my lingua academy

TOWARD
BETTER
WRITING
words and phrases to use for
writing essays

a n t r i p a r t o
When writing an essay you not only
have to take care of it structure and
make the points clear but you certainly
need to make it engaging by using a
variety of language tools. In this book,
you will find loads of linking words,
phrases and expressions you can use in
your writing for adding emphasis, cause
and effect, making contrast,
paraphrasing, emphasis, generalization,
and much more with loads of example
sentences that can inspire you.
We hope it will be helpful!
Content
1. Emphasis ......................................5
2. Generalization .............................9
3. Giving examples ..........................12
4. Giving reasons .............................17
5. Summarizing ...............................20
6. Sequencing ...................................23
7. Cause and effect ...........................27
8. Paraphrasing ................................29
9. Comnparing and contrasting ...... 32
Emphasis
Especially/particularly
Especially is an adverb we use to emphasize
that something refers to one person or thing
more than to
others. Especially and particularly are usually
placed at the beginning of a clause.
• I love long walks, especially in spring.
• He was very much influenced by other
writers, especially by James Joyce.
• I hate getting up early, particularly in
winter.
• The apartment they rented looked nice and
cosy, particularly the living room.
In particular
We use the phrase in particular when we want
to say that one person or thing is more
important than others. We usually use it after a
noun phrase or at the beginning of a sentence.
One musician, in particular, deserves to be
mentioned for his charity work.
The situation in the region is alarming, in
particular the area affected by the fire.
The NGO is trying to raise awareness about
climate change, the loss of animal and plant
species in particular.
Above all
Use the phrase above all to say that one thing is
more important than any others in the list.
I love all sports but above all swimming.
Sean wanted his children to be well-
educated and successful, but above all he
wanted them to be safe and healthy.
The new game was easy to operate and
above all it was fun.
Crucial/crucially
If something is crucial, it is very important.
Voters’ support is absolutely crucial in
empowering the communities we serve.
The future of our company depends crucially
on outside funding.
Essential/vital
Something essential or vital is of utmost
importance, so we can use these adjectives to
add emphasis.
Adequate experience and English fluency are
essential for this job.
Good nutrition is vital for the patients who
suffer from this health disorder.
To draw attention to
We can use the phrase to emphasize that
something is important and therefore should
be considered.
 The survey aimed to draw attention to the
problems of the people living in rural areas.
The headteacher tried to draw attention to
the need to provide better sports facilities for
the students.
I would like to stress that
Use the phrase to add emphasis.
I would like to stress that there were very
few cases of employees who were single
parents.
I would like to stress that winters are getting
milder, even in the northern parts of the
country.
Bear/keep in mind
You can use the phrases when you want to
emphasize that something is worth
remembering.
We should bear in mind that the price
doesn’t include lunch and dinner so we
should take some extra cash for the food.
Please, keep in mind that your success in
writing depends solely on your focus and
correctness.
You should keep in mind that grammar rules
differ from language to language.
Without a doubt
Use the phrase to emphasize an opinion that
something is definitely true.
Cynthia is, without a doubt, the best seller in
the company
I’m sure many people would disagree, but
the violin is without a doubt the most
beautiful sounding instrument.
To say the least
We can use the phrase to say the least to point
out that something is more important than you
suggested. It is usually placed at the end of a
sentence.
The disappearance of the famous actress is
quite strange, to say the least.
The results of the research were
disappointing, to say the least.
Generalization
Generally/broadly speaking
Meaning: use the phrase to say that what you
mean is true in most cases.
Generally speaking, the standard of living is
better than it used to be before the war.
Broadly speaking, people who have dogs
have more friends than people who have pet
cats.
Tend to
Meaning: to be likely to do something; be prone
to or have a habit of doing it.
Buses in the city centre tend to be pretty
crowded during the rush hour.
Most people tend to go to bed earlier on
weekdays.
Typically
Meaning: usually.
Food in hospitals is typically lean and
healthy.
Sara typically gets 10 emails a day.
On the whole
Meaning: use the phrase to say that something
is generally true.
On the whole, people are more likely to eat
meat than to be vegetarians.
It isn’t easy working with children, but on
the whole, it brings a lot of pleasure.
All things considered
when all positive and negative things about
something are taken into account.
All things considered, exercising is more
important than what you eat when trying to
lose weight.
Human life is too short to worry about
stupid things, all things considered.
Most of the time
ninety per cent of the time, in most cases.
Racing pigeons return home most of the
time.
Most of the time, Monica had a cheerful view
of life.
In the main
Meaning: generally.
In the main, public response to the new law
was positive.
