Using introductory phrases in English. Introductory words in English, examples of use, words and phrases F Introductory words for writing English
Check your speech, and you will notice that you cannot live without introductory words and phrases. It just so happens that we add certain words to many pronounced sentences, with which we strive to express our attitude to something described in the sentence (unfortunately, it probably seems), to order thoughts (so, by the way, by the way), to evaluate the events (probably, obviously), indicate the source of the information (in my opinion, they believe, according to someone else), etc. These are the introductory words ( introductory words). English in this case is no exception, so there are also a lot of introductory words in English. We use introductory words in English to make sentences more widespread and rich in information, as well as to convey to the interlocutor your opinion about what is described in the sentence.
Usually, introductory words in English should be pronounced with a special intonation. Introductory words in English are not members of the sentence, they are not asked questions. Very often, introductory words in English are confused with certain official words. To determine what is in front of you - an introductory or service word - remove this word from the sentence. If the meaning of the sentence has not changed, you have removed the introductory word. For instance:
Finally he answered my question. - Finally he answered my question. (finally = after everything)
When the weather is fine we can go to the sea or friends and at last stay at home. - When the weather is good, we can go to the sea or to friends, or, finally, stay at home. (finally = and more)
The most common introductory words and phrases in English
- Frankly speaking / to tell the truth- honestly
- To cut it short- shortly speaking
- So to speak- so to speak
- By the way- by the way, by the way
- It goes without saying- needless to say
- As far as I know- as far as I know
- Indeed- really
- In other words- in other words
- However- but
- So / well- so
- Besides / moreover- Moreover
- Also- also
- Of course / certainly- certainly
- In any case / anyway- anyway
- Always / at all- generally
- Therefore- for this reason
- Though / although- although
- Meanwhile / meantime- meanwhile, bye
- Nevertheless- however, nevertheless, nevertheless
- Perhaps / probably- maybe
Linking words for writing beautiful text
The purpose of learning written English can be different for everyone: someone has to pass international exams, where it is necessary to pass the written part, someone needs to write letters for work, and someone wants to blog in English. Introductory phrases for writing essays in English, which we will consider today, will also be needed in order to beautifully express your opinion orally.
Before we start, I want to give a small recommendation, which may seem obvious, but many neglect it: before writing an essay or letter, make a plan. Many students consider this to be optional, but a clear outline will help outline what questions you want to address in your essay. For example, if you are writing an essay for an exam, the formulation of the task itself can be very voluminous, and it is very easy not to reveal one of the questions posed, simply due to the fact that you plunged into your own thoughts and forgot about it. It also helps you cut down on thinking time and get started writing faster. The hardest part for me to write an essay is to start writing it. The given topic may be so alien to me that I have a question: what actually can be written here? Or, on the contrary, there may be so many different thoughts on the question that I am at a loss, where is it better to start, and how to put all this mess in my head in a beautiful structured text, and invest in a given word limit. In this case, the plan helps me a lot. After spending 5 minutes writing it, I only then know where to start and how to continue.
The phrases that we have given below will help you start your thought correctly, and win a few correctly spelled words if you are writing an essay specifically for the exam.
What you can write in the first paragraph of an essay in English:
Starting to write an essay, it is important to voice the statement of the problem, and it is also worth noting what position you take on this issue. You do not need to disclose your opinion in full in the first paragraph, just express it in general terms. For example, you need to express your opinion on whether the rest is better: passive or active. Then you can start your essay with something like this:
- Most people think that the best way to spend their vacation is to lie on the beach and do nothing, but in my opinion, the more active you are - the more energy you will have.
Most people think that the best way to spend a vacation is to lie on the beach and do nothing, but personally, I believe that the more active you are, the more energy you will have.
In this paragraph, you are only expressing your opinion in general terms. Why do you think so - you will write in the next paragraph.
Now let's move on to the phrases that can be used in the first paragraph of the essay:
- Most people think / suppose / reckon / consider that ... - Many people think that ...
If you are writing an essay for an exam, it is best to replace think with synonyms to demonstrate good vocabulary.
- Many people believe (instead of believe, you can use any other synonym) ...., but others don’t agree. - Many people think ... but others disagree with this opinion.
- It is generally agreed today that ...
- Today, with increased frequency - more and more often today ...
Let's say you need to write an essay in which you need to compare live communication with communication in social networks. Then you can start it like this:
- Today, with increased frequency, people prefer to tell the news, using their phones, instead of doing it face-to-face.
- Today, more and more often, people prefer to tell the news using their phones, instead of doing it face to face.
Consider the following cliché phrases in English:
- For the great majority of people ... - for most people ...
