Linking words, transition signals
Sequencing - list order
first of all firstly secondly next then finally
Sequencing - time order
at first initially beginning with first
prior to before previously earlier
afterwards subsequently followed by
next then at last
Adding similar ideas
also too as well as including and so forth and so on
another yet another additional other not only, but
furthermore in addition moreover
Adding (transitioning to) a different idea
besides apart from
Comparing ideas
compared to likewise similarly in the same way
Contrasting ideas
however nevertheless on the other hand
although even though despite in spite of
whereas while
in contrast contrary to
instead
Explaining how
in this way thus
Explaining purpose
for in order to so that [infinitive phrase: to + infinitive verb]
with the aim to for the purpose of
Explaining results
as a result for this reason consequently with the result that
Explaining why
because since as
owing to due to because of on account of therefore hence
Expressing opinion
in my opinion to my mind it seems to me that
Giving examples or evidence
for example for instance to illustrate such as
Drawing conclusions
to sum up in conclusion ultimately
Ask opinion / Express opinion / React to opinion
Ask opinion
What do you think about …?
What's your opinion of …?
Have you given any thought to …?
What's your view on …?
Express opinion
I think (that)…
I believe (that) …
If you ask me …
In my opinion …
To my mind …
React to opinion
• Agree
Absolutely.
Oh, I agree with you.
I totally agree.
I think that's a great idea.
• Agree conditionally
I partly agree.
I think it depends.
I can agree, provided that …
As long as …
• Undecided
To be honest, I haven't given it much thought.
I haven't decided.
I don't know how I feel about it.
• Disagree
I'm not so sure.
I take your point, but …
I hear what you're saying, but …
You may be right, but …
I'm sorry, I have to disagree.
Making and responding to suggestions
Suggestions - Activities Suggestions - Action
How about …?
How about …?
How do you feel about …?
Would it be possible to…?
Why don't we …?
Why not …?
Maybe we could …?
I suggest that …
Let's …
I propose that …
Shall we …? Let's …
Counter proposals - Activities Counter proposals - Action
If you don't mind, I'd rather …
It would be better to …
I don't really feel like it today, but …
Let's consider alternatives …
Maybe another time …
A better option would be …
Why don't we … instead?
Let's do … instead.
Or, we could … Let's weigh the options.
Undecided - Activities Undecided - Action
I'd like to keep my options open.
We need to keep our options open.
I can't decide.
It's undecided at the moment.
I can't make up my mind. It's under consideration.
Let me think about it (and get back to you).
Reluctant Acceptance- Activities Reluctant / Declining - Action
I suppose so.
I have reservations about this.
Do I have any choice in the matter?
I'm not comfortable with that.
If you insist.
At this time we're not prepared to commit.
It seems to be the only option. At the moment this is not an option.
Accepting - Activities Accepting - Action
That's a great idea!
Yes, let's do it.
That's fine with me.
This looks like it could work.
Okay, and we could also …
This is just what we need.
Yes, I'd be up for that!
This is worth trying.
Count me in! Let's try that.
Language discussing For / Against in essays
Agreeing
• To agree with sb or sth
agree (with) share sb’s view / concern / fear, etc subscribe to a view / theory, etc
be of the same opinion concur sb is right / sb makes a valid point be for
• To partly agree with sb or sth
agree up to a point broadly agree there is some truth in
• To agree conditionally
it depends on (whether) provided that as long as not unless
• When a group of people agree
agreement consensus common ground unanimous
widely held view / belief, etc widely / generally accepted
Disagreeing
• To disagree with someone or with an opinion
disagree / not agree take issue with dispute differ
be divided / split [for a group of people] be mistaken be against
• When people disagree about something
disagreement dispute controversy
• Causing disagreement
contentious controversial divisive polarising
Language discussing Advantages / Disadvantages
Advantages
• nouns
advantage benefit merit
plus point strong point virtue
There are several advantages to nuclear power over coal.
One of the benefits of working from home is not having to commute to and from the office.
The Pfizer vaccine has certain merits over the Astra-Zeneca vaccine.
Another plus point to this slimming product is a radiant glow to your skin.
Programming software is his strong point; social interactions not so much.
Online shopping's main virtue is its convenience.
• adjectives
advantageous beneficial positive
• collocations
distinct advantage over bring benefits to potential benefits relative merits
• verbs
benefit
Disadvantages
• nouns
disadvantage drawback downside
negative point demerit
Poor bus connections from MRT stations to housing estates are a major disadvantage.
Software vulnerabilities are a serious drawback to cloud computing.
Heavy pollution is one downside of China's manufacturing boom.
The environmental study has raised several negative points regarding the plans for the new mall.
The Ministry of Public Works is examining the merits and demerits of a high-speed railway.
• adjectives
disadvantageous negative
• collocations
a major disadvantage main drawback
Language discussing Problems / Solutions
Problems
• nouns
problem issue challenge
difficulty trouble complication setback
• adjectives
problematic challenging difficult troublesome complicated
• collocations
address the problem solve the problem root of the problem resolve the issue
huge challenge overcome the difficulty run into difficulty fraught with difficulty
have trouble with run into trouble major setback
• verbs
go wrong
Solutions
• nouns
solution answer way to deal with the problem way out way forward
cure remedy
• adjectives
remedial
• collocations
find a solution come up with a solution resolve issues answer the challenge
come up with an answer find a way out of miracle cure
• verbs
resolve
Language discussing Cause / Effect
Causes
• nouns
cause factor influence
origin source root underlying cause
• adjectives
influential in
• collocations
get to the root of the problem be a factor in
• verbs
cause make lead to result in create bring about give rise to
be responsible for set off trigger
influence affect impact contribute to be a factor in play a part in
Effect
• nouns
effect result consequence outcome impact knock-on effect
implications ramifications
+ improvement + advance + change for the better
– deterioration – worsening – decline
• collocations
adversely affected positive effect (on) significant impact (on)
make a difference have a knock-on effect serious implications (for)
• verbs
be affected (by)
improve advance change for the better
deteriorate worsen decline
