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Understanding Cohesive Devices in English

Cohesive Devices, also known as Discourse Markers, are words or phrases used to connect sentences and paragraphs in both spoken and written English. They serve various functions such as showing continuity, adding information, expressing contrast, giving reasons, illustrating, comparing, and generalizing. Examples include words like 'first', 'but', 'because', 'so', and 'for example', which help structure communication effectively.

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391 views5 pages

Understanding Cohesive Devices in English

Cohesive Devices, also known as Discourse Markers, are words or phrases used to connect sentences and paragraphs in both spoken and written English. They serve various functions such as showing continuity, adding information, expressing contrast, giving reasons, illustrating, comparing, and generalizing. Examples include words like 'first', 'but', 'because', 'so', and 'for example', which help structure communication effectively.

Uploaded by

thivavishva75
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Cohesive Devices or Discourse Markers

In spite of their high-sounding names, Cohesive Devices are words or phrases that we use
quite often to connect phrases, sentences and paragraphs. They are also called Discourse
Markers, Linking Words, Connectors, and Transitional Words.

These words are used in both spoken and written English.

To show continuity or progress (Sequencing / Structuring)

First, firstly, secondly, then, next, after that, lastly, first of all, finally, to begin with, to start
with, meanwhile, then, subsequently

For example, if you want to give instruction to someone about how to operate an ATM
machine, you may use these cohesive devices as below:

To begin with, insert your ATM card into the card slot. Firstly, make sure the card is facing
the correct way. Then, the machine will prompt you to enter your PIN. Next, use the keypad
to type in your four-digit PIN carefully. After that, select the type of transaction you want,
such as withdrawing cash. Meanwhile, the machine will process your request. Subsequently,
it will dispense the cash and print a receipt. Lastly, take your card, cash, and receipt from the
machine. Finally, ensure you've collected everything before leaving the ATM.

To add information

And, therefore, furthermore, moreover, in addition, too, also, besides

Examples:
➢ I went to the store, and I bought some fresh fruit.
➢ She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam with flying colours.
➢ The book was interesting, furthermore, it was very informative.
➢ The weather was perfect for hiking, moreover, the scenery was beautiful.
➢ He’s a great musician, in addition, he can paint exceptionally well.
➢ She loves chocolate, too.
➢ I enjoy reading, also, I like writing short stories.
➢ I’m not only tired, besides, I have a lot of work to do.

1
To express contrast or contradiction

But, although, though, even though, despite, in spite of, whereas, while, however,
nevertheless, albeit, yet, still, on the contrary, even so

Examples:
➢ She wanted to go to the party, but she had to work late.
➢ Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
➢ The movie was long, though it was entertaining.
➢ Even though he was tired, he finished the project.
➢ Despite the traffic, she arrived on time.
➢ In spite of his injury, he played in the match.
➢ She enjoys classical music, whereas he prefers jazz.
➢ He studied hard, while his friends were out having fun.
➢ The team played well; however, they didn’t win the game.
➢ She was feeling ill, nevertheless, she attended the meeting.
➢ The solution was effective, albeit temporary.
➢ It was a difficult task, yet they managed to complete it.
➢ He made a mistake, still, he learned from the experience.
➢ I didn’t like the idea at first, on the contrary, I opposed it.
➢ The weather was terrible, even so, they went on the hike.

To give reason

Because of, as, since, due to, owing to, for

Examples:
➢ Because of the heavy rain, the event was cancelled.
➢ As she was feeling unwell, she decided to stay home.
➢ Since he had no time, he skipped breakfast.
➢ The flight was delayed due to technical issues.
➢ Owing to the high demand, the prices increased.
➢ She was late for the meeting because of traffic.

2
To show the result

So, as a result, therefore, consequently


Examples:
➢ It started raining heavily, so we had to cancel the picnic.
➢ She missed the deadline, as a result, her project was delayed.
➢ He didn’t study for the exam; therefore, he didn’t pass.
➢ The company lost a major client, consequently, their profits decreased.

To give the purpose

In order to, so, so that, so as to, so as not to


Examples:
➢ She studied hard in order to pass the exam.
➢ He saved money so he could buy a new car.
➢ I set an alarm so that I wouldn’t oversleep.
➢ They left early so as to avoid the traffic.
➢ She whispered so as not to wake the baby.

