Cohesive devices are words and phrases that show how different points in writing fit together.
Contrast: but, although
Companies want their staff back in the office, but many employee prefer to work from home.
Although companies are encouraging their staff members to return to the office full-time, many employees would prefer to work from home.
Although it was well-made, the film was not a commercial success.
Important
- "although" is a subordinating conjunction as it introduces the dependent clause.
- when you use "although" at the start of your sentence, you make a complex sentence.
Contrast: however, nevertheless
Some people enjoy working from home. However, other prefer the structured environment and social interaction provided in an office setting.
Companies are encouraging their staff members to return to the office full-time. Nevertheless, many employees would prefer to work from home.
Important
- "however" and "nevertheless" are examples of "conjunctive adverbs" which means that these words come at the beginning of a main clause.
To use a conjunctive adverb in the middle of a sentence you need to use the following structure:
Sentence [clause 1]; however, [clause 2]
Some people enjoy working from home; however, for others, the lack of separation between their work and personal lives can lead to increased stress and difficulty in maintaining a work-life balance.
Companies are encouraging their staff members to return to the office full-time; nevertheless, many employees would prefer to work from home."
Definition: Describes a relationship where one event (the cause) leads to another event (the effect).
Cause and effect: because, since
Because fewer people are going to the office, companies need less space.
Companies need less space because many people are working from home.
Since more staff members prefer to work from home, the company must find ways to keep track of their productivity.
The company must find ways to keep track of their productivity since more staff members prefer to work from home.
Important
- "since" is a subordinating conjunction introducing the dependent clause
Definition: Focuses only on the outcome or consequence of an action or event, without necessarily emphasizing the reason behind it.
Result: therefore, as a result
Most companies would prefer their staff to return to the office. Therefore, they are trying to make their workplaces more attractive by providing extra facilities.
Many people are working from home; therefore, companies need less office space.
Many people are working from home. As a result, companies are investing in technology that enhances remote collaboration and productivity.
Many people are working from home; as a result, companies are investing in technology that enhances remote collaboration and productivity.
Important
- "therefore" and "as a result" are examples of "conjunctive adverbs" which means that these words come at the beginning of a main clause.
Comparisons: whereas, while
The age at which young people leave home in Sweden is just under 18, whereas in Croatia it is over 30.
Whereas in Croatia it is over 30, the age at which young people leave home in Sweden is just under 18.
In northern Europe most people eat dinner quite early, while in Spain it is common to eat at 10 pm.
While in Spain it is common to eat at 10 pm, in northern Europe most people eat dinner quite early,
Important
- "whereas" and "while" are subordinating conjunctions just like "although"
- when you use "whereas" and "while" at the start of your sentence, you make a complex sentence.
Additional information: and, furthermore
People who work from home are less likely to call in sick and often work longer hours
Those working from home are less likely to take sick days. Furthermore, they tend to work longer hours, including in the evenings and on weekends.
Important
"Furthermore" is an example of a "conjunctive adverbs" which means that this word comes at the beginning of a main clause.
To use a conjunctive adverb in the middle of a sentence you need to use the following structure:
Sentence [clause 1]; however, [clause 2]
Those working from home are less likely to take sick days; furthermore, they tend to work longer hours, including in the evenings and on weekends.
Practice 1: Fill-in-the-blanks
Practice 2: Sentence Correction
- I enjoy playing soccer, because I don't like watching it on TV.
- The students were happy with the results, although they had worked hard on the project.
- The restaurant has great food, however the service could be better.
- The team performed well in the tournament, because they were well-prepared.
- He was promoted to manager, whereas his colleague stayed in the same position.
- I enjoy playing soccer, whereas I don't like watching it on TV. (Replaced "because" with "whereas" to show contrast between the two ideas.)
- The students were happy with the results, although they had worked hard on the project. (This sentence is already correct! "Although" is the right choice to indicate contrast.)
- The restaurant has great food; however, the service could be better. (Replaced the comma with a semicolon to separate two independent clauses and added "however" to indicate contrast.)
- The team performed well in the tournament because they were well-prepared. (This sentence is correct as is! "Because" is the proper choice to explain the reason for their performance.)
- He was promoted to manager, while his colleague stayed in the same position.