Cohesion

Linking adjuncts

Here are examples of different groups of linking adjuncts. These are used to show the connection between one sentence, or clause, and another.

Alternatives are used to give an alternative or another point of view. They include as opposed to, instead of, on the one hand / on the other hand, alternatively and otherwise:

-clause + as opposed to + noun / -ing form.

• He spent his time surfing the Internet, as opposed to doing his work.

-clause + instead of + noun / -ing form.

• She stayed at home instead of going out.
• Instead of going out she stayed home.

-instead with clause.

• She didn't go out; she stayed home instead.
• She didn't go out; instead, she stayed at home.

-on the one hand with clause; on the other hand with opposing clause.

• On the one hand there are the people who like their jobs. On the other hand, there are the people who don't.

-alternatively with clause.

• We could talk about this now. Alternatively, we could do it later.

-otherwise with clause.

• We could finish the work now. Otherwise, we could finish it tomorrow.

Contrasts are used to contrast one clause or sentence with another one, or make it seem surprising. In contrasting clauses, we use although and though:

• Although/Though they are going to publish the book, there will be some changes.
• They are going to publish the book, although/though there will be some changes.

• I thought it would be cold. However, it was warm and sunny.
• The strawberries are growing well. The tomato plants have died, however.
• He didn't study at all. Nevertheless, he managed to pass the test.
• They are going to publish the book. There will be some changes to it, though.

However can begin or end a sentence. Though cannot begin a sentence.

• I thought it would be cold. It was warm, though, and sunny.
• I thought it would be cold. It was warm and sunny, though.
  NOT: I thought it would be cold. Though it was warm and sunny.