To illustrate

For example, for instance, in particular


Examples:
➢ There are many types of fruits that are good for your health. For example, apples and
oranges are rich in vitamins.
➢ She enjoys various outdoor activities. For instance, she loves hiking and kayaking.
➢ The museum has many interesting exhibits. In particular, the ancient artifacts are
fascinating.

3
To compare

Similarly, in the same way, likewise, like, equally


Examples:
➢ She enjoys classical music. Similarly, her brother likes jazz.
➢ He approached the problem methodically. In the same way, his colleague tackled it
with a systematic approach.
➢ The new software is user-friendly. Likewise, the previous version was easy to use.
➢ The author’s writing style is engaging, like that of his favourite writer.
➢ The two teams performed well this season. Equally, their efforts were commendable.

To generalize

On the whole, in some cases, in general, in all, many, most, broadly speaking
Examples:
➢ On the whole, the project was a success, despite a few minor issues.
➢ In some cases, people might prefer working from home rather than in the office.
➢ In general, exercise is beneficial for maintaining good health.
➢ In all, there were twenty participants in the workshop.
➢ Many students found the new teaching methods effective.
➢ Most people enjoy a good book or movie for relaxation.
➢ Broadly speaking, the company’s performance improved over the past year.

4
Have a look at the following

Though, although and even though

Although I was sick, I didn't want to miss the class.


Though she reached on time, the boss was not pleased.

Though is slightly less formal than although. So 'although' is used more in written English.
Even though shows a greater contrast, or even a bit of surprise.

Even though he did not attempt half the questions, he passed the exam.

If there is an element of surprise, you can use 'even though'

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Common questions

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Cohesive devices that express contrast, such as 'however' or 'although', are pivotal in constructing complex ideas because they allow the integration of competing views within a coherent narrative . They make it possible to juxtapose differing viewpoints clearly and efficiently, which supports critical thinking and depth in analysis by prompting consideration of multiple dimensions within a subject .

'Although' is typically used in more formal contexts than 'though', and is more common in written English . 'Though' is slightly less formal and can be used interchangeably with 'although' in many contexts, although its informal tone makes it slightly less suitable for formal writing .

In argumentative writing, cohesive devices indicating results, such as 'consequently', effectively demonstrate logical conclusions drawn from preceding evidence or premises . They are crucial in reinforcing the logical coherence of arguments, ensuring readers clearly understand the outcomes as directly related to presented facts or assertions, thus strengthening the persuasive power of the text .

Comparative cohesive devices, such as 'similarly', enhance parallel reasoning by explicitly linking ideas or examples that share characteristics or patterns, thus reinforcing thematic connections or parallels in argumentation . These devices facilitate the cognitive process of drawing analogies, which can deepen understanding and suggest continuity or similarity in separate instances or ideas .

'Even though' expresses a greater degree of contrast and can introduce an element of surprise or unexpectedness in a sentence . Using 'even though' as opposed to 'although' places more emphasis on the contrast, drawing the reader's attention to the surprising nature of the situation or outcome .

Cohesive devices for addition, like 'moreover' and 'furthermore', serve to introduce supporting details or elaborations on a subject, enhancing the depth and richness of an argument in academic writing . They help in creating connections between closely related ideas, facilitating in-depth analysis and comprehensive understanding .

Markers of purpose like 'in order to' clarify the motives or objectives behind actions, aiding readers in understanding the rationale behind complex processes . By clearly delineating intent, such markers help organize content logically, allowing readers to effectively grasp the cause-and-effect relationships within explanatory text .

Contrastive discourse markers like 'however' and 'nevertheless' indicate a contradiction or exception to a preceding statement, which prompts the reader to adjust their understanding or expectation . These markers help highlight significant points or shifts in argument, thereby enriching the reader’s comprehension by emphasizing the contrast .

Cohesive devices, such as 'firstly', 'then', 'next', and 'finally', help structure instructional text by providing clear markers of sequence and progression, which enhances comprehension and ensures that the reader can follow the steps in the intended order . These markers reduce ambiguity and help maintain the logical flow needed in instructions, making the text more user-friendly and effective .

Cohesive devices used for generalization, such as 'in general', help establish the scope and limit the applicability of broad statements, enhancing comprehensibility by setting explicit boundaries to the claim being made . They assure readers that exceptions may exist, thus encouraging a more nuanced understanding of the information presented .

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