Writing an essay is a serious test of your logic and language. It is necessary not only to draw up a plan, to arrange your thoughts and arguments in an orderly series, but also to put them in such a form that it expresses exactly what you want to say. In this article, we invite you to study not only the structure of an essay in English, but also select appropriate introductory words for each block. It is the introductory phrases that make the essay logical and streamlined.

Table 1. Introductory phrases for essays in English

Introduction - introduction

Firstly

Firstly

in order to decide

To decide...

to outline the main points

To outline the main points...

firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally / eventually

Firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally

Enumerating arguments - enumerate points of view

in addition to / additionally

In addition

besides/moreover/furthermore

Besides

among other things

Weighing up arguments - weighing the arguments

on the one hand..... on the other hand

On the one hand, on the other hand

to consider the advantages and disadvantages

To consider the advantages and disadvantages

arguments for and against

Arguments for and against

to discuss the pros and cons

To discuss the pros and cons

in theory ... in reality

In theory... in practice

not only... but also

not only... but also

anyway / at any rate / in any case

Anyway

in fact / actually / as a matter of fact

In fact

to some extent

so to speak

by no means / not at all

no way

Comparisons - comparison

compared to / in comparison with

compared to

to draw / make a comparison between ...and

to compare... and...

in the same way

Restrictions - restrictions

however/though

nevertheless

while

although / though / even though

in spite of/despite

despite

unlike

in contrast to / with sth.

unlike

vice versa

sth is opposite to sth

Contradicts...

with reference to

with a link to

as for

as for

as far as ... is concerned

when it comes to...

Emphasizing - highlighting

I'd like to point out that

I would like to point out that...

I'd like to emphasize

I would like to emphasize that...

The table below provides key phrases for the body of the essay. It is worth noting that the same expressions can be used when composing essays, essays and speeches.

Table 2. Phrases for essays in English

Generalizing - generalization

in general / generally speaking

as a rule

to some extent

to a large extent / to what extent?

to a large extent/to what extent?

in many directions

in every sense

in most/many cases

in most cases

mostly

Giving examples - examples

for example / for instance

For example

such as/including

such as

in particular / particularly

especially

to give you an example of what I mean

I'll give you an example of what I mean

to illustrate this point

to illustrate this point

I mean that...

et cetera / and so on / and so forth

that is to say / i.e.

Making exceptions

excluding

with the exception of

except

Giving reasons - explanation of reasons

because

the reason for this is

the reason for this is...

the reason why...

for some reason or another

for one reason or another

I have every reason to believe that

I have every reason to believe this

Consequences - explanation of consequences

consequently/as a result

as a result

for this reason / all these reasons

for this reason

Personal point of view - personal point of view

I think that

in my opinion / in my view / to my mind

In my opinion

this is a matter of opinion

It depends on the person

in my experience

In my experience

as far as I know

As far as I know

as far as I am concerned

As far as I know

to be aware / unaware of a problem

to hear about the problem

to tell the truth

to tell the truth

the fact is that

In fact

I am convinced that

I'm convinced that

I firmly believe that

I firmly believe that

Introductory phrases and filler words exist in any language. Such phrases help start a conversation, connect parts of a conversation, parts of a sentence, thoughts and ideas with each other. Introductory phrases and words in English help give emotional and semantic coloring to speech, making speech more expressive and rich. Such expressions can convey the speaker's attitude towards the statement. Examples of using introductory words and phrases in English

Knowing the introductory phrases and plug-in constructions in English will be very useful for those learning this language because it will help the beginner improve his language skills. Today we will look at the most common and frequently occurring introductory phrases in the English language, the so-called cliches, and their use in speech.

What are these English introductory phrases?

Introductory phrases are called introductory phrases because the sentence begins with them, and they do not play any grammatical or semantic role in the sentence. Such expressions enhance the emotionality and expressiveness of the statement, but if they are discarded, the meaning of the sentence will not change in any way.

Here are the main cliches with examples that will help you diversify your English speech:

