Cohesive devices
1. Addition
• Moreover: "The pollution levels are high. Moreover, the government has taken no action."
• Furthermore: "The project was expensive. Furthermore, it was time-consuming."
• In addition: "In addition to her role as a teacher, she also volunteers at the local shelter."
• As well as: "He is an excellent speaker as well as a brilliant writer."
• Not only... but also: "She is not only intelligent but also hardworking."
2. Contrast
• However: "The weather was terrible. However, we still had a great time."
• On the other hand: "Public transport is convenient. On the other hand, it can be unreliable."
• Nevertheless: "He failed the test. Nevertheless, he didn't give up."
• Although/Though: "Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk."
• Even though: "Even though he was tired, he finished the report."
• Yet: "The proposal seemed perfect, yet it was rejected."
• Despite/In spite of: "Despite the difficulties, they managed to complete the project."
3. Cause and Effect
• Therefore: "The results were unsatisfactory. Therefore, a new strategy is needed."
• As a result: "She was late. As a result, she missed the meeting."
• Consequently: "He didn’t study. Consequently, he failed the exam."
• Thus: "He had all the necessary qualifications; thus, he was offered the position."
• Because of: "Because of the heavy traffic, we were late."
• Due to: "The match was postponed due to the rain."
4. Clarification
• In other words: "He didn't come to work today, in other words, he might be sick."
• That is to say: "He was dismissed from his job, that is to say, he was fired."
• To put it simply: "The engine failed. To put it simply, the car won't start."
5. Examples
• For example: "Many countries, for example, Japan and Germany, have excellent public
transport systems."
• For instance: "The company provides many benefits, for instance, health insurance and a
retirement plan."
• Such as: "There are many outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming."
6. Time and Sequence
• First(ly), Second(ly), Finally: "First, gather your materials. Secondly, prepare your space.
Finally, start the experiment."
• Subsequently: "The meeting was delayed. Subsequently, we had to reschedule all the
interviews."
• Meanwhile: "The employees were preparing for the event. Meanwhile, the manager was
negotiating the contract."
• At the same time: "He was cooking dinner. At the same time, he was listening to the news."
• Eventually: "She worked hard for many years. Eventually, she was promoted to manager."
• Afterwards: "We had a meeting and went for lunch afterwards."
• Earlier: "She had already left for work earlier that morning."
7. Conclusion
• In conclusion: "In conclusion, the experiment was successful, but further research is needed."
• To sum up: "To sum up, a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for a healthy
lifestyle."
• In summary: "In summary, the new policy will benefit both employees and employers."
• All in all: "All in all, it was a productive meeting."
• Ultimately: "Ultimately, the decision lies with the board of directors."
8. Comparison
• Similarly: "The two systems are quite different, but they achieve similar results."
• Likewise: "Her performance was outstanding. Likewise, her team’s work was commendable."
• Equally: "Both plans are equally effective."
• In the same way: "He approached the problem in the same way that we did."
9. Emphasis
• Indeed: "The project was challenging, indeed, it was one of the hardest I’ve ever worked on."
• In fact: "Many people think the law is outdated. In fact, it was written over 50 years ago."
• Certainly: "The presentation was certainly one of the best we have seen."
• Without a doubt: "He is without a doubt the most qualified candidate."
10. Purpose
• In order to: "He studied hard in order to pass the exam."
• So that: "She moved to London so that she could find a better job."
• For the purpose of: "The building was designed for the purpose of improving energy efficiency."
11. Condition
• If: "If it rains, the event will be canceled."
• Unless: "Unless you study, you will not pass the test."
• Provided that: "You can come, provided that you finish your work first."
• As long as: "You can borrow the car as long as you return it by tomorrow."
12. Concession
• Although: "Although he was tired, he kept working."
• Even though: "Even though the project was difficult, we completed it on time."
• Despite: "Despite the rain, we went ahead with the picnic."
• In spite of: "In spite of his injury, he played the match."
13. Summarizing
• In brief: "In brief, the proposal outlines a comprehensive plan for future development."
• In short: "In short, the new policy will streamline the process."
• To put it briefly: "To put it briefly, the company is undergoing major changes."
Exercise 1.
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate cohesive device from the options provided.
1. He was exhausted after the long flight, __________ (however, therefore, similarly) he still
managed to attend the meeting.
2. Many people struggle with time management, __________ (in fact, for instance, in conclusion),
it’s one of the most common problems in the workplace.