- We live in a world in which ... - we live in a world in which
- They / people often say that… - people often say that….
Do not forget that we can replace the word people with they. We can also use them when it comes to a person whose gender we do not know. That is, instead of writing ‘she or he’, you can simply write ‘they’.
At the end of the first paragraph, after you've written your introduction, you can lead to your arguments:
- Let us consider what the advantages and disadvantages of ... are - let's consider what the advantages and disadvantages are ...
- Let’s consider some pros and cons of it. - consider some pros and cons.
- Let us start by considering some facts. - Let's start by looking at some facts.
- I suppose we should start by looking at some facts - I suppose we should start by looking at some facts
Here are the pros and cons:
- First of all, it is worth mentioning / highlighting the fact that ... - First of all, it is worth noting / highlighting the fact that ...
- To begin with, ... - Let's start with ...
- Firstly,… / Secondly,… / Finally,… - Firstly,… / Secondly,… / Finally,….
- On the one hand…., But on the other hand…. on the one hand .... but on the other hand ...
Remember that if you write ‘firstly’, then you should also write ‘secondly’ to make the structure of your essay logical. The same goes for ‘on the one hand’.
- One argument in support of - one argument in support of
- The first thing that needs to be said is - the first thing that needs to be said is ...
- First and foremost I want to highlight that ... - first of all, I want to emphasize that ...
- It is true that ... the truth is that
- It is clear that - it is clear that ...
- It is undeniable that .. - it cannot be denied that ...
- It is a well-known fact that ...
- A number of crucial issues arise from the statement. For example / for instance, ... - This statement raises many key questions. For example,….
- One of the most striking features of this problem is - One of the most striking features of this problem ...
- Another good thing about… is that…. - the second positive aspect regarding…. - this is what…
- What is more,…. - Moreover…
Besides, - besides this ... - What I meant to say is that ... - I meant that ...
Although ... - although ... - In spite of ... - despite ...
- In spite of widespread belief that…., In my opinion…. - contrary to popular belief that…., I believe….
- Furthermore, one should not forget that .. - moreover, we should not forget that ...
- In addition / moreover - in addition
- Thus, - thus
- Nevertheless, one should accept that - Nevertheless, it should be admitted that ...
- Perhaps we should also point out the fact that… - Perhaps we should also point out the fact that….
- It would be unfair not to mention that fact that ... - It would be unfair not to mention the fact that ...
- We cannot ignore the fact that…. - we cannot ignore the fact that ..
You can confirm your opinion by inviting the reader to imagine a certain situation, you can do this using the phrase:
- Let us concede that - let's say that ...
- We are not warranted in believing .. - we have no reason to believe ...
- The most common argument against this is that ... - the most common argument against this is that ...
Synonyms for think
We already wrote above that it is better to replace the word 'think' with synonyms to make the speech look richer.
- I believe ... - it should be remembered that believe can mean not only "believe", but also think, believe, be convinced. This word means your confidence in a particular issue.
You can enhance the effect by saying:
- I strongly believe ... - I strongly believe
- I suppose ... - to believe, to admit ...
- In my opinion / On my mind - in my opinion ...
- I’m of opinion that ... - I believe that ...
- it can believed that
- I ween - I think, I believe, I hope ..
- As I can judge ... - as far as I can judge ...
We refer to the opinion of experts
Many educators advise, whenever possible, to back up their arguments with expert opinion.
- We can’t be dismissive of experts’ opinion ... - we cannot neglect the opinion of experts ...
- Experts in this field have a theory - specialists in this field believe that (specialists in this field have a theory)
- Specialists in this area convinced that… - experts in this area are convinced that…
- Experts emphasize that… - experts emphasize that…
- From these facts, one may conclude that - based on these facts, we can conclude ...
- Which seems to confirm the idea that .. - which seems to confirm the idea that ...
We draw conclusions:
In the last paragraph, it is worth summing up the above, emphasizing your point of view. To do this, you can use the following linking words:
- To sum up what has been said -
Or you can just write:
- To sum up, to summarize - let's summarize, this way
- In conclusion, I want to say that although… - in conclusion I want to say that although….
- To draw the conclusion, one can say that - To summarize, we can say that
- The arguments we have presented prove that - the given arguments prove that ...
- So it’s up to everybody to decide whether ... or not - everyone must decide for himself ... whether or not.
These introductory phrases for writing essays in English will help you write high-quality, coherent text, as well as express your opinion beautifully. Learn at least some of them - it certainly won't be superfluous :).
