Essay writing- linking words and phrases

The language you use when writing essays is important in explaining your argument. Use this handy checklist of useful words and phrases to ensure you get it right first time.

To help you structure your essay clearly, use the following words and phrases in the relevant sections.

Combine them with our other essay-writing tips to make sure you get your point across.

Introduction

Firstly
Primarily
Chiefly
Importantly
The writer/author introduces...
We are introduced to...

Main argument

The reason for this is...
From this, we can note that...
Secondly... Thirdly... etc. Make sure you have a few clear points when using these - if you end up on "thirteenthly" you're probably babbling!
Moving on... When you move on, try to refer back to your last point to make it clear
The reader can see from this that...
The author writes... because...
Also...
Therefore...
Significantly...
We can see from this that...
Next
This shows that...
Following this...
Then...
This then means that...
Penultimately... (the last point but one)
Later...
It can be noted/said that...

Conclusion

In summary
In conclusion
It is important to conclude with...
Weighing up the evidence, we can see that...
Finally...
Lastly...
The message conveyed is therefore...
In summary, we can see that...

Your shout!

Do you have any other useful words and phrases you like to use in your essays? If so, post them in the box below.

Any comments?

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