Showing connections: linking adjuncts

10.73 The following section explains the functions of different groups of linking adjuncts. Linking adjuncts are used to show what sort of connection there is between one sentence and another.

10.74 In the course of speaking or writing, you can introduce a related comment or an extra reinforcing piece of information using one of the following adjuncts:

also as well

at the same time besides

furthermore moreover

on top of that too

Kuwait's oil will last for more than 200 years at current production levels. Moreover, new reserves continue to be discovered.

His first book was published in 1932, and it was followed by a series of novels. He also wrote a book on British pubs.

The demands of work can cause gaps in regular attendance. On top of that, many students are offered no extra lessons during the vacations.

Note that 'too' is not usually placed at the beginning of a sentence.

They had arrived in style, carnations in their buttonholes; they went out in style too.

indicating a parallel 10.75 You can emphasize that you are adding a fact that illustrates the same point as the one you have just made, or a suggestion that has the same basis, by using one of the following adjuncts:

again by the same token

equally in the same way

likewise similarly

Every baby's face is different from every other's. In the same way, every baby's pattern of development is different.

There seem to be fewer men around to whom I feel I ought to defer. By the same token, there are more and more men who come to me for advice.

Never feed your rabbit raw potatoes that haw gone green—they contain a poison. Similarly, never feed it rhubarb leaves.

contrasts and alternatives 10.76 When you want to add a sentence that contrasts with the previous one or gives another point of view, you can use one of the following adjuncts:

all the same alternatively by contrast conversely

even so however instead nevertheless

nonetheless on the contrary on the other hand rather

still then again though yet

He had forgotten that there was a rainy season in the winter months. It was, however, a fine, soft rain and the air was warm.

Her aim is to punish the criminal. Nevertheless, she is not convinced that imprisonment is always the answer.

The visitors got into their stride towards the end of the match. At no point, though, was in result seriously in doubt.

If you are mentioning an alternative, you can use 'instead', 'alternatively', or 'conversely'.

People who normally consulted her began to ask other people's advice instead.

The company is now considering an appeal. Alternatively, they may submit a new application.

causes 10.77 When you want to indicate that the fact you are mentioning exists because of the fact or facts previously given, you link your statements using one of the following adjuncts:

accordingly as a result

consequently hence

so thereby

therefore thus

Oxford and Cambridge have a large income of their own. So they are not in quite the same position as other universities.

It isn't any detailed information. Therefore it isn't necessary.

We want a diverse press and we haven't got it. I think as a result a lot of options are denied us.

10.78 There are a number of adjuncts of time which are used to indicate that something takes place after or before an event that you have already mentioned or at the same time as that event:

afterwards at the same time beforehand earlier ever since finally

first in the meantime last later meanwhile next

presently previously simultaneously since soon soon after

subsequently suddenly then throughout

Go and see Terry Brown about it. Come back to the afterwards.

Published in 1983, the book has since gone through six reprints.

One day they got married without telling anyone beforehand.

We look forward to the Commission studying this agreement. In the meantime we are pressing ahead with our plans.

10.79 In formal writing and speech, people often want to indicate what stage they have reached in writing or speaking. They do this using the following adjuncts:

first firstly second

secondly third thirdly

finally in conclusion lastly

then to sum up

What are the advantages of geo-thermal energy? Firstly, there's no fuel required, the energy already exists. Secondly, there's plenty of it. Finally, I want to say something about the heat pump.

10.80 When people are speaking or writing informally, they often add an extra piece of information using one of the conjunctions 'and', 'but', 'yet', 'or', and 'nor' to begin a new sentence.

We stayed fifteen miles from Bonar Bridge. And we went up the coast too.

I think it's motor cycling. But I'm not sure.

It's not improving their character. Nor their home life.

10.81 Linking adjuncts are often put after the conjunctions 'and' or 'but' at the beginning of a clause or sentence.

That will take a long time and besides you'd get it wrong.

They were familiar and therefore all right.

Her accent is not perfect. But still, it's a marvellous performance.

If you are linking two negative sentences or clauses, you can put 'either' at the end of the second one.

I can't use it, but I can't bear not to use it either.