Linking words or introductory words are for linking sentences in text or speech. Their competent use shows the speaker from the best side, his level of proficiency in a foreign language. Introductory words in English can express agreement or disagreement, the speaker's assessment of what he heard. They make speech coherent, consistent and easily perceived by others, allow you to avoid long pauses and think about the next thought expressed.
What are Linking Words?
There are introductory words in any language, English is no exception. They are placed at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence. Such constructions are pronounced with a special intonation. Bundle words in English are not members of a sentence, but no conversation or composition can do without them. They are often confused with adverbs, conjunctions and other official words. To avoid confusion, simply remove the introductory word from the context. If the meaning of the statement remains the same, it means that you have a bundle construction in front of you.
The main role of introductory constructions in English is to combine separate parts of the text into one text. They are especially useful when writing letters, fiction, essays, essays. Linking Words will help you indicate the time, identify the cause of what happened, express the sequence of events. For the convenience of English learners, all constructions are divided into several groups in connection with their purpose in the text or speech.
Among the already listed features of English introductory words, the following can be listed:
- These words do not change their grammatical form, regardless of the environment.
- Some constructions can easily move through the text, they are placed both at the beginning, middle and at the end of the utterance.
- Linking words do not add new meaning to a statement.
- They cannot be asked a question from the main or secondary members of the proposal.
- Introductory words in English can be replaced with synonymous phrases or phrases.
The correct use of introductory words will help direct the dialogue in the right direction. They add expressiveness to the conversation.
Introductory constructions in oral speech
Monologue statements, conversations of two or more persons are always accompanied by the use of introductory phrases in English. They are distinguished by pauses, as well as intonation: lowering of the voice or fast pronunciation.
Reliability of content
If a person is sure of something, then to express his own opinion in speech, he uses the following introductory constructions in English:
I agree (what) |
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I think that |
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I think so |
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I think yes |
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Actually |
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Most likely, |
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Undoubtedly, |
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Probably, |
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Moreover, |
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Oh sure |
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I know that) |
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Exactly, |
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Definitely |
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Undoubtedly |
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That`s exactly what I think. |
Everything is exactly as I think |
My point exactly |
This is what I'm talking about |
Everything is correct |
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Everything is correct |
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I couldn`t agree with you more. |
I can not disagree with this |
I can go along with that. |
I am ready to agree |
How to express your own opinion in English
I think that) |
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In my opinion |
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In my opinion |
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In my opinion, |
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It seems to me |
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To my way of thinking |
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As far as I`m concerned, |
As I know, |
From my point of view, |
From my point of view |
I don`t think (that) |
I do not think that |
I don`t really know (if) |
I do not know |
Personally, I think |
Personally, I think (what) |
I`m not sure (if) |
I'm not sure if |
I don`t have a strong opinion about that. |
I have strong beliefs about this. |
I don`t have a definite opinion about that, but |
I do not have a clear opinion on this matter. |
I presume (that) |
I suppose that) |
I am convinced |
for instance
Personally, I think you`ve got a good idea. Personally, I think you have a good idea.
How to show disagreement
Introductory words expressing emotions
For instance,
Unfortunately, I can`t attend this lesson. To my chagrin, I will not be able to show up for class.
Introductory words in English for essays
It is quite difficult to separate the words of the bunch in English for oral speech from those that are necessary for written work: essays, stories, personal and business letters. Everything will depend on the style and type of address to the addressee. In an essay in English, emotionally charged words are extremely rare. The entire text should be built according to a prepared plan and should correspond to the structure of each specific type of essay: opinion essay, for and against essay and others. It is also worth noting that abbreviations in the essay are completely discouraged. Consider introductory words for writing and essays in English.
Writing an introduction
Link words for considering the first argument
Phrases for adding arguments
Phrases for conclusion
To express your own opinion, you can use the linking words used in oral speech, but choose more formal constructions.
Writing an essay in English requires special preparation, since it is one of the most difficult tasks in the exams. Not only the correctness of the use of lexical and grammatical units will be assessed, but also the general coherence of the text, its logical construction. It is the standard introductory words for essays in English that help to better structure the text and frame your own thoughts in a clear framework.
Introductory words in English are a separate group of words with peculiar grammatical properties. In sentences, these words do not have a syntactic role, they do not refer to either the main or secondary members. It means that they have no syntactic connection with the sentence in which they appear. You can be convinced of this by trying to ask a question to these words, and when it fails, you will understand that this is the very introductory word.
