100 MOST BEAUTIFUL WORDS

Ailurophile
A cat-lover.
Assemblage A gathering.
Becoming Attractive.
Beleaguer To exhaust with attacks.
Brood To think alone.
Bucolic In a lovely rural setting.
Bungalow A small, cozy cottage.
Chatoyant Like a cat's eye.
Comely Attractive.
Conflate To blend together.
Cynosure A focal point of admiration.
Dalliance A brief love affair.
Demesne Dominion, territory.
Demure Shy and reserved.
Denouement The resolution of a mystery.
Desuetude Disuse.
Desultory Slow, sluggish.
Diaphanous Filmy.
Dissemble Deceive.
Dulcet Sweet, sugary.
Ebullience Bubbling enthusiasm.
Effervescent Bubbly.
Efflorescence Flowering, blooming.
Elision Dropping a sound or syllable in a word.
Elixir A good potion.
Eloquence Beauty and persuasion in speech.
Embrocation Rubbing on a lotion.
Emollient A softener.
Ephemeral Short-lived.
Epiphany A sudden revelation.
Erstwhile At one time, for a time.
Ethereal Gaseous, invisible but detectable.
Evanescent Vanishing quickly, lasting a very short time.
Evocative Suggestive.
Fetching Pretty.
Felicity Pleasantness.
Forbearance Withholding response to provocation.

Fugacious Fleeting.
Furtive Shifty, sneaky.
Gambol To skip or leap about joyfully.
Glamour Beauty.
Gossamer The finest piece of thread, a spider's silk
Halcyon Happy, sunny, care-free.
Harbinger Messenger with news of the future.
Imbrication Overlapping and forming a regular pattern.
Imbroglio An altercation or complicated situation.
Imbue To infuse, instill.
Incipient Beginning, in an early stage.
Ineffable Unutterable, inexpressible.
Ingenue A naive young woman.
Inglenook A cozy nook by the hearth.
Insouciance Blithe nonchalance.
Inure To become jaded.
Labyrinthine Twisting and turning.
Lagniappe A special kind of gift.
Lagoon A small gulf or inlet.
Languor Listlessness, inactivity.
Lassitude Weariness, listlessness.
Leisure Free time.
Lilt To move musically or lively.
Lissome Slender and graceful.
Lithe Slender and flexible.
Love Deep affection.
Mellifluous Sweet sounding.
Moiety One of two equal parts.
Mondegreen A slip of the ear.
Murmurous Murmuring.
Nemesis An unconquerable archenemy.
Offing The sea between the horizon and the offshore.
Onomatopoeia A word that sounds like its meaning.
Opulent Lush, luxuriant.
Palimpsest A manuscript written over earlier ones.
Panacea A solution for all problems
Panoply A complete set.
Pastiche An art work combining materials from various sources.

Penumbra A half-shadow.
Petrichor The smell of earth after rain.
Plethora A large quantity.
Propinquity An inclination.
Pyrrhic Successful with heavy losses.
Quintessential Most essential.
Ratatouille A spicy French stew.
Ravel To knit or unknit.
Redolent Fragrant.
Riparian By the bank of a stream.
Ripple A very small wave.
Scintilla A spark or very small thing.
Sempiternal Eternal.
Seraglio Rich, luxurious oriental palace or harem.
Serendipity Finding something nice while looking for something else.
Summery Light, delicate or warm and sunny.
Sumptuous Lush, luxurious.
Surreptitious Secretive, sneaky.
Susquehanna A river in Pennsylvania.
Susurrous Whispering, hissing.
Talisman A good luck charm.
Tintinnabulation Tinkling.
Umbrella Protection from sun or rain.
Untoward Unseemly, inappropriate.
Vestigial In trace amounts.
Wafture Waving.
Wherewithal The means.
Woebegone Sorrowful, downcast.
MORE BEAUTIFUL WORDS

Iridiscent
Incandescence
Epiphany
Ethereal
Effervescence
Aurora
Supine
Bombinate
Eloquent

(adj) producing a display of rainbowlike colours

(n) a light produce by high temperature
(n) a moment of sudden revelation
(adj) extremely delicate light, not of this world
(n) bubbles in liquid
(n) dawn
(adj) lying face upwards
(v) to make a humming or buzzing noise
(v)the art of using language in an apt, fluent way

