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
