Let's consider how signal words and phrases can help to make our writing clear and coherent.
As we've seen, a key quality of an effective paragraph is unity. A unified paragraph sticks to one topic from start to finish, with every sentence contributing to the central purpose and main idea of that paragraph.
But a strong paragraph is more than just a collection of loose sentences. Those sentences need to be clearly connected so that readers can follow along, recognizing how one detail leads to the next. A paragraph with clearly connected sentences is said to be coherent.
The following paragraph is both unified and coherent. As you read, notice how the italicized words and phrases (which we call signals) guide us along, helping us to see how one detail leads to the next.
Why I Don't Make My Bed
Ever since I moved into my own apartment last fall, I have gotten out of the habit of making my bed--except on Fridays, of course, when I change the sheets. Although some people may think that I am a slob, I have some sound reasons for breaking the bed-making habit. In the first place, I am not concerned about maintaining a tidy bedroom because no one except me ever ventures in there. If there is ever a fire inspection or a surprise date, I suppose I can dash in there to fluff up the pillow and slap on a spread. Otherwise, I am not bothered. In addition, I find nothing uncomfortable about crawling into a rumpled mass of sheets and blankets. On the contrary, I enjoy poking out a cozy space for myself before drifting off to sleep. Also, I think that a tightly made bed is downright uncomfortable: entering one makes me feel like a loaf of bread being wrapped and sealed. Finally, and most importantly, I think bed-making is an awful way to waste time in the morning. I would rather spend those precious minutes checking my email or feeding the cat than tucking in corners or snapping the spread.
Signal words and phrases guide readers from one sentence to the next. Although they often appear at the beginning of a sentence, they may also show up in the middle (usually after the subject) or even at the end. Here are the common signal words and phrases, grouped according to the type of relationship shown by each.
1. Addition Signals
- and
also
besides
first, second, third
in addition
in the first place, in the second place, in the third place
furthermore
moreover
to begin with, next, finally
Example
In the first place, no "burning" in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in a volcano; moreover, volcanoes are not necessarily mountains; furthermore, the activity takes place not always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks; and finally, the "smoke" is not smoke but condensed steam.
(Fred Bullard, Volcanoes in History, in Theory, in Eruption)
2. Cause-Effect Signals
- accordingly
and so
as a result
consequently
for this reason
hence
so
then
therefore
thus
Example
The ideologue is often brilliant. Consequently some of us distrust brilliance when we should distrust the ideologue.
(Clifton Fadiman, “Eggheads, Intellectuals, Ideologues, Highbrows”)
3. Comparison Signals
- by the same token
in like manner
in the same way
in similar fashion
likewise
similarly
Example
When you start with a portrait and search for a pure form, a clear volume, through successive eliminations, you arrive inevitably at the egg. Likewise, starting with the egg and following the same process in reverse, one finishes with the portrait.
(Pablo Picasso)
4. Contrast Signals
- but
however
in contrast
instead
nevertheless
on the contrary
on the other hand
still
yet
Example
Every American, to the last man, lays claim to a “sense” of humor and guards it as his most significant spiritual trait, yet rejects humor as a contaminating element wherever found. America is a nation of comics and comedians; nevertheless, humor has no stature and is accepted only after the death of the perpetrator.
(E. B. White)
5. Conclusion and Summary Signals
- and so
after all
at last
finally
in brief
in closing
in conclusion
on the whole
to conclude
to summarize
Example
Reporters are not paid to operate in retrospect. Because when news begins to solidify into current events and finally harden into history, it is the stories we didn’t write, the questions we didn’t ask that prove far, far more damaging than the ones we did.
(Anna Quindlen)
6. Example Signals
- as an example
for example
for instance
specifically
thus
to illustrate
Example
With all the ingenuity involved in hiding delicacies on the body, this process automatically excludes certain foods. For example, a turkey sandwich is welcome, but the cumbersome cantaloupe is not.
(Steve Martin, "How to Fold Soup")
7. Insistence Signals
- in fact
indeed
no
yes
Example
The joy of giving is indeed a pleasure, especially when you get rid of something you don’t want.
(Frank Butler, Going My Way)
8. Place Signals
- above
alongside
beneath
beyond
farther along
in back
in front
nearby
on top of
to the left
to the right
under
upon
Example
What did it matter where you lay once you were dead? In a dirty sump or in a marble tower on top of a high hill? You were dead, you were sleeping the big sleep, you were not bothered by things like that.
(Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep)
9. Restatement Signals
- in other words
in short
in simpler terms
that is
to put it differently
to repeat
Example
Anthropologist Geoffrey Gorer studied the few peaceful human tribes and discovered one common characteristic: sex roles were not polarized. Differences of dress and occupation were at a minimum. Society in other words, was not using sexual blackmail as a way of getting women to do cheap labor, or men to be aggressive.
(Gloria Steinem, "What It Would Be Like If Women Win")
10. Time Signals
- afterward
at the same time
currently
earlier
formerly
immediately
in the future
in the meantime
in the past
later
meanwhile
previously
simultaneously
subsequently
then
until now
Example
At first a toy, then a mode of transportation for the rich, the automobile was designed as man's mechanical servant. Later it became part of the pattern of living.
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