Ephemeral
Defenestration
Syzygy
Somnambulist
Denoument
Ineffable
Luminescence
Illicit
Nefarious
Cromulent
Limerence
Mellifluous
Serendipity
Petrichor
Epoch
Sonder
Sonorous
Oblivion
Solitude
Aquiver
Hiraeth

(adj) lasting for a very short time

(n) the act of throwing someone out of the window
(n) an allignment of celestrial body
(n) a person who sleepwalks
(n) the resolution of a narrative
(adj) too great to be expressed in words
(n) light
(adj) not legally permitted
(adj) wicked,villanious,despicable
(n) appearing legitimate but actually being spurious
(n) in state of being infatuated by someone
(adj) a sound that is sweet and smooth,please to hear
(n) the chance occurrence of events in a beneficial way
(n)the pleasant,earthy smell after rain
(n) a particular period of time in history of someones life
(n) the realization that each passerby has their own vivid
and complex life like your own
(adj) an imposingly deep and full sound
(n) the state of being unaware of whats happening around
you
(n) a state of seclusion or isolation
(adj) quivering,trembling
(n) a homesickness for a home you cant never return or
that never was

IDIOMS
A hot potato
Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and which
is usually disputed
A penny for your thoughts
A way of asking what someone is thinking
Actions speak louder than words
People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
Add insult to injury
To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.
An arm and a leg
Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
At the drop of a hat
Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.
Back to the drawing board
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.

Ball is in your court

It is up to you to make the next decision or step
Barking up the wrong tree
Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person
Be glad to see the back of
Be happy when a person leaves.
Beat around the bush
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
Best of both worlds
Meaning: All the advantages.
Best thing since sliced bread
A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
Bite off more than you can chew
To take on a task that is way to big.
Blessing in disguise
Something good that isn't recognized at first.
Burn the midnight oil
To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.
Can't judge a book by its cover
Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.
Caught between two stools
When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives.
Costs an arm and a leg
This idiom is used when something is very expensive.
Cross that bridge when you come to it
Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.
Cry over spilt milk
When you complain about a loss from the past.
Curiosity killed the cat
Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.
Cut corners
When something is done badly to save money.

Cut the mustard [possibly derived from "cut the muster"]

To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete or participate
Devil's Advocate
To present a counter argument
Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched
This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not
happen".
Don't give up the day job
You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.
Drastic times call for drastic measures
When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.
Elvis has left the building
The show has come to an end. It's all over.
Every cloud has a silver lining
Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.
Far cry from
Very different from.
Feel a bit under the weather
Meaning: Feeling slightly ill.
Give the benefit of the doubt
Believe someone's statement, without proof.
Hear it on the grapevine
This idiom means 'to hear rumors' about something or someone.
Hit the nail on the head
Do or say something exactly right

Hit the sack / sheets / hay

To go to bed.
In the heat of the moment
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.

It takes two to tango

Actions or communications need more than one person
Jump on the bandwagon
Join a popular trend or activity.
Keep something at bay
Keep something away.
Kill two birds with one stone
This idiom means, to accomplish two different things at the same time.
Last straw
The final problem in a series of problems.
Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning - do not disturb a situation as it is - since it would result in trouble or
complications.
Let the cat out of the bag
To share information that was previously concealed
Make a long story short
Come to the point - leave out details
Method to my madness
An assertion that, despite one's approach seeming random, there actually is
structure to it.
Miss the boat
This idiom is used to say that someone missed his or her chance
Not a spark of decency
Meaning: No manners
Not playing with a full deck
Someone who lacks intelligence.
Off one's rocker
Crazy, demented, out of one's mind, in a confused or befuddled state of mind,
senile.
On the ball
When someone understands the situation well.
Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Happens very rarely.

Picture paints a thousand words

A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.
Piece of cake
A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple.
Put wool over other people's eyes
This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them.
See eye to eye
This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on something.
Sit on the fence
This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a decision.
Speak of the devil!
This expression is used when the person you have just been talking about arrives.
Steal someone's thunder
To take the credit for something someone else did.
Take with a grain of salt
This means not to take what someone says too seriously.
Taste of your own medicine
Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to
someone else
To hear something straight from the horse's mouth
To hear something from the authoritative source.
Whole nine yards
Everything. All of it.
Wouldn't be caught dead
Would never like to do something
Your guess is as good as mine
To have no idea, do not know the answer to a question
MORE IDIOMS ;
1. CRUNCH TIME: the period of time just before a project has to be completed and
everyone has to work hard

Im not getting enough sleep these days. Its crunch time at work.