In the main, I agree with you.
By and large
Meaning: use the phrase to say that something
is generally true.
By and large, Martin was content with his
job.
People in the village, by and large, didn’t
support the idea of the motor race passing
through the village.
For the most part
Meaning: use the phrase to say that something
is true most of the time.
The citizens liked the new mayor for the
most part.
For the most part, men and women working
for the company were well-educated.
To a large/great extent
Meaning: generally, mainly.
It was, to a large extent, a very good offer.
I think that accountants are, to a great
extent, more capable of multitasking than
other people.
Giving examples
For example
Use for example to introduce the facts that
support something or as a list with examples.
Global warming causes natural disasters, for
example, floods, droughts, hurricanes, etc.
Let’s say, for example, that many women
today are capable of bringing their children
up by themselves.
The allergy you’ve got may be related to
something you ate, for example, tomatoes or
dairy products.
For instance
This is just another way of saying for example.
This software can translate from a few
languages, for instance, Spanish or German,
to English.
In many countries, for instance, Montenegro
and Egypt, Christians celebrate Christmas in
January.
What can you do, for instance, if a hotel
guest gets stuck in an elevator?
Such as
Use such as to give examples of something.
People on low-carb diets avoid eating
carbohydrates such as bread, rice or
potatoes.
 House appliances such as air conditioning
and dishwasher are no longer luxury.
People with poor vision usually wear
corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact
lenses.
E.G.
An abbreviation e.g. stands for Latin phrase
exempli gratia, meaning for example. We use it
in writing rather than in speaking language.
On farms, people keep domestic animals, e.g.
cows, pigs, chickens, etc.
Always use the definite article the before the
names of the states which are groups of
countries or islands, e.g. The USA, The
Philippines…
When looking for an apartment, people
usually choose the ones that are near some
institutions, e.g. schools, hospitals, and
similar.
I.E.
An abbreviation i.e. (Lat. id est, meaning that
is, or in other words) is also be used for giving
examples.
Please, find enclosed documents, i.e. CV,
cover letter and copy of diploma.
This film is only for adults, i.e. for people
over 18.
When you are out with your dog you need to
have a litter collector i.e. plastic bag, tissue or
similar to collect the litter after your dog.
Examples include
Use the phrase to introduce several examples.
The college offers a few courses taught in
French. Examples include the French
language, French History and Culture and
Literature Written in French.
There were so many significant inventions in
the 20th century that changed the world.
Examples include airplanes, cars, television,
computer and the internet.
Namely
Use it to give a specific example.
The Rainbow Bridge connects two countries;
namely, the USA and Canada.
Two students were awarded, namely Robert
Mitcham and Michael Thorough.
The film was inspired by a life of a real
person, namely Mary Connor.
Specifically
Use the word to give a specific reason or
purpose for something.
These coats were designed specifically for
men.
We went to Spain specifically to visit
Barcelona.
In particular
Use the phrase to give a specific example.
He mentioned a few reasons for concern
when it comes to children’s safety, but he
stressed drugs in particular.
The things I liked about the house we saw
are in particular the heating system and the
kitchen.
Imagine
Use imagine when you want people to
visualise examples.
Of course, you mustn’t talk on your mobile
while driving. Imagine what it would be like
if people were allowed to talk and drive.
Imagine a situation where you are retired
and your children left home and have
families of their own.
Similarly
Use similarly to add a similar example.
We taught our children to respect elderly
people. Similarly, we taught them to be
modest.
His first book had a huge success. Similarly,
his second book made him a fortune because
they made a film after it.
In case of
Use it to give an example of something.
All people present in the building should
leave it through the emergency exit in case
of fire or earthquake.
They built a wall along the river in case of a
flood.
In other words
Use the phrase to introduce a clarification or
explanation.
A number of people are protesting in front
of the government building. In other words,
they want their requests to be considered.
The tax will affect people whose earnings
are over £500,000 a year; in other words,
rich.
Giving reasons
Because/Because of
Both ‘because’ and ‘because of’ are used to tell
a reason. ‘Because’ is a conjunction and we
normally use it in a subject + verb
construction; ‘because of’ is a preposition and
it goes with a gerund or a noun.
I got up early because I couldn’t sleep.
I got up early because of my inability to
sleep.
I got up early because of not being able to
sleep.
You shouldn’t use ‘because’ or ‘because of’ at
the beginning of the sentence. Instead, use the
phrase ‘the reason (for this) is’.
The reason (for this) is
The police arrested two men last night. The
reason for this is a bank robbery.
The reason I’m writing is to apply for a
position in your company.
