Useful connective / expressions and linking words/phrases

Sequencing/Listing
Use to catalogue (make a list of items or sequence (place in order) what you say.
From one sentence to the next:
From one paragraph to the next
in the first (second, third) place
first
third(ly)
the primary (secondary, third) reason
firstly
next
one (another, a final) reason
first of all
then
to begin
after that
with
finally
second(ly)
Sequencing in time
when
as
while
whilst
after
before

From one sentence to the next:

then
at once
next
meanwhile
in the meantime
soon
now
at this moment
hitherto
until then (or now)
after this
before this
subsequently
immediately
suddenly
gradually

From one paragraph to the next:

meanwhile
in the meantime
hitherto
at once
the next (generally not just next)
soon (as soon as)
at this time (or moment )
until this time
subsequently
throughout this
suddenly
gradually

Sequencing in place
where
wherever

From one sentence to the next:

there
at this (or that) point
here
Showing contrast
yet
From one sentence to the next:
however
even so
nevertheless
but
instead
on the contrary
rather
yet
by contrast
otherwise
on the other hand
alternatively
at any rate
in any case

From one paragraph to the next:

at this (or that) point

From one paragraph to the next:

To make contrasting points - Use to compare or contrast

on the other hand
however
it may be said/argued/claimed that,
still
others /
oppose this viewpoint
yet
many people
(strongly) disagree ,
but
claim / feel / believe this argument is incorrect
nonetheless nevertheless
/misguided
even so
conversely
whereas
in contrast to this
while
instead
whilst
on the contrary
although
though
despite /in spite of (the fact that)
even though
regardless of the fact that
Opponents of argue/believe/claim that
The fact that contradicts the belief/idea that
While it is true to say that , in fact
While/Although , it cannot be denied that

Between Sentences:
To achieve unity between the sentences within paragraphs, transitions should be used. Transitions
between two sentences in a paragraph are often only a word or a phrase, and a writers choice of
transitions may be somewhat restricted. Nevertheless, using transitions is critical to show the logical
relationship and cohesive link between the sentences that make up the paragraph.
No Transition: Rudolpho is incredibly tall. He does not play basketball.
A relationship between the sentences is implied, but exactly what kind of relationship remains
unclear until the writer modifies the sentences. Here is one possible solution highlighting the
contrasting relationship between the two sentences.
With Transition: Rudolpho is incredibly tall; nevertheless, he does not play basketball.

Between Paragraphs:
Transitions should not only hold together sentences within a paragraph, but they should connect one
paragraph to another. Transitions are critical between paragraphs because they bridge the gaps that
can occur when the idea in one paragraph ends and a new idea begins. To ensure that the reader is
able to clearly follow this shift between ideas, transitions should be used to both remind the reader of
the previous paragraph and look forward to the idea discussed in the paragraph that follows.
Therefore, transitions between paragraphs can be quite complex, often forming entire sentences.
Although there are almost unlimited options when transitioning between paragraphs, a successful
transition must convey how the two paragraphs are connected logicallythat is, the transition should
show the reader how the paragraph is important in relation to the other ideas put forth in the paper.
Within paragraphs: Use transitions to link ideas with the paragraph. Use only those that are
necessary to make your ideas clear. Too many transitions distract the reader from your message and
slow down the rhythm of your language. Therefore, use only those that you need. In the following
paragraph, transitions are effectively used.

Although he was a delinquent in many ways, his mother still loved him. Even though he often skipped
school and was once arrested for breaking streetlights, his mother kept right on loving him. At one
time, he even stole a car. He was also a bully at school, and although he was intelligent, he still made
poor grades. Even though his mother, of course, was worried and hurt, she never let him know it. He
never felt deserted because she always stood behind him. Finally, he reformed. A mothers love, in this
case, paid off.
Paragraph to Paragraph: Use transitional expressions in essays to connect ideas from paragraph to
paragraph. Usually in effective paragraphs, writers can use transitional sentences in the lead
sentences and/or in the last sentence to make clear the preceding or following paragraphs connection
to the one being written. If the essay is logically arranged, the transitions simply emphasize that logical
organization.

Connective phrases:
TO BEGIN WITH ON THE OTHER HAND IN BRIEF IN GENERAL IN SUMMARY - MORE
SPECIFICALLY INSTEAD OF - IN ADDITION TO IN OTHER WORDS ANOTHER WAY TO FOR THE
SAME REASON - NO MATTER WHAT SUCH A THATS WHAT/WHY IN FACT WHATS MORE IN
THE SAME WAY ON THE CONTRARY CONVERSELY AS A RESULT SUMMING UP IF SO / NOT.