WrongMoreover, the city is big. Furthermore, it is crowded. In addition, it is expensive.
RightThe city is big, crowded and expensive.
One simple sentence beats three connectors in a row.
← All topics
Grammar
Linking words and cohesion
Coherence and Cohesion marks the movement of ideas, not the number of connectors.
Why this moves your band
The descriptors name «overuse or mechanical use of cohesive devices» as a fault in itself. An essay with «Moreover» in every sentence does not get past 6.
The rule
- 1One connector per paragraph is usually enough; the rest of the cohesion comes from pronouns and repeated key nouns.
- 2Choose by meaning: however for contrast, therefore for result, for instance for an example.
- 3«However» is not a conjunction: it takes a comma and starts a new sentence.
Wrong and right
WrongHowever the cost is high, the benefit is bigger.
RightAlthough the cost is high, the benefit is bigger.
To carry contrast inside one sentence, use «although».
WrongIn conclusion to sum up, governments should act now.
RightIn conclusion, governments should act now.
Two closing phrases together is a repetition — one is enough.
Check after writing
- If you delete the connectors, does the paragraph still follow?
- Is there a comma after «however»?
- Is the same connector repeated inside one paragraph?
Practice
Pick one answer for each question — the right answer and the rule appear straight away. Nothing is saved.
1.The course is expensive. , most students say it is worth the money.
2.The roads were closed by snow. , many people arrived late.
3.Some jobs are easy to automate. , supermarkets now need far fewer cashiers.
4.Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
5.Many cities have built bike lanes. Which second sentence links best?
6.Many young people cannot afford a flat. , they live with their parents for longer.
Test your grammar in an essay
Write an essay and the AI grades it on Grammatical Range and Accuracy too, showing which mistake keeps coming back.