1. Time sequencers
a) before;
b) after;
c) after a while;
d) eventually;
e) later;
f) then;
g) finally;
h) as soon as;
i) at first;
j) at last;
k) when;
l) while.
Examples
– I immediately phoned the police. While I was waiting for them to arrive, I watched the house.
– At first, no one got out of the car, but after a while the driver’s door opened.
– And then I finally found what I was looking for.
2. Listing points
a) first;
b) firstly;
c) first of all;
d) to begin with;
e) secondly;
f) thirdly;
g) finally.
Example
– Our holiday was spoiled, firstly because the hotel was uncomfortable and secondly because the weather was bad.
3. Adding information/emphasising points
a) as well as (that);
b) in addition (to)’;
c) moreover;
d) furthermore;
e) not only … (but also) …;
f) what’s more;
g) on top of that;
h) to make matters worse;
i) in fact;
j) as a matter of fact.
Examples
– The hotel was miles from the beach. On top of that, the view from our bedroom window was terrible.
– Not only was the hotel miles from the beach, but the view from our bedroom window was terrible too!
– In fact, everyone is different when it comes to personal taste.
4. Giving examples
a) for example;
b) for instance;
c) such as.
Examples
– I like pop groups such as The Backstreet Boys.
– My town has a lot of things for young people to do. For example, there are three cinemas.
5. Reasons, causes and results
a) as a results;
b) because;
c) because of (this);
d) so;
e) therefore.
Examples
– I have visited Britain several times and, as a result, my English is quite good.
– By the end of the day, you haven’t managed to find anything that you like. So, you go home frustrated.
Time sequencers, Listing points, Adding information/emphasising points, Giving examples, Reasons, causes and results