3. The weather was freezing, __________ (meanwhile, eventually, nevertheless), we decided to
continue hiking.
4. You need to study hard; __________ (as a result, so that, in order to) you can pass your exams.
5. She wanted to go to the park, __________ (although, even though, in the same way) it was
raining heavily.
6. The report is incomplete, __________ (for example, moreover, despite), it lacks proper
research.
7. __________ (first, although, due to) the heavy rain, the event was postponed.
8. He enjoys outdoor activities __________ (likewise, although, similarly) his brother prefers
staying indoors.
9. The team worked overtime; __________ (because, as a result, eventually), the project was
completed on time.
10. I love tropical fruits, __________ (such as, for example, despite) mangoes and pineapples.
11. He was late for the meeting __________ (in addition, therefore, although) the traffic was very
heavy.
12. There are many ways to improve productivity, __________ (for instance, therefore, meanwhile),
taking regular breaks is one of them.
13. The project was expensive __________ (moreover, however, for example), it required additional
resources.
14. She didn’t like the dress __________ (in spite of, despite, due to) its high price, she bought it.
15. He has been very busy with work; __________ (thus, likewise, nevertheless), he found time for
his family.
Exercise 2.
Rewrite the sentences using given cohesive devices.
1. The project was difficult, but we finished it. (However)
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2. She’s an excellent manager. She’s also a great leader. (Furthermore)
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3. The economy is recovering slowly. The unemployment rate is still high. (Nevertheless)
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4. He was late because he missed the bus. (As a result)
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5. The weather was sunny. We decided to go to the beach. (Therefore)
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6. He studied hard for the exam. He passed it easily. (Consequently)
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7. The lecture was long. It was boring too. (Moreover)
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8. She moved to the city. She could find a better job. (So that)
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9. I wanted to buy the book. It was sold out. (However)
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10. They played well. They didn’t win the match. (Even though)
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Exercise 3.
Complete the sentences by adding a suitable cohesive device.
1. The meeting was cancelled, __________ we went home early.
2. She is very intelligent; __________, she always gets top grades.
3. The weather was bad, __________ we decided to stay indoors.
4. He works hard; __________, he never seems to get promoted.
5. She loves dogs, __________ she doesn’t own one.
6. They were tired; __________, they kept working.
7. He forgot his wallet, __________ he couldn’t pay for the meal.
8. I wanted to go to the party, __________ I had a prior engagement.
9. __________ the rain, the event was still held outdoors.
10. They didn’t plan well; __________, the project failed.
Exercise 4.
Rewrite the following sentences by connecting them with a suitable cohesive device.
1. I love watching movies. I don’t have much time to watch them.
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2. She failed the exam. She had studied for weeks.
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3. We wanted to go for a swim. The water was too cold.
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4. I was hungry. I didn’t have any food at home.
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5. He speaks several languages. His brother only speaks one.
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6. I forgot my umbrella. It started raining.
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7. The team worked hard. They didn’t win the match.
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8. She enjoys hiking. She doesn’t like camping.
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9. He wanted to travel the world. He didn’t have enough money.
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10. They arrived late. They missed the beginning of the movie.
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Exercise 5.
Join the sentences by using appropriate cohesive device.
1. The traffic was heavy. We arrived late.
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2. She doesn’t like spicy food. Her husband loves it.
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3. He studied very hard. He didn’t pass the exam.
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4. The weather was nice. We decided to have a picnic.
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5. I lost my wallet. I was able to get home without it.
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6. He is very talented. He still needs more experience.
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7. I called her several times. She didn’t answer.
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8. The project was difficult. We completed it on time.
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9. He arrived early. He left before everyone else.
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10. I enjoy traveling. I haven’t been able to go anywhere this year.
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Exercise 6.
Transform each sentence by adding a cohesive device that changes the meaning. The meaning
should remain logical and clear after the transformation.
1. I am tired. I will go out.
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2. The restaurant is expensive. The food is terrible.
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3. He studied for weeks. He failed the exam.
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4. The weather is cold. They are going to the beach.
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5. I’m not feeling well. I will still come to work.
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6. The project was complicated. They finished it on time.
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7. She loves traveling. She hasn’t traveled recently.
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8. I was late to the meeting. I left early.
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9. He forgot his phone. He couldn’t call anyone.
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10. She prepared well. She was nervous.
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