And one more thing: Almost no conversation is complete without introductory words.
properties of english introductory words
Introductory words help to make the text coherent, understandable for the listener. In other words, these are auxiliary means for connecting separate sentences into one semantic whole. They are often needed when writing essays, letters, essays and various fictional texts. Introductory words and phrases help convey the sequence of events, express your relationship on any occasion, etc. Since some of them can appear at the end of a sentence, in English grammar you can find the term "final" words
Introductory words in English, as in any other language, are actively used not only in writing, but also in oral speech. That is why it is very useful to know them. For a more systematic study, I propose the following list of introductory words in English, in which the introductory phrases are divided into groups according to their purpose in the sentence.
What introductory words are used for
- To express an opinion
I think I think I suppose I guess From my point of view / In my view from my point of view I reckon / I imagine I believe / believe I presume I guess I believe I believe / believe In my opinion in my opinion I guess I guess It seems to me / As I see it I think I am convinced I'm convinced) To my way of thinking / To my mind to my mind I am convinced, there are not people who can speak English, there are people who don’t want. - I am convinced that there are no people who cannot speak English, there are people who do not want to.
- To indicate a positive attitude
Definitely definitely Indeed really, really Certainly definitely, definitely In fact in fact I agree I agree Exactly so exactly Most likely very similar to that Yes, sure yes, undoubtedly Of course certainly Doubtless undoubtedly Expressively unequivocally I believe so I believe so Probably maybe Doubtless, you can take this exam. - Surely you can pass this exam
- To demonstrate disagreement
Actually, it is not difficult to study 10 new English words every day. - In fact, it's not hard to learn ten new words in English every day.
- To reflect emotion
Unfortunately, I can not visit my sick friend today. - Unfortunately, I cannot visit my sick friend today.
- To structure thoughts
To begin with first, let's start with Firstly / foremost Firstly Secondly Secondly The first / second reason for first / second reason In the first place primarily Primarily primarily First and foremost / first of all first of all Firstly, I would like to discuss the problems related to reproductive health. - First, I would like to discuss reproductive health issues.
- To indicate the time
At the present time currently Once once Until before Then then Shortly soon All of a sudden all of a sudden At this instant in this moment In due time on time After after Later later Until now still Since since, since then At the same time / In the meantime in the same time Before before, before When when Up to the present time until now Now now Sooner or later Sooner or later Meanwhile meanwhile, meanwhile By the time by that time Occasionally occasionally Eventually in the end Until now it was easy to do laboratory work, but the final stages are more difficult that I thought. - So far, it has been easy to do the lab, but the final steps are more difficult than I thought.
- To indicate the condition and reason
I will say you my secret, on the condition you should never say to someone about it. - I'll tell you my secret, provided that you don't have to tell anyone about it..
- For conclusion and conclusion
Summing it up Summarizing So, to sum it up so to summarize To crown it all to top it off With this in mind in view of the above In conclusion / Finally Finally As a result as a result Accordingly Based on this Hence hence For this reason for this reason In the final analysis / in the long run in the end All things considered all things considered In summary eventually After all eventually All things considered, I can say that smoking should be banned in public places. - All things considered, I can say that smoking should be prohibited in public places.
- To express an opinion
The use of introductory words in life practice
Using introductory words Read any letter, essay and you can quickly become convinced that it is important to know the introductory words in English. Here's a letter for you, for example.
As you can see, quite often these words are required to indicate semantic connections. However, do not forget that everything needs a “golden mean”. Avoid using introductory constructions in every second sentence.
How beautiful is it to start your thought? Unfortunately, many people overuse the phrase I think, turning speech into an endless stream of "reflections". What should be done to avoid this catastrophe? Yes, just study the common introductory words in English, choose the ten most interesting for you and start using during discussions in English! A well-chosen introductory phrase is already half of a successful conversation.
Introductory words in English. List of the most popular
Conventionally, I would divide all introductory words in English into several categories:
1. Phrases that can be a great start to a conversation or build a competent answer to a question.
To tell the truth- frankly speaking
First of all- first of all, first of all
By the way- by the way, by the way
As far as I know- as far as I know
I am convinced- I am sure, I am convinced
I would like to stress - I would like to mention
I suppose\believe\consider\ guess- I suppose that…
If you ask me- if you ask me
To my way of thinking- in my opinion, it seems to me
As a matter of fact- in fact
It goes without saying - needless to say
To begin with- to begin with, first; start with the fact that
2. Introductory words that make the transition from one thought to another smoother and help to keep the interlocutor's attention.
In other words- in other words, in other words
As I have already mentioned- as I already said
On the one hand- On the one side
On the other hand- on the other side
Moreover- moreover, moreover
In addition- Besides
As to- concerning
However- but
In this case- in this case
Although- although
Nevertheless- nevertheless, however
3. Phrases that lead you to a beautiful end to the conversation.
To make a long story short \ In a nutshell - in short, in a nutshell
That is why- That's why