A connector is small, but it can change how an entire paragraph is understood. However tells the reader to prepare for contrast. Therefore signals a result or conclusion. For example tells us that the next idea illustrates rather than replaces the previous one.
This article complements the Secondary 2 Essential 100 Vocabulary by teaching the language that connects those words into coherent writing.
Quick Read: Connector Families
| Relationship | Useful connectors |
|---|---|
| addition | also, furthermore, in addition |
| contrast | however, whereas, in contrast |
| cause | because, since, due to |
| consequence | therefore, consequently, as a result |
| example | for example, for instance, such as |
| concession | although, despite, while |
| conclusion | overall, therefore, on balance |
Connectors Name Relationships
Do not choose a connector because it sounds formal. Choose it because it accurately describes how the next idea relates to the previous one.
“The plan is ambitious. However, it is feasible.” Contrast.
“The plan is ambitious. Furthermore, it is feasible.” Addition. The relationship changes.
Avoid Connector Inflation
Not every sentence needs moreover, furthermore, consequently. Too many visible connectors can make prose feel mechanical. Cohesion also comes from repeated concepts, pronouns and logical sequence.
Connectors Inside Paragraphs
A paragraph might move: claim → explanation → example → qualification → conclusion. Connectors should mark only the transitions that need help.
Connectors Between Paragraphs
“A second limitation is…” may be better than “Furthermore” because it tells the reader not just that another idea is coming, but what kind of idea it is.
Use Reference Words
This, these, such, it, they create cohesion when their reference is clear. “This problem” is stronger than a bare “this” when several possible referents exist.
Use Lexical Cohesion
Words can connect through semantic relationships: problem → difficulty → obstacle → constraint; evidence → data → finding → conclusion. Controlled variation prevents repetition without losing topic continuity.
A Model Paragraph
“Online research provides students with abundant information. However, abundance does not guarantee reliability. For example, a highly ranked page may still contain unsupported claims. Students therefore need to evaluate source authority and evidence quality before incorporating information into schoolwork.”
Each connector names a real relationship: contrast, example, consequence.
Practice Routine
- Write five related sentences without connectors.
- Label each relationship.
- Add only the connectors needed.
- Replace one connector with lexical cohesion.
- Check whether the paragraph can still be followed.
Cohesion Is Meaningful Connection
Use the Secondary 2 Essential 100 as your content vocabulary, then use connectors to show relationships. Clear writing does not merely contain good sentences; it tells the reader how those sentences belong together.
Connector Laboratory: Guide the Reader’s Prediction
A useful connector does something subtle: it changes what the reader expects next. However predicts a turn. For example predicts a concrete instance. Therefore predicts a conclusion from what came before. When students understand this predictive function, connectors stop being memorised decorations and become navigation signals.
The Prediction Test
Cover the sentence after a connector and ask what kind of idea should follow. After although, expect concession. After consequently, expect an effect or conclusion. If the revealed sentence performs a different job, either the connector is wrong or the logic needs rewriting.
Connectors Can Signal the Size of a Turn
| Move | Typical language | Reader expectation |
|---|---|---|
| small addition | also, another | same direction continues |
| major contrast | however, in contrast | direction changes |
| concession | although, despite | an expected obstacle does not cancel the main point |
| result | therefore, consequently | a conclusion follows |
| example | for example, for instance | abstract idea becomes concrete |
Use Content-Rich Transitions
“Furthermore” tells us another point is coming. “A second limitation is cost” tells us another point is coming and names its role. Content-rich transitions are often stronger because they carry logic and topic at once.
Cohesion Without Visible Connectors
Strong writing can move smoothly through repeated concepts, pronouns, parallel structure and cause-effect verbs. “The proposal requires new equipment. This additional cost reduces its feasibility for smaller schools.” No formal connector is needed because this additional cost picks up the previous idea and advances it.
Avoid the Connector Costume
Students sometimes add moreover, furthermore, nevertheless to make a paragraph appear sophisticated. If removing the connector exposes no real logical relationship, the paragraph needs reasoning rather than a more formal transition.
Worked Repair: A Paragraph with the Wrong Signals
Weak: “Exercise can improve fitness. However, it can support sleep. Therefore, many students exercise after school.” The connectors misrepresent the relationships.
Repaired: “Exercise can improve fitness. In addition, regular activity may support sleep. For example, some students use after-school sports as part of a regular activity routine.”
The repair is not about preferring one connector word. It is about restoring the actual relationships.
The Connector Audit
- Circle every connector.
- Name the relationship it claims to signal.
- Check whether the following sentence performs that job.
- Replace generic transitions with content-rich ones where useful.
- Delete connectors where lexical cohesion already makes the relationship clear.
- Read the paragraph without connectors and see whether the underlying logic still exists.
Checkpoint: Can the Reader Predict the Next Move?
A well-signalled paragraph lets the reader anticipate the kind of idea coming next without making the prose mechanical. That balance—clear navigation with natural flow—is the real purpose of connectors.
Continue with How Transition Words Build Stronger Secondary 2 Paragraphs and From Sentence to Argument: How Vocabulary Creates Coherence.