In order to
‘In order to’ is a conjunction we use to
introduce a purpose.
John works two jobs in order to support his
numerous family.
He caught an early train in order not to be
late for the meeting.
Why
‘Why’ is a conjunction we use to introduce the
reason that causes something to happen.
Michael never found out why his wife left
him.
Scientists have finally found the reason why
chocolate is addictive.
As a result of
‘As a result of’ explains the reason something
happens.
We couldn’t get a bank loan to buy a house
as a result of inflation.
As a result of hard police work, the crime
rate is lower than last year.
For
‘For’ is a preposition that explains a particular
reason.
The judge sentenced him to death for his
crime.
Many people today decide not to eat meat
for health reasons.
Through
‘Through’ is a preposition we normally use to
explain why someone or something succeeded
or failed.
She became successful through her hard
work.
 The company lost a lot of customers
through poor maintenance of the products.
Due to/Owing to
Due to/owing to are prepositions that
introduce the reason why something has
happened. They are formal expressions, and
they are used more in writing than in spoken
English.
The plane was delayed due to the bad
weather.
The nomination was cancelled owing to a
lack of interest.
Summarizing
To sum (things) up
We normally use the phrase to give a short
summary at the end of a speech, report, etc.
To sum up, there are a few different
approaches to the problem of poverty in
modern society.
To sum things up, I’ll go through a list of
government directives associated with
providing food in remote areas of the
country.
And finally, to sum up, if you want to be fit
and healthy, you need to go on a balanced
diet and consider an active lifestyle.
To recap
We use the phrase to repeat and give the main
points in a summary of a speech, research
paper, etc.
To recap, the primary objective of the survey
is to collect data in order to provide
answers to the questions of literacy.
Let me recap where we’ve got so far in our
research relating to exploiting natural
mineral resources.
To recap briefly, we aim to increase sales by
10 per cent in the next year.
All in all
Use the phrase to say that you are considering
everything.
All in all, plenty are reasons for the gender
gap, such as employment inequality,
medical care, etc.
All in all, it took us two months to identify
the population, to choose and plan our
data…
In a word
Use the phrase “in a word” to give a short
answer or summary.
In a word, the demand for the Covid-19
vaccine falls as people become reluctant to
get another shot.
In a word, there are three ways to tackle the
problem.
Finally/lastly/ultimately
Use the phrases to close a statement or a
speech after all the items in the list mentioned.
Finally, I’d like to say that it’s been a great
pleasure working with you, and I want to
thank you for all your support.
Lastly, thank you all for your attention, care
and support in our efforts to save our one
and only planet.
 Ultimately, the end goal of our marketing
concept is a customer-oriented market in
which it is easy to understand customers’
needs and desires.
The long and the short of it
The phrase is used to say that you will say
something long and probably complicated
shortly without many details.
The long and the short of it is that it is
necessary to exercise regularly and stop
smoking to get fit and healthy.
We did some research and the long and the
short of it is that the number of people who
are using our website is increasing.
In a nutshell
You can use the phrase to give a short
summary.
In a nutshell, these are the main outcomes
of the study based on the behaviour of
teenagers.
This, in a nutshell, is the concept of healthy
habits you should try to introduce into your
daily routine.
Sequencing
The former, … the latter
We use the former for the first thing in a list
and the latter for the second or the last one.
The younger population support the former
prime minister while the seniors prefer the
latter one.
The latter point in the list is way more
important than the former one.
Firstly, secondly, … finally
We use firstly to refer to the first thing in the
list, secondly to the second, thirdly…etc. and
finally to the last one. Also, when writing an
essay or an email, you can order your ideas in
paragraphs by starting each one with firstly,
secondly, thirdly, … finally.
Firstly, let’s look at the agenda for today’s
meeting.
Secondly, we will hear your suggestions
regarding…
Thirdly, we will look at the new law…
Finally, we’ll make a list of volunteers for…
The first/second/next… point
Use the phrase to refer to a specific place in a
text or speech.
On the first point, we should discuss the
efficiency of the healthcare system.
 I would like to clarify the second point in
the essay because it is not very clear.
If we agree on this point, let’s move to the
next one.
First of all
If something is first of all, it is before anything
else.
First of all, we should establish a strong
board of teachers in our school.
First of all, let me note that there were a few
competitive businesses on the market but
we still managed to work without any loss.
At last/lastly
Use the phrases to make a conclusion or refer
to the last point in your speech or writing.
At last, they proved the innocence of the
character in the novel.
Lastly, let me thank you for all your support
and help.
The following/next
We use the phrases to refer to something that
comes next.