2. LET YOUR FREAK FLAG FLY: to let others see your uniqueness

My colleagues were surprised at the Christmas party- I let my freak flag fly and
showed them a break dance routine.

3. GET OUT OF HAND: when you lose control of things, they get out of hand

The party got out of hand and the guests started to throw bottles at each other.

4. GET YOUR HEAD AROUND IT: to understand something

I just cant get my head around the fact that Joe is leaving us.

5. DIG IN YOUR HEELS / STICK TO YOUR GUNS: to refuse to compromise or

change your mind

My parents wanted me to give up writing, but I dug in my heels and went on to

become a famous writer.

My parents wanted me to give up writing, but I stuck to my guns and went on to

become a famous writer.

6. POUND THE PAVEMENT: to walk the streets looking for a job

Id been pounding the pavement for months before I found a job in a fast food
restaurant.

7. PULL A RABBIT OUT OF A HAT: to do something unexpected that may have

seemed impossible

I thought we were going bankrupt, but my partner pulled a rabbit out of his hat and
we landed a major contract.

8. LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED: to do everything you can to achieve your goal

Ill leave no stone unturned until I find out who did this.

9. GET IT OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM: to do something youve wanted to do for a long

time and dont want to postpone any longer

I wasnt sure how she was going to react, but I had to get it out of my system, so I
told her I had found another woman.

10. STEP UP YOUR GAME: to start performing better

If you want to win this competition, youll have to step up your game.

11. PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER: to calm down and behave normally

I understand youve had a bad day, but pull yourself together and get on with your
job, will you?

12. SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT: either start performing better or leave

This is the last time Im telling you to arrive on time. Shape up or ship out.
13. CUT SOMEBODY SOME SLACK: to give somebody a break/ not to judge
somebody severely

I was extremely busy last week. Cut me some slack and Ill finish the report by
tomorrow morning.

14. BY THE SKIN OF YOUR TEETH: when you do something by the skin of your
teeth, you only just succeed/ nearly fail

I hadnt studied much, but passed the test by the skin of my teeth.

15. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON: when something rarely ever happens

We used to see him all the time, but now he just visits us once in a blue moon.

16. GO DOWN IN FLAMES: to end or fail suddenly and spectacularly

Shed wanted to become Managing Director, but her career went down in
flames when they found out shed been leaking information to our competitors.

17. TAR SOMEONE WITH THE SAME BRUSH: to believe that someone has the
same bad qualities as others in a group

I dont think much of that band, but the singer shouldnt be tarred with the same
brush. Shes got a fantastic voice.

18. COME OUT SWINGING: to be confrontational and strongly defend yourself at the
beginning of a debate

Our local MP came out swinging against the current leadership and demanded that
the government resign.

19. HANG IN THERE: wait and be patient

I know youd really like to call him, but I dont think thats the right thing to do
now. Just hang in there and he will call you.

20. SHOOT FROM THE HIP: to speak directly

If you want to get on well with your boss, try not to shoot from the hip next time.
You dont want to offend him, do you?

21. GO THE EXTRA MILE: to make a special effort/try very hard to achieve your goal

If you want to become proficient in English, youll have to go the extra mile and
start learning idioms.

My English class was great, we learnt so much because our teacher was the best,
she always went the extra mile for us.

22. RUNNING ON FUMES: to continue to stay awake when feeling exhausted

Im sorry, but Ive got to go home now. I havent slept for twenty hours and Im
running on fumes.

23. SOLD ME OUT: to snitch on someone, or let their secret out

I asked you to keep it to yourself! I cant believe you sold me out, I trusted you!

24. YOU SOLD ME (ON SOMETHING): you convinced me of something, because

you were persuasive

OK, youve sold me. Ill go to the match with you.

25. BLEW ME AWAY: when something blows you away, youre extremely impressed
by it
The exhibition just blew me away. Id never seen so many beautiful paintings before.
26. BLOW SMOKE: to exaggerate or say things that arent true to make you seem
better/ more knowledgeable than in reality

Im not blowing smoke. I have honestly read War and Peace by Tolstoy.

27. CRY WOLF: to call for help when you dont need it

Do you think Peter is in trouble or is he just crying wolf?