  • Moreover,...- Moreover…
    Tom is absent today, moreover, he is ill. - Tom is absent today, moreover, he is ill.
  • Most of all...- Most of all...
    Most of all I like ice-cream. — Most of all I love ice cream.
  • It is important to know that…- It is important to know that...
    It is important to know that this question needs an urge decision. “It is important to know that this issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible.
  • It is important to remember that...- It is important to remember that...
    It is important to remember that we have no time to be late, nobody will wait for us. “It’s important to remember that we don’t have time to be late because no one will wait for us.”
  • In conclusion...- In conclusion..., As a conclusion...
    In conclusion I’d like to say that you’ve done a great work. — In conclusion, I would like to say that you have done an excellent job.
  • After all...- In the end…
    I am sick and tired of this conversation, and after all, it’s late, it’s time to go home. “I’m tired of this conversation, and in the end, it’s late, it’s time to go home.”
  • In any case, … / Anyway, … / Either way, …- In any case..., Still...
    In any case, we should prevent him. Anyway he must know about the problem. “In any case, we should warn him.” Still, he should know about the problem.
  • Actually...- Actually...
    Actually Tom didn’t know about the problem, so he isn’t guilty. - Actually, Tom didn’t know about the problem, it’s not his fault.
  • Fortunately...- Fortunately…
    Tom is late. Fortunately, we didn’t manage to begin the conference. - Tom was late. Fortunately, we haven't started the conference yet.
  • Unfortunately…- Unfortunately…
    Unfortunately, I didn’t finish my homework. — Unfortunately, I didn’t finish my homework.
  • Firstly...- First of all, first of all...
    Let's begin. Firstly, I want to ask you some questions. - Let's get started. First I would like to ask you a few questions.
  • Instead of…- Instead of...
    Instead of watching TV now, you’d wash up. — Instead of watching TV now, you should wash the dishes.
  • In the first place,…- In first place...
    In the first place we must finish our work for today. - First of all, we must finish our work for today.
  • From time to time...- From time to time...
    Do you often see Alex? Yes, from time to time he visits me. — Do you see Alex often? Yes, he visits me from time to time.
  • Аs a result of…- As a result of the fact that...
    As a result of what is done, we have a great job. “As a result of what has been done, we have done a good job.”
  • Indeed...- In fact, in reality...
    Indeed, I need you. - Actually, I need you. Also in the proverb A friend in need is a friend indeed. — A friend is known in need (Literally: a friend in need is truly a friend).
  • In order to...- So that, in order to...
    In order to manage everything, you should plan your day. — To manage everything, you must plan your day.
  • In other words...- In other words...
    She doesn't want to finish her task, in other words, she is lazy. “She doesn’t want to finish her work, in other words, she’s lazy.”

Popular introductory clichés in English speech

Even more English introductory clichés

Of course, in the English language there are a lot of expressions that do not play any grammatical role in a sentence, but lexically enrich and decorate speech:

  • It seems that...- It seems that...
    It is cloudy and windy outside. It seems to me that it will rain. — It’s cloudy and windy outside. It seems to me that it will rain.
  • In short...- Briefly speaking…
    I am not sure he understood the problem. In short, he didn’t understand anything. “I'm not sure he understood what the problem was.” In short, he didn't understand anything.
  • Besides...- Besides…
    I am very tired; besides, I think that I’ve caught a cold. “I’m very tired, and besides, I think I’ve caught a cold.”
  • In addition,...- In addition, besides...
    We have a lot of work. In addition we must finish it till Sunday. - We have a lot of work. Besides. we have to finish it before Sunday.
  • By the way...- By the way, by the way...
    By the way, did you pay for the internet? — By the way, did you pay for the Internet?
  • However...- Nevertheless, still...
    I’ve finished my article; however, I have some details. — I finished my article, however, there are still some details left.
  • Frankly speaking, …- Honestly…
    Frankly speaking, I don’t believe him. “Honestly, I don’t believe him.”
  • In my opinion,…- In my opinion, in my opinion...
    In my opinion, Alex is a very sincere man. — In my opinion, Alex is a very sincere person.
  • Аt first, … / First, …- First, first...
    Can I take your car? At first, I must speak with my parents. -Can I borrow your car? First I have to talk to my parents.
  • First of all,…- First of all...
    I want to be a doctor. But first of all, I must finish the school. - I want to be a doctor. But first of all I have to finish school.
  • Let us/Let"s/Let me…- Allow me, let's...
    Let me see your documents. - Let me look at your documents.
  • On the one hand, …, on the other hand, …- On the one hand, on the other hand...
    On the one hand this question is very important, but on the other hand it can wait. - On the one hand this question is very important, on the other hand it can wait.
  • Also...- Also…
    I’ve bought some dresses for my daughter; also I’ve bought a skirt for me. — I bought several dresses for my daughter, and I also bought a skirt for myself.
  • Nevertheless...- Still, nevertheless, despite...
    Nevertheless, Ann is late, we’ll begin without her. — Even though Anna is late, we will start without her.
  • I would rather...- I would prefer...
    I would rather finish this exercise. — I would prefer to finish this exercise.
  • I would like to...- I would like…
    I would like ice-cream with fruits. — I would like an ice cream sundae.
  • I think, … / I believe, … / I guess, …/I consider…- I think, I think, I guess...
    I consider that our planet needs protection. — I think that our planet needs protection.
  • Maybe...- May be…
    Tom didn't come to our party. Maybe he is ill. Tom didn't come to our party. Maybe he got sick.
  • Probably…- Maybe…
    Probably Kate will win the contest. — Katya will probably win this competition.
  • It's possible that...- It’s possible that...
    I can't connect the internet. It’s possible that our computer is broken. — I can’t access the Internet, perhaps our computer is broken.