In the following chapter, the discussion
about the murder goes further on and we
discover that…
In the next paragraph, we have a summary
of events.
Furthermore
It means besides or in addition. We use it to
add extra information or consideration.
Furthermore, there’s been a delay in the
electricity supply in the region.
We tend to like or dislike people based on
their appearance and furthermore fall in
love with them or even marry them.
In addition
This is a similar phrase. We use it to add more
information.
In addition, I’d like to note that there is a
limited number of copies so if you want to
get them, you’d better do it as soon as
possible.
In addition to holiday pay and sick pay, the
company offers some bonuses as well.
Eventually
Use eventually to say that something happens
at the end of a series of events or a dispute.
They travelled by rail and by sea, and
eventually, after a long journey, they
arrived in New York.
Eventually, Simon decided to apologize and
try to win the king’s trust back.
Subsequently
The meaning is – next, afterwards.
The criminal was arrested and subsequently
sentenced to imprisonment.
The prince subsequently became a king.
Last but not least
When you order things in your list and you
don’t want the last one to be of less
importance than others, you can use the
phrase last but not least.
Last but not least, I would like to thank my
colleagues and my family for their support.
And last but not least, I think we should
arrange the time and date of the next
meeting.
Cause and Effect
Accordingly
Meaning: in a way that is suitable for the
particular situation.
After they read the instructions, the team
acted accordingly.
Sandra was a great lawyer, and she was
paid accordingly.
Accordingly, some adequate actions were
taken to rescue the victims of the flood.
As a result
Meaning: because of something.
Many animal species are becoming extinct
today as a result of deforestation and
pollution.
The team was training hard and as a result,
they won the Cup.
Karen was immune to that kind of measles
as a result of vaccination.
Because
Meaning: for the reason that.
The baby cried because she was hungry.
There is no need to apologize because it’s
not your fault.
All his friends called him Rob because his
name was Robert.
Because of
Meaning: used before a noun phrase to show
the reason for something.
They released the prisoner because of his
good conduct.
Tom didn’t go to work because of his leg
injury.
Your flight was cancelled because of the bad
weather.
Consequently
Meaning: therefore; as a result.
There was heavy snow in the streets this
morning and consequently, the public
transport didn’t work at all.
Fiona was a diligent student and
consequently, she got a scholarship to a
prestigious college.
Pollution is a threat to agriculture and
consequently, to human health.
Due to
Meaning: because of.
The concert was cancelled due to the cold
weather and ice rain.
Due to his injury, the footballer couldn’t
play the game.
She was aware that most customers liked
doing business with her due to the fact that
she was pretty.
Paraphrasing
In other words
Meaning: to explain something more clearly.
We do everything in our power to clear out
the roads after last night’s storm; in a word,
we are clearing them and spreading salt
and sand to prevent slipping.
It was very difficult sleeping in the noisy
hotel; in other words, almost impossible.
In a word
Meaning: use the phrase to state your opinion
in a few words.
In order to make a research paper, you need
to collect information; in a word, do
interviews and surveys.
We are usually very busy at the end of the
year; in a word, we are snowed under with
work.
Simply put/to put simply
Meaning: use it to explain something more
simply and clearly.
Taxes are beneficial for the development
and improvement of public services, or,
simply put, for social security.
Scientists predict that by 2050 there will be
more than 9 billion people in the world; to
put it simply, the planet will be
overpopulated.
What I mean is…
Meaning: use it to explain your statement
more clearly.
I’m afraid it won’t be easy to eliminate
sugar from your diet. What I mean is that
sugar is addictive and you’ll crave it.
I didn’t mean to criticize you. What I meant
was to prevent you from making a mistake.
In a nutshell
Meaning: use the idiom to explain something
briefly.
I can’t see the tour guide and other people
from our group. In a nutshell, I think we’re
lost.
If you want to understand the lecture you
need to have a laptop and pre-reading
notes. In a nutshell, you need to be
prepared.
That is to say
Meaning: use the phrase to state your opinion
more clearly.
The tourist agency is organizing our stay on
the island, that is to say accommodation
and food.
The number of people going to the gym is
growing, that is to say, the fitness industry
is flourishing.
To put it differently
Meaning: in other words.
My boss thinks I don’t do my job very well;
or, to put it differently, he wants to let me
go.
The weather is changing rapidly these days.
To put it differently, we can expect a drop in
temperature and heavy snow.
To be specific
Meaning: to be more precise.
Drinking water is no longer safe for use; to
be specific, a significant amount of
chemicals was found in it after the
ecological disaster.
