Creating Cohesion
Creating cohesion means giving the text ‘flow’ by ‘tying’ our words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs
together, to create a text where the relationships between these elements are clear and logical to the
reader. We create cohesion at all these levels (word, phrase, sentence and paragraph), in order to direct
our readers’ attention to the direction of our argument. There are many common cohesive words and
phrases that we can use to do this, and these are listed on the opposite side of this page; but cohesion
can also be created on the sentence level by using:
Repetition: in the second of any two sentences, repeat a word from the first sentence,
e.g. The problem with contemporary art is that it is not easily understood by most people. Contemporary
art is deliberately abstract, and that means it leaves the viewer wondering what she is looking at.
Synonyms: use a word or phrase in the second sentence which has the same or similar meaning to a
keyword in the first sentence,
e.g. Myths narrate sacred histories and explain sacred origins. These traditional narratives are, in short, a
set of beliefs that are a very real force in the lives of the people who tell them.
Pronouns: use a pronoun to refer back to a phrase already used,
e.g. When scientific experiments do not work out as expected, they are often considered failures until
some other scientist tries them again. Those that work out better the second time around are the ones
that promise the most rewards.
Cohesive Words and Phrases
1. Additive words
Also, and, as well as, at the same time as, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition,
likewise, moreover, too, not only... but also.
2. Amplification words
As, for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, such as, that is, to illustrate
3. Repetitive words
Again, in other words, that is, to repeat
4. Contrast words
But, conversely, despite, even though, however, in contrast, notwithstanding, on the one hand / on the
other hand, still, although, though, whereas, yet, nevertheless, on the contrary, in spite of this
5. Cause and effect words
Accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason, since, as, so, then, therefore, thus
6. Qualifying words
Although, if, even, therefore, unless
7. Example
For example, for instance
CC-BY-NC-SA 2024 FHS Writing Lab. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
8. Emphasising words
Above all, more/most importantly
9. Reason words
For this reason, owing to this, therefore
10. Order words
Afterwards, at the same time, before, firstly/secondly, formerly, lastly, finally, later, meanwhile, next, now,
presently, today/yesterday/last week/next year, subsequently, then, until, ultimately, while, historically, in
the end, eventually
11. Explanation
In other words, that is to say
12. Attitude
Naturally, of course, certainly, strangely enough, oddly enough, luckily, fortunately, unfortunately,
admittedly, undoubtedly
13. Summary
Finally, in conclusion, in short, to sum up
Remember: Cohesive writing refers to the connection of your ideas both at the sentence level and at
the paragraph level. Cohesion is a very important aspect of academic writing, because it immediately
affects the tone of your writing. Here are some examples that illustrate the importance of connecting
your ideas more effectively in writing:
Example of lack of cohesion:
The hotel is famous. It is one of the most well-known hotels in the country. The latest international
dancing competition was held at the hotel. The hotel spent a lot of money to advertise the event. Because
the hotel wanted to gain an international reputation. But not many people attended the event. (The
connection of ideas is not very good.)
Example of cohesion employed:
The hotel, which is one of the most well-known hotels in this region, wanted to promote its image around
the world by hosting the latest international dancing competition. Although the event was widely
advertised, not many people participated in the competition. (The connection of ideas is better than in the
first example.)
The latest international dancing competition was held at the hotel, which is one of the most well-known
hotels in this region. The hotel spent a lot of money on advertising the event since it wanted to enhance
its international reputation; however, it failed to attract many people. (The connection of ideas is better
than in the first example.)
Adapted from: Young-Kyung Min, 2015. Coherence and cohesion. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.bothell.washington.edu/wacc/for-students/eslhandbook/coherence
Compiled by the FHS Writing Lab, 2024.
CC-BY-NC-SA 2024 FHS Writing Lab. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
