Connecting words are also called transition words. While it is possible to write an essay without obvious connecting words, it may not be very clear or coherent for the reader. Connecting words help to show the logical relationships between different ideas in your text, and they also make your writing more engaging and interesting.

However, overuse of transition words can make writing seem overly formal or robotic. It can disrupt the natural flow of language and make the text feel choppy or disjointed. While transition words are useful for guiding the reader through the text, relying on them too heavily can lead to redundancy and monotony.

Where should we use connecting words?

Here are some of the situations where you might need the use of connecting words.

• Addition: and, also, moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides, etc.

These words are used to add more information or ideas to the previous ones. For example, “She likes reading books, and she also likes writing poems.”

• Contrast: but, however, although, though, whereas, while, on the other hand, etc.

These words are used to show a difference or opposition between two or more things. For example, “He is rich, but he is not happy.”

• Cause and effect: because, since, as, therefore, so, thus, hence, etc.

These words are used to show the reason or result of something. For example, “She studied hard, therefore she passed the exam.”

• Condition: if, unless, only if, whether, provided that, etc.

These words are used to show a situation that depends on another one. For example, “If you want to succeed, you have to work hard.”

• Concession: although, though, even though, despite, in spite of, etc.

These words are used to show a contrast between an expected or logical outcome and the actual one. For example, “Although he was sick, he went to work.”

• Example: for example, for instance, such as, namely, etc.

These words are used to give specific examples of a general idea. For example, “There are many fruits, such as apples, oranges, and bananas.”

Some less common connecting words

If you look at some of the different types of connecting words above, I am sure you realised that there are some words we use less than the others. If you want to improve your writing, it is important to use those words that you are not familiar with. In most cases, Indian students are not good with using concession words.

How to avoid using connecting words

To avoid using these connecting words, you can use synonyms, punctuation, sentence structures, or rhetorical devices. Here are some examples of how to rewrite the sentences above without using the connecting words:

• Addition: She likes reading books; writing poems is another hobby of hers.

• Contrast: He has a lot of money, yet he lacks happiness.

• Cause and effect: She passed the exam because of her hard work.

• Condition: Working hard is a prerequisite for success.

• Concession: He went to work, sick as he was.

• Example: Many fruits, apples, oranges, and bananas among them, are good for your health.