28. COULDNT CARE LESS: used to express total lack of interest in something

That man stole a bottle of wine from the shop.

Oh, really? I couldnt care less.

29. BE CHUFFED TO BITS: to be pleased and happy

Hey, thanks for the present! Im chuffed to bits.

30. FEELING UNDER THE WEATHER: to be ill or unable to do regular activities

I think Im going to have to take the day off work. I feel quite under the
weather today.

31. BE TICKLED PINK: to be excited and happy

She was tickled pink by all the compliments shed received.

32. A BAKERS DOZEN: thirteen

Check out our bakers dozen language learning tips.

33. COMFORT FOOD: food that makes you feel better, because it reminds you of your
childhood

After a tiring day, its so nice to make some comfort food and settle down with a
good book.

34. SKELETON CREW: the minimum number of people needed to keep a

service/office operating

Can you come back after the holidays? Were operating with a skeleton crew at the
moment.

35. LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY: to let something happen, no matter
what happens next

I must tell John how I feel about him, let the chips fall where they may.

36. NO-BRAINER: an easy decision

Do you think I should propose to Judy?

Come on, its a no-brainer. Shes such a fantastic woman!

37. A STONES THROW: very near

The hotel was a stones throw from the beach. I loved it.

38. HEAR ON THE GRAPEVINE: to hear a rumour or unconfirmed story

I heard on the grapevine that Charlie and Sarah are dating at the moment.

39. SIT ON THE FENCE: to stay neutral and not take sides

Well dont you think Im right, hes been acting differently hasnt he?

Im sitting on the fence with this one, youre both my good friends.

40. TAKE WHAT SOMEONE SAYS WITH A PINCH OF SALT: regard something as
exaggerated, or only believe a part of something

Did you hear what Tina said happened in the office yesterday?

Oh, I would take anything she says with a pinch of salt.

41. FREAK OUT: to become very angry, scared or excited

Mum, dont freak out! I married a guy in Las Vegas.

42. BE A CATCH: be someone worth marrying/having

John is taking me out tonight. Hes such a catch, I hope hell propose.

43. PIECE OF CAKE: when something is extremely easy to do

Do you think you could beat him in a race?

Yeah, piece of cake. Im definitely a lot faster than him.

44. HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD: used if something someone says, is precisely
correct

My doctor hit the nail on the head. He knew exactly what was wrong with me!

45. COSTS AN ARM AND A LEG: when something is very expensive

My son wants that mountain bike for his birthday, but itll cost an arm and a leg!

46. HIT THE BOOKS: to study very hard

Do you want to go for lunch somewhere nice?

No thanks, Im going to hit the books. I have an exam coming up soon.

47. BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW: to take on something that is too
much for you to handle

He recently got promoted and took on some new responsibilities, but hes just too
busy. He bit off more than he could chew, and I dont think he can handle it
anymore.

48. WHEN PIGS FLY: this means that something will never happen

Arent you going to buy that dream house you told me about?

Ugh, I will when pigs fly. Its just so expensive, I dont think itll happen.

49. DONT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER: this means dont make a decision
based on a brief impression or outward appearance

I dont like our new neighbours very much, theyre quite strange.

Hey, you shouldnt judge a book by its cover. Give them a chance, I think theyre
just a bit quirky but really nice!

50. YOU ROCK: you are great

Thanks for the tickets, Rob. You rock!

51. MISS THE BOAT: when someone has missed their opportunity to do something

Have you applied for that job yet?

No, I think I may have missed the boat. I shouldve done it last week.

CONNECTIVE WORDS
USAGE

CONNECTIVE WORDS

addition of ideas

and, also, besides, further, furthermore, too, moreover, in addition, then, of equal
importance, equally important, another

time

next, afterward, finally, later, last, lastly, at last, now, subsequently, then, when,
soon, thereafter, after a short time, the next week (month, day, etc.), a minute
later, in the meantime, meanwhile, on the following day, at length, ultimately,
presently

order or
sequence

first, second, (etc.), finally, hence, next, then, from here on, to begin with, last of
all, after, before, as soon as, in the end, gradually

space and place

above, behind, below, beyond, here, there, to the right (left), nearby, opposite, on
the other side, in the background, directly ahead, along the wall, as you turn
right, at the top, across the hall, at this point, adjacent to

to signal an
example

for example, to illustrate, for instance, to be specific, such as, moreover,

furthermore, just as important, similarly, in the same way

results

as a result, hence, so, accordingly, as a consequence, consequently, thus, since,

