A Guide to Using Logical Connectors for Your English Papers

When writing your essays in English, the correct use of logical connectors will allow you to gain clarity and demonstrate your ability to structure your ideas in a concrete manner. Spending time regularly studying logical connectors in English will help them integrate naturally with your written (and spoken) expression – and, of course, you'll have reread your copy without typos. A collection of logical connectors in English (not complete, but complete), with explanations of their use, so that you can understand all the little nuances between the terms.

File an objection

Purpose : Equivalent to “but”, so avoid putting it at the beginning of a sentence.

However : Equivalent to “however”.

However : This word is perfect for expressing that a previous thought persists despite everything else, and can help refine your point.

Still : Used to insert an unexpected and problematic idea into your speech. Equivalent to “yet”.

For example: Even though she had studied for hours, she could not answer the most difficult question in the exam.

Strengthen an argument

In fact : Choose this word instead In practice (exists, but very rarely used) to translate “indeed”.

therefore/thus/consequently/then : Equivalent to “Thus”, ordered from most common to most supported.

An example : Equivalent to “example”, more elegant than that For example.

Actually/Indeed : Especially useful when you're presenting “shocking” facts or data, like “actually” that grabs the reader's attention.

For example: The urgency to address plastic pollution cannot be overstated. In fact, 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in the world's oceans every year, causing irreversible damage to marine ecosystems..

Introduce a new idea

Also/Furthermore/Furthermore : Equivalent to “also.” However, avoid an overabundance of these connectors, as this can give the impression that you are connecting your ideas without a logical connection.

Besides : introduces a point that, although related, is considered secondary to the main argument.

For example: Regular exercise has many health benefits. Additionally, it improves cognitive function.

As far as… : Directs the reader's attention to a specific area you want to explore. If used correctly it is highly appreciated by editors.

For example: As far as economic policies are concerned, the government's approach remains very conservative.

Alternatively : Used to introduce an alternative to a previous idea.

Not specified : to add additional information, usually used to emphasize something important.

For example: The festival offers a variety of entertainment options, not to mention delicious food stalls.

Create a condition

Yow : Equivalent to “if”.

Besides : Allow you to show a situation where the condition does not apply if you want to specify an exception to the condition.

For example: I won't go to a party unless my friend comes with me.

They provided that : specifies the prerequisite necessary for the execution of the next action or idea.

For example: I can take a loan if you return my car in the same condition.

Maybe : This conjunction is used to anticipate a possible situation and explain the steps taken accordingly.

Assuming that : Indicates an assumption or condition that is taken as true at the moment.

For example: If the government enforces stricter emission norms, we can expect a significant reduction in air pollution levels.

In that event : Used to indicate a precondition for a future event.

Present an offer

Although : Often at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a contradictory idea in relation to the second proposition.

For example: We decided to climb the mountain even if it was raining.

too : very similar AlthoughAn even greater emphasis is placed on contrast and opposition between ideas.

when : shows a weaker difference than Although Or too. There may also be other meanings such as simultaneity or comparison.

without paying attention : indicates that an action occurs despite a certain condition or circumstance.

I agree : Admitting a fact while preparing the groundwork for a counterargument (very silly).

For example: Admittedly, the program has some flaws, but it still offers valuable solutions.

Make a comparison

Likewise/similarly/in the same way : Uses these conjunctions to introduce ideas that share similarities or parallels.

On the contrary : to indicate direct opposition or contradiction to a previous idea, on contrast is an appropriate expression.

when : Introduces a significant contrast between two elements, thus reinforcing the idea that these elements are opposites. It's like “when”.

For example: John likes action movies, whereas Sarah enjoys romantic comedies.

On the one hand, on the other hand : equivalent to “on the one hand, on the other hand”.

I hope you find this article useful! The aim is not only because you will make your speech comprehensible and logical, but also because you will correctly pronounce the conjunctions in question, so that you can choose the appropriate conjunction to make points in the language.

However, like everything else, these connectors should be used in moderation; It's not a question of using two per sentence, but of using them wisely so as not to lose modifiers. Continue practicing so that these conjunctions come to mind without thinking about them, allowing them to shine during your oral presentation.