Parents are supposed to provide care for a
child; to be more specific, food, clothing,
housing and healthcare.
Comparing and Contrasting
Comparative form
First of all, we use the comparative form of
adjectives and adverbs to compare things or
people.
London is a far bigger city than Vienna.
People sleep less as they are older.
Ryan drives faster than I do.
Compared to/with
This phrase is normally used for comparing,
especially when it is about numbers and
amounts of something.
This novel is ridiculous compared to/with
his previous one.
The number of people who died in air
crashes last year was 13% smaller
compared to/with this year.
It’s nothing compared to/with the amount of
pain I felt when you left and broke my heart.
In case you want to emphasize a large
difference in something, you can also use the
phrase “as compared to”
The life expectancy of women in the UK is 78
as compared to the life expectancy of 49 a
century ago.
The profit they made this year is much
higher as compared to the profit they made
in the first year.
Likewise
Meaning: the same, in the same way.
Pam took a pencil and started writing and
told the students to do likewise.
When Boris started running in the morning
before work, his girlfriend thought it would
be good for her to do likewise.
‘I hate to write reports from the meetings.’
‘Likewise’
Similarly
Meaning: similar, in a similar way.
All his letters were similarly written.
Similarly to his brother, he showed great
interest in literature and film.
In order to grow, plants need water.
Similarly, they must have sufficient light, as
well.
Two years after the Coronavirs pandemic
started, the cost of food has risen. Similarly,
the cost of clothing has gone up.
Unlike
Meaning: untypical, different from.
Tom was very polite, unlike most children in
the camp.
He felt that the woman he met last night
was unlike any other woman he’d ever met
before.
Unlike you, I am always on time.
In proportion to
Meaning: use it to compare something
concerning amount or size.
American national debt is higher than
British in proportion to their average
incomes.
Indian people consider a man happy in
proportion to the number of children he
has.
The dog’s ears were big in proportion to its
head.
In contrast
Use it to express the difference between
things, people, ideas.
In contrast to boys, baby girls usually start
talking earlier.
Young rabbits have an appearance like
adult ones, in contrast with baby swans
which don’t look like their parents at all.
In the summer months, the weather on the
island is dry and warm. In contrast, the rest
of the year is rainy, especially between
November and March.
As opposed to
Meaning: instead of, in contrast of.
You should write what you think about this
matter, as opposed to copying it from the
Internet.
 As opposed to some other animals, we know
that chimpanzees can recognize themselves
in the mirror.
The cost of this car is $23,000, as opposed to
the last year’s $25,000.
As opposed to
Meaning: instead of, in contrast of.
You should write what you think about this
matter, as opposed to copying it from the
Internet.
As opposed to some other animals, we know
that chimpanzees can recognize themselves
in the mirror.
The cost of this car is $23,000, as opposed to
the last year’s $25,000.
Different from
Although they are twins, they are very
different from each other.
This book is quite different from anything
I’ve ever read before.
Ever since he got back from prison, he’s
different from the man we used to know.
Whereas
Use it to contrast two people or things.
He’s a slim, tall man whereas his wife is
short and chubby.
Whereas butter is made from the butterfat
of milk, margarine is made mainly of
refined vegetable oil and water.
Make/draw a parallel
Use the phrase to say how similar two or more
things or people are.
In her documentary, the director makes a
parallel between the eating habits of people
now and 30 years ago.
Tom drew a parallel between the two
writers’ lives and works in his paper.
Make/draw a distinction
This phrase is to show how different two or
more things or people are.
In his book, he drew a clear distinction
between the habits of people living in rural
and urban areas.
The law draws a clear distinction between
employed and unemployed people related to
paying taxes.
On the one hand, on the other hand
Use these phrases to compare two different
facts of the situation.
On the one hand, while I enjoy the benefits
of living in the country, on the other hand, I
sometimes miss hustle and bustle of the
city.
On the one hand, he wanted a job with a
higher salary, but on the other hand, he
didn’t want to leave his colleagues as they
made good friends.
You can use these idioms to emphasise the
difference between two people or things.
A far cry from
Meaning: very different
The village she was born in was a far cry
from the big city she has been living in now.
What the government did during their
mandate was a far cry from what they had
promised to do.
A world of difference
A new roof made a world of difference in the
old house.
There’s a world of difference between saying
and doing, isn’t there?
About the author
Antri Parto became a full-time English
teacher in 1993. Ever since, she has been
teaching bin elementary and secondary
schools, as well as private ones. Since 2017
she got engaged with online teaching via her
website myenglishteacher.co.uk where she is
providing free materials for learning English
mostly on the website's blog.