therefore, for this reason, because of this

purpose

to this end, for this purpose, with this in mind, for this reason(s)

comparison

like, in the same manner (way), as so, similarly

contrast
connectives

but, in contrast, conversely, however, still, nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, and

yet, on the other hand, on the contrary, or, in spite of this, actually, in fact

to summarize or
report

in summary, to sum up, to repeat, briefly, in short, finally, on the whole,

therefore, as I have said, in conclusion, as you can see

TRANSITIONS
Agreement / Addition / Similarity
The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add
information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material.
in the first place
not only ... but also
as a matter of fact
in like manner
in addition
coupled with
in the same fashion / way
first, second, third
in the light of
not to mention
to say nothing of

equally important
by the same token
again
to
and
also
then
equally
identically
uniquely
like
as
too
moreover
as well as
together with
of course
likewise
comparatively
correspondingly
similarly
furthermore
additionally

Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction

Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to
thecontrary or point out alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of
reasoning (contrast).
although this may be true
in contrast

different from
of course ..., but
on the other hand
on the contrary
at the same time
in spite of
even so / though
be that as it may
then again
above all
in reality
after all
but
(and) still
unlike
or
(and) yet
while
albeit
besides
as much as
even though
although
instead
whereas
despite
conversely
otherwise
however
rather
nevertheless
nonetheless

regardless
notwithstanding

Cause / Condition / Purpose

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions.
in the event that
granted (that)
as / so long as
on (the) condition (that)
for the purpose of
with this intention
with this in mind
in the hope that
to the end that
for fear that
in order to
seeing / being that
in view of
If
... then
unless
when
whenever
while
because of
as
since

while
lest
in case
provided that
given that
only / even if
so that
so as to
owing to
inasmuch as
due to

Examples / Support / Emphasis

These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples
assupport, to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to
the reader.
in other words
to put it differently
for one thing
as an illustration
in this case
for this reason
to put it another way
that is to say
with attention to
by all means

important to realize
another key point

first thing to remember

most compelling evidence
must be remembered
point often overlooked
to point out
on the positive side
on the negative side
with this in mind
notably
including
like
to be sure
namely
chiefly
truly
indeed
certainly
surely
markedly
such as
especially
explicitly
specifically
expressly
surprisingly
frequently
significantly
particularly
in fact
in general
in particular

in detail
for example
for instance
to demonstrate
to emphasize
to repeat
to clarify
to explain
to enumerate

Effect / Consequence / Result

Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore,
henceforth) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there
was a consequence or an effect.
Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices
are placed before the consequences or effects.
as a result
under those circumstances
in that case
for this reason
in effect
for
thus
because the
then
hence
consequently
therefore
thereupon
forthwith

accordingly
henceforth

Conclusion / Summary / Restatement

These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and / or restate ideas,
or indicate a final general statement. Also some words (like therefore) from
the Effect / Consequence category can be used to summarize.
as can be seen
generally speaking
in the final analysis
all things considered
as shown above
in the long run
given these points
as has been noted
in a word
for the most part
after all
in fact
in summary
in conclusion
in short
in brief
in essence
to summarize
on balance
altogether
overall
ordinarily
usually

by and large
to sum up
on the whole
in any event
in either case
all in all
Obviously
Ultimately
Definitely

Time / Chronology / Sequence

These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting,
and defining time. They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial
expressions.
at the present time
from time to time
sooner or later
at the same time
up to the present time
to begin with
in due time
as soon as
as long as
in the meantime
in a moment
without delay
in the first place
all of a sudden
at this instant
first, second

immediately
quickly
finally
after
later
last
until
till
since
then
before
hence
since
when
once
about
next
now

formerly
suddenly
shortly
henceforth
whenever
eventually
meanwhile
further
during
in time
prior to

forthwith
straightaway
by the time
whenever
until now
now that
instantly
presently
occasionally

Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third;
further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.
Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further they add a meaning
of timein expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also
used to add information or list examples. Further is also used to indicate added
space as well as added time.

Space / Location / Place

These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have
the function to restrict, limit or qualify space. Quite a few of these are also found
in theTime category and can be used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.
in the middle
to the left/right
in front of
on this side
in the distance
here and there
in the foreground

in the background
in the center of
adjacent to
opposite to
here
there
next
where
from
over
near
above
below
down
up
under
further
beyond
nearby
wherever
around
between
before
alongside
amid
among
beneath
beside
behind
across

General explaining
Lets start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to
Usage: In order to can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an
argument.
Example: In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.

