressions

Adding information

Conjunctions: and, as well as

Adverbials: also, anyway, besides, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly

We use these expressions to give additional information:

Fish supplies us with substances that might protect against heart disease. Moreover, in many cultures fish is known as a ‘brain food’.

Sequencing

adverbials: first, next, after that, then; firstly, secondly, finally

Firstly, secondly and finally are used to order points in an argument:

Firstly, in terms of heart disease , it has been shown that consuming even small quantities of fish can lower your risk of heart disease by 17%. Secondly, consuming fish is known to have a beneficial effect on brain development. Finally,...

First, next after that and then describe the order of activities in a process:
First the fruit is picked by hand. Then it is transported to the factory.

Cause, reason, result

conjunctions: because, so

adverbials: therefore, consequently, so, thus, as a result

prepositions: because of, due to, on account of, owing to

Because introduces the reason for something, and so introduces the results:

I eat fish three times a week because it protects against heart disease.

Fish protects against heart disease so I eat it three times a week.

Therefore, consequently, so, thus, and as a result introduce the result of a situation or action:
As a result, people are unsure whether to increase or decrease the amount of fish they eat.

We use because of, due to, on account of and owing to to introduce the reason for something:

The match was cancelled because of the snow. (not because of it was snowing)
The buses were all running late owing to the bad weather.

⚠️We can use due to, on account of and owing to + the fact that with a clause:
The match was cancelled due to the fact that it was snowing.

Contrasting

conjunctions: but, although, through

adverbials: alternatively, however, in contrast, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, yet

prepositions: in spite of, despite

We use but between two contrasting ideas:
Fish has long been a staple food in many cultures, but there has been some controversy recently about the benefits and risks of fish consumption.

Although can come at the beginning or in the middle of two contrasting ideas. We use a comma between the two clause:

Although the work was supported by grants from the Fisheries Scholarship Fund, this did not affect the research findings.
The work was supported by grants from the Fisheries Scholarship Fund, although this did not affect the research findings.

We use in spite of and despite + noun/-ing at the beginning or in the middle of two contrasting ideas:

In spite of the considerable amount of literature on the risks and benefits of fish consumption, there are still important gaps in this information. (not in spite of there is a considerable amount)
I eat fish regularly for health reasons despite not liking it much. (not despite I don’t like it)

⚠️We can use despite and in spite of + the fact that with a clause:

I eat fish regularly for health reasons despite the fact that I don’t like it much.

Giving examples

adverbials: that is to say, in other words, that is (i.e), for example

We use these expressions to link two clauses that give the same information in a different way or to give examples:

There has been some controversy recently about the benefits and risks of fish consumption. For example, we know that fish supplies us with polyunsaturated fatty acids, substances that might protect against heart disease.

Grammar extra: Written and spoken English

Some linking expressions are more common in either written (formal) or spoken English:

Written: thus, therefore, finally, furthermore, hence, moreover, nevertheless, in addition, firstly, secondly, finally

Regular consumption of fish can lower your risk of heart disease by 17%. Furthermore, it can have beneficial effect on brain development.

Spoken: so, then, anyway
Eating fish is good for you so I try to eat regularly.