What are the different types of cohesive devices and their examples?
COHESIVE DEVICES – They are needed for a smooth flow and connection in speaking and writing, and here are the different types.
When it comes to writing and speaking, it is important for the listeners and readers to smoothly follow the flow of ideas without getting lost or confused. This is where cohesive devices come into play, which are also called linking words or transitional signals. In any form of writing, cohesion is important for a well-organized message.
This cohesion in writing may be achieved through the following:
- Repetition of words and ideas to keep your reader’s focus on the idea and on track.
Example:
The teacher explained the importance of reading. She said reading helps in learning and developing skills. She also encouraged students to practice reading daily.
- Use of synonyms for key words and phrases to provide a variety of word choices.
Example:
The city is known for its beautiful landmarks. This urban area attracts thousands of tourists every year. Because of this, the metropolis has become an important cultural hub.
- Using pronouns and determiners, such as this, that, these, those, he, she, it, they, and we.
Example:
Maria loves teaching. She enjoys helping students learn.
- Use transitional devices like linkers, conjunctions, or connectors to give cues on the relationships between sentences.
Example:
Education is often called the foundation of success. First, it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to build their future. Moreover, it opens opportunities for better employment and personal growth. However, not everyone has equal access to quality education. As a result, many young people struggle to achieve their dreams. In conclusion, society must work together to provide accessible and inclusive learning for all.
Some of the most common transition words:
- Coordinating Conjunctions (They connect words, phrases, and clauses of equal value.)
| Cohesive Devices | Description | Examples |
| for | for explaining why | Thank you for being so helpful. |
| and | the same or without contrast | I like apples and bananas. |
| nor | for two non-contrasting grammatically negative items | He cannot sing, nor can he dance. |
| but | for contrast | He studied hard, but he didn’t pass the test. |
| or | an alternative | Hurry up, or we will be late. |
| yet | a contrast, despite | It’s a small car, yet it is surprisingly spacious. |
| so | to show the consequence of something | It was raining hard, so we stayed indoors. |
| because, so that, as, since | to express cause or reason | She whispered so that no one else could hear. |
- Subordinating Conjunctions (Words that connect a dependent clause or incomplete thought to an independent clause or complete thought.)
| before, after, until/till, when, as soon as, whenever, while | to express time | I called her as soon as I got home. |
| unless, if, even if, in case, providing | to express condition | I can’t help you unless you tell me the truth. |
| although, even though, whereas | to express a contrast | I enjoy reading novels, whereas my friend enjoys watching movies. |
- Adverbial Conjunctions ( Words that join independent clauses into one sentence.)
| also, besides, finally, furthermore, in addition, moreover, still, | adding something | Besides money, people also need love and respect. |
| also, as well, alike, similarly | comparing | Cats are independent animals. Similarly, dogs can also show signs of independence. |
| at the same time, in contrast, in spite of, on the other hand even if | contrasting | I’ll support you even if everyone else disagrees. |
| certainly, definitely, indeed, in fact | emphasizing | She is talented indeed, one of the best in her class. |
| for/as an example, for instance, in other words, namely, such as | giving example | I have three children, namely, Anna, John, and Maria. |
| as … as, both … and, either … or, neither … nor, not only … but also | showing equality | She is not only a singer but also a dancer. |
| as it was/has been said, in conclusion, finally, in short, in other words, hence | summarizing, concluding | She is the most qualified, hence her promotion. |