So, these were the main introductory phrases and plug-in constructions in the English language. We hope that these simple clichés and expressions will help you connect sentences as you speak.

Hello to my blog subscribers and guests! In this article I would like to tell you about cool introductory words that are used in conversation. They make your English easier and are very convenient to use in different situations!

There are many introductory words in English, but I would like to draw attention to the most frequently used ones.

Anyway“nevertheless, one way or another, in any case, etc.”

I have already told you about this word in the article. This is one of the most popular words in the English language. You can hear it very often from native speakers. And this is not surprising, because you can use it almost anywhere you want. For example:

I don't want to go there. But, anyway, I'll go with you.

(I don't want to go there. But anyway, I'll go with you)

Anyway, it’s not easy way out, but we have to do it.

(Anyway, this is not the best solution, but we have to do it)

Anyway, I'll help you!

(Anyway, I'll help you)

English it's not so easy. Anyway, I like learning it.

(English is not easy. But anyway, I enjoy learning it)

Honestly"Honestly»

A good word in spoken English. Is a short form of the phrase "to tell you the truth" Honestly"I really like to use this word in conversation. Very convenient and sounds cool:

Honestly, I didn't like that movie.

(To be honest, I didn't like that movie)

Honestly, I liked the way you said that.

(To be honest, I liked the way you said it)

Honestly, I didn't have time to do these exercises.

(To be honest, I didn't have time to do these exercises)

Actually"actually, actually"

A cool word that can be used in a variety of situations. For example:

Actually, I didn't say it.

(Actually, I didn't say that)

Actually, I've sung this song the first.

(Actually, I sang this song first)

I don’t actually know what to say about it.

(I actually don't know what to say about this)

Probably"likely"

Another good word for spoken English:

Probably, I was wrong.

(I was probably wrong)

Probably, we'll go together to the party.

(We'll probably go to the party together)

Probably, we’ll be late for the train.

(We'll probably miss the train)

Obviously"obviously, definitely":

Obviously, they’re the best friends.

(Obviously they are best friends)

Obviously, it’s the most difficult part of our journey.

(This is by far the most difficult part of our journey)

Obviously, he's lying.

(Obviously he's lying)

There is another word with a similar meaning:

Apparently- “apparently, probably, it seems, apparently”:

They are apparently in the relationship.

(Apparently they are in a relationship)

Apparently, we've made a mistake.

(It seems we made a mistake)

It's hard to explain the difference, but I'll try. "Obviously" characterizes a greater degree of obviousness of what is said than "apparently". I hope it's clear =)

Practically"practically, essentially, in fact"

A less common, but also very useful word:

It's practically impossible.

(It's almost impossible)

It's practically the same.

(It's almost the same)

I hope the article was useful to you;)

Keep learning English and take care of yourself!

» Introductory words in English

Introductory words are called so precisely because they “introduce” the reader into the meaning of the sentence. They indicate a logical connection between the initial thought and the final one, thereby giving the text smoothness and integrity. Introductory words are like road signs that help the reader navigate the text.

The easiest way to connect words is through coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. They help to combine not only individual words, but also entire phrases. For example, when you use the conjunction “so” (meaning “therefore”), you are thereby saying: “we can draw such a conclusion from the above.”

When you use “or,” you are saying, “there is another option.” The most commonly used conjunction, “and,” is also the weakest in terms of conveying meaning; it simply combines “something” and “something else.” They play the role of connectives, but they are not enough to give the text coherence and expressiveness.

What are the introductory words?

And here introductory words come to the rescue! They logically connect with each other. Introductory words are classified according to the type of logical connection between the members of the sentence. Let's look at the most commonly used of them.

