Found this helpful word list – enjoy!

No words are as helpful while reading as the prepositions and conjunctions that guide your mind along the pathways of the author’s ideas. A word like furthermore says, “Keep going!” However says, “Easy!” Master these words and phrases and you will almost immediately become a better writer, for they will whisper directions in your inner ear.

Additive words – “Here’s more of the same coming up. It’s just as important as what we have already said.”

• also
• further
• moreover
• furthermore
• too
• besides
• in addition

Equivalent words –  “It does what I have just said, but it does this too.”

• as well as
• at the same time
• similarly
• equally important
• likewise

Amplification words – the author is saying, “I want to be sure that you understand my idea; so here’s a specific instance.”

• for example (e.g.)
• specifically
• as
• for instance
• such as
• like

Alternative words –  “Sometimes there is a choice; other times there isn’t.”

• either/or
• other than
• neither/nor
• otherwise

Repetitive words –  “I said it once, but I’m going to say it again in case you missed it the first time.”

• again
• in other words
• to repeat
• that is(i.e.)

Contrast and change words – “So far I’ve given you only one side of the story; now let’s take a look at the other side.”

• but
• on the contrary
• still
• conversely
• on the other hand
• though
• despite
• instead of
• yet
• however
• rather
• than
• regardless
• nevertheless
• even though
• whereas
• in spite of
• notwithstanding

Cause and effect words –  “All this has happened; now I’ll tell you why.”

• accordingly
• since
• then
• because
• so
• thus
• consequently
• hence
• therefore
• for this reason

Qualifying words – “Here is what we can expect. These are the conditions we are working under.”

• if
• although
• unless
• providing
• whenever

Concession words – “Okay! We agree on this much.”

• accepting the data
• granted that
• of course

Emphasizing words –  “Wake up and take notice!”

• above all
• more important
• indeed

Order words –  “You keep your mind on reading: I’ll keep the numbers straight.”

• finally
• second
• then
• first
• next
• last

Time words –  “Let’s keep the record straight on who said what and especially when.”

• afterwards
• meanwhile
• now
• before
• subsequently
• presently
• formerly
• ultimately
• previously
• later

Summarizing words –  “We’ve said many things so far. Let’s stop here and pull them together.”

• for these reasons
• in brief
• in conclusion
• to sum up

©Academic Skills Center, Dartmouth College 2001