Saturday, April 5, 2008

Connecting words (Part 2)

This is the second of a three-part series of blogs.

As writers, it’s too easy to fall into the habit of using the same few connecting words (and/plus/also, but/however/although, etc.) over and over. Here is a selection of words and phrases to be used when combining or differentiating clauses and sentences. This list provides some alternatives to add spice to your writing. The words aren’t all synonyms of one another, but all can be used for similar results depending on the context. This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive list of all possible synonyms, but merely as a quick reference for commonly used words of each type. Feel free to add others to the list as you think of them.

Last time, additive connectors. This time, alternative connectors:
  • all the same
  • alternatively
  • although
  • as opposed to
  • barring
  • but
  • despite
  • different from (never different than; different to, if you speak UK English)
  • else
  • even though
  • except
  • fortunately
  • however
  • in spite of
  • irrespective
  • just
  • let alone
  • nevertheless
  • nonetheless
  • notwithstanding
  • on the other hand
  • only
  • or else
  • otherwise
  • regardless
  • still
  • though
  • unfortunately
  • unless
  • vs. / versus
  • whereas
  • yet
Next time, we finish up with conclusive and explanatory connectors.

Mark.

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