  • Example: for example, for instance (for example), such as (such as), specifically (namely)
  • Consequence: therefore (as a result of this), hence (from here), thus (thus), as a result, resulting in (as a result), so (therefore), consequently (hence)
  • Contrast: nevertheless (nevertheless), however (however), but (but), on the other hand (on the other hand), in contrast (for comparison), on the contrary, conversely (on the contrary), at the same time ( at the same time), still (nevertheless), although (although), even though (even though), despite, in spite of (despite the fact that)
  • Similarity: likewise, similarly, just as, equally (in a similar way, similarly)
  • Concession: although (although), even though (even though), of course (of course), granted (provided, taking into account), while (given that)
  • Addition: in addition, additionally (in addition, in addition), moreover (moreover), also (also), furthermore (besides, also, besides this)
  • Emphasis: more importantly, most importantly, chiefly, indeed, in fact, primarily, no doubt
  • Repetition: again (once again), in other words (in other words), in effect (in fact, in fact), that is (that is), in short (in short)
  • Time indication: at last, eventually, before, after, afterwards, finally, during, then, when ), as (since)
  • Indicating the location: to the right (right), to the left (left), in the background (in the background), in the foreground (in the foreground), in the distance (at a distance)
  • Conclusion: thus (thus), finally, in the end (finally, in conclusion)

How introductory words can affect the text

You might be surprised how much the correct use of introductory words can improve a text. Introductory words act as the “glue” that holds ideas together, and they help lead you and your reader from one part of the text to the next smoothly and naturally. For example:

Source text: Succeeding in college is often a challenge for students. Most colleges provide services designed to help students. They include peer tutoring and personal counseling. Colleges need to provide more services to help students succeed.

Corrected text: Succeeding in college often is a challenge for students. Therefore, most colleges provide services designed to help students, such as peer tutoring and personal counseling. However, colleges need to do more to help students succeed.

Adding just a few introductory words helps indicate the relationship between the different parts of the paragraph and improves the overall flow of the text.

What to avoid when using introductory words

Introductory words improve the quality of the written text, but they can also be overused. Below are three things to watch out for when using introductory words.

Make sure the logical connections established by introductory words are clear

Since introductory words serve to connect sentences and ideas, their use will be incorrect if the connection is unclear or absent altogether.

Example: A girl looks out of the window covered with frost. For example, she sees a dog under a tree, trembling in the cold. ("For example" doesn't make sense because the girl seeing the dog is not an example of anything mentioned in the first sentence.)

Example: She decides to go out and get the dog. Subsequently, her mother sits in the chair knitting. ("Consequently" doesn't make sense, since her mother's sitting in the chair has nothing to do with the girl choosing to pick up the dog.)

Avoid overuse of introductory words

Introductory words should guide the reader, but overusing them can have the opposite effect and make the text confusing.

Example: Writing an essay can be challenging. However, there are techniques that can make the process a little easier. For example, taking plenty of notes on the subject can help the writer generate ideas. Therefore, note-taking is an important "pre-writing" strategy. In addition, some people "free-write," writing quickly for ten or twenty minutes to see what ideas arise. However, taking notes and free-writing are only the beginning. Ideas must eventually be organized in a logical way. Subsequently, an outline can help the writer make sense of the rough material generated through the note-taking and free-writing process. Therefore, writing an outline is another important step in the writing process. However, some writers are able to conceptualize a sense of logical order for their ideas without actually writing an outline. Nevertheless, these writers seem to have some kind of outline in their minds. In addition, an outline should help the writer formulate a thesis for the essay. Subsequently, an outline can help give focus to the essay.

This paragraph could be improved by removing some of the introductory words. Too many introductory words can confuse and irritate the reader, especially if the introductory words appear at the beginning of a sentence.

Avoid mistakes that may occur when using introductory words

Introductory words, like any other, must be used carefully so that they do not create grammatical errors. The most common errors that occur are the “gluing” of sentences together with a comma. Examples are given below.

Incomplete sentence: Resulting in the girl's search for affection elsewhere.

Corrected version: Mother seems to ignore her daughter, resulting in the girl's search for affection elsewhere.

Comma splice: The girl sees the dog out in the cold, however by the time the girl goes outside, the dog is gone.

According to the famous aphorism, it is speech that distinguishes a person from an animal. And a beautiful and competent narration, which literally flows from the mouth of the speaker, distinguishes an educated person from mediocrity.

One of the ways to diversify your speech and make it smooth and natural are introductory words in English. We will talk about what introductory words are, why they are needed and how to skillfully use English clichés in this article. Let's roll

Introductory words in English - what are they?

English introductory words (parenthesis)- these are special speech constructions that are used to express the speaker’s personal opinion about what he is saying, as well as to connect one sentence with another.

In Russian, as a rule, such words are separated by commas. By the way, “as a rule” from the last sentence are introductory words. As well as “by the way.” Without introductory words, speech becomes a dry, incoherent set of facts, so reasonable dilution of the text with introductory words makes it more vivid, emotional and lively. Introductory phrases are often used at the beginning of a sentence to connect it with the previous one, as well as in the middle or end to give a certain flavor to the idea being expressed.