2. In other words
Usage: Use in other words when you want to express something in a different way
(more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point.
Example: Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying in other words, and can be used in
particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem
may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance.
Example: Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the
sun.

4. That is to say
Usage: That is and that is to say can be used to add further detail to your explanation,
or to be more precise.
Example: Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.

5. To that end
Usage: Use to that end or to this end in a similar way to in order to or so.
Example: Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with
each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and
their possible meanings.

Adding additional information to support a

point
Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of and each time they want to add
further information in support of a point theyre making, or to build an argument. Here
are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ moreover at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support
of a point youre making.
Example: Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling
evidence in support of

7. Furthermore
Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information.
Example: Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that

8. Whats more
Usage: This is used in the same way as moreover and furthermore.
Example: Whats more, this isnt the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.

9. Likewise
Usage: Use likewise when you want to talk about something that agrees with what
youve just mentioned.
Example: Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of
this point of view.

10. Similarly
Usage: Use similarly in the same way as likewise.
Example: Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethovens new work, because
it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react
with surprise to the unfamiliar.

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase another key point to remember or another key fact to
remember to introduce additional facts without using the word also.
Example: As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between
humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the
Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.

12. As well as
Usage: Use as well as instead of also or and.

Example: Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.

13. Not only but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something thats
in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information.
Example: Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the
summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the
British Empire.

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time.
Example: Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view
of

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the
other.
Example: There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And
thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: Not to mention and to say nothing of can be used to add extra information
with a bit of emphasis.
Example: The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention
its impact on the countrys economy.

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When youre developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or
opposing opinions or evidence it could show this, but it could also show this, or X
says this, but Y disagrees. This section covers words you can use instead of the but in
these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However
Usage: Use however to introduce a point that disagrees with what youve just said.
Example: Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same
piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an
opposing opinion.
Example: The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other
hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of
what happened that day.

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to on the other hand or but.
Example: The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that
this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells
a different story.

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use by contrast or in comparison when youre comparing and contrasting
pieces of evidence.
Example: Scholar As opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast,
Scholar Bs opinion seems more plausible.

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion.
Example: Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, its
possible that he was being paid to say this.

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as then again.
Example: The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much
of the evidence is unreliable at best.

23. Yet
Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea.
Example: Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees
that this is the most important aspect of the situation.

Adding a proviso or acknowledging

reservations
Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a
proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use despite this or in spite of this when you want to outline a point that
stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence.
Example: The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of
something else.
Example: Weve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always
live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it
difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, lets look at a more recent study
to see how the results compare.

26. Provided that

Usage: This means on condition that. You can also say providing that or just
providing to mean the same thing.
Example: We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear
in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else.
Example: In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding
of

28. Nonetheless
Usage: This is similar to despite this.
Example: The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its
day.

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as nonetheless.

Example: The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.

30. Notwithstanding
Usage: This is another way of saying nonetheless.
Example: Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important
study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.

Giving examples
Good essays always back up points with examples, but its going to get boring if you use
the expression for example every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the
same thing.

31. For instance

Example: Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance,
leave the UK in early winter and fly south

32. To give an illustration

Example: To give an illustration of what I mean, lets look at the case of

Signifying importance
When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several
ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly
Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be
immediately apparent.
Example: Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in
Suetonius accounts of the same period.

34. Notably
Usage: This can be used to mean significantly (as above), and it can also be used
interchangeably with in particular (the example below demonstrates the first of these
ways of using it).

Example: Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar As analysis.

35. Importantly
Usage: Use importantly interchangeably with significantly.
Example: Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work,
and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably
than he perhaps might otherwise have done.

Summarising
Youve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isnt over yet. You need to
end by wrapping up everything youve talked about, showing that youve considered the
arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words
and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion
Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay,
summarising what youve discussed in a broad overview.
Example: In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main
takeaway from the essay.
Example: Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that

38. Persuasive
Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most
convincing.
Example: Scholar As point that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain
seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozarts
death.

39. Compelling
Usage: Use in the same way as persuasive above.
Example: The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.

40. All things considered

Usage: This means taking everything into account.
Example: All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that
How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of
your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below!