Try to remember the following introductory words in English that will help you express your opinion:

  • I must admit... - I must admit...
I must admit, he knows his oats.- I must admit that he knows his stuff.
  • It seems that... - It seems that...
It seems that he was very upset.- He seemed very upset.
  • As far as I know... - As far as I know...
As far as I know, she is single.- As far as I know, she is not married.
  • Frankly speaking … / To tell the truth... - Frankly speaking... / In truth...
Frankly speaking, I don't really like your boss.- Frankly speaking, I don’t really like your boss.
To tell the truth, this is not my cup of tea.- To tell the truth, it's not mine.
  • In my opinion… - In my opinion...
In my opinion, that was the best show ever!- In my opinion, it was the best show of all time!
  • It goes without saying… - Undoubtedly...
It goes without saying that your mom cooks really well, but my wife does it better.- Of course, your mother cooks very well, but my wife is better.
  • I think … / I believe … / I guess... - I think... / I think... / I suppose...
I think, he should go to college.- I think he should go to college.
I believe that was the last train.- I think it was the last train.
I guess we were late.- I guess we're late.

Now let’s turn to English clichés that help connect the thought with the previous sentence:

  • Actually... - Really... / Actually... / That's it...
It's not your business, actually.- It's none of your business, actually.
  • Moreover… - Moreover...
James has bought a new car, moreover, it's Ferrari.- James bought a new car, moreover, it’s a Ferrari.
  • In any case … / Anyway … /Either way... - In any case... / Be that as it may...
In any case, we"ll have fun.- Either way, we'll have fun.
Anyway, let's solve the problems on they occur.- Be that as it may, let's solve problems as they arise.
Either way, it's a great job.- Either way, it's a great job.
  • Indeed... - Actually... / And really...
Indeed, it was Frodo's greatest adventure.- Indeed, this was Frodo's greatest adventure.
  • Besides… - Besides...
Besides, he spent ages looking for the perfect wedding ring.“Besides, he took forever to find the perfect engagement ring.”
  • In other words... - In other words...
In other words, Jenny just wanted to dance in a beautiful dress.- In other words, Jenny just wanted to dance in a pretty dress.
  • By the way… - By the way...
By the way, it was your last chance.- By the way, this was your last chance.
  • Luckily … / Fortunately… - Fortunately...
Luckily for us, the shop was open.- Luckily for us, the store was open.
Fortunately, its working hours were 24/7.- Fortunately, he worked 24/7.
  • Unfortunately... - Unfortunately...
Unfortunately, they didn't have any time for shopping.- Unfortunately, they had no time for shopping at all.
  • However… - However...
However, no one ever saw Gregory and Mandy in one room.- However, no one has ever seen Gregory and Mandy in the same room.
  • Nevertheless… - Nevertheless...
Nevertheless, Americans insist on stepping the Moon first.- Nevertheless, the Americans insist that they were the first to set foot on the moon.
  • On the one hand, ... , on the other hand, ... - On the one hand... , on the other hand...
On the one hand, it"s a great opportunity to prove your right, on the other hand, it costs a lot of money.- On the one hand, this is a great opportunity to prove that you are right, on the other hand, it costs a lot of money.

And the last group of English introductory words that will help summarize everything that has been said:

  • In conclusion... - In conclusion...
In conclusion, we may say that parenthetical words are very useful.- In conclusion, we can say that introductory words are very useful.
  • It turned out that... - It turned out that...
It turned out that nobody knew about his birthday.- It turned out that no one knew about his birthday.
  • After all… - In the end...
Try to keep a healthy way of life and you"ll live longer, after all.- Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and you will live longer in the end.
  • Аs a result... - As a result...
As a result, hurricane Catherine has destroyed many houses.- As a result, Hurricane Katrina destroyed many houses.
  • Finally… - Finally...
Finally, Harry and Hermione reached their destination.- Finally, Harry and Hermione reached their destination.
  • In short ... / In a nutshell... - In short...
In short, they have come to a compromise.- In short, they came to a compromise.
In a nutshell, she fell in love with her step-brother.- In short, she fell in love with her half-brother.
  • In a word... - In a word...
In a word, there was a spectacular event. - In a word, it was a spectacular event.

The above introductory phrases in English will help make any text more lively. To understand how to organically weave them into your speech, we recommend reading informational articles on our resource, as well as watching examples of TED talks in the Video Workshop section.

Don't be afraid to experiment! Set yourself a goal to use at least three new English clichés every day. In just a month, your dialogues will become more interesting, moreover, you will begin to better understand live English conversation!

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