Signal words

Signal words can be used to lead a reader in a particular direction. They are useful when writing an essay or reading a comprehension passage.

Introduction: to begin with, to start with, first of all, initially, in the first place

Continuing: secondly, afterwards, then, next, in addition, furthermore, another point, the steps involved are

Conclusion: to sum up, finally, lastly, last of all, to conclude

Comparison [how things are alike]: likewise, in the same way, at the same time, in the same manner, similarly, equally, not only…but also, compared to, and, as well as

Contrast [how things are different]: however, on the other hand, but, on the contrary, in contrast, although, even though, instead of, as opposed to, while

Illustration: for example, for instance, like, such as

Result: as a result, therefore, thus, for this reason, consequently, hence, the effects of, leads/led to, is caused by, may be due to, because of this, since

Emphasis: not only this but also, what is more, in fact, besides, most of all, a significant factor, a major development, a key feature, a primary concern, a major event, a central issue, above all, it is important to note, the basic concept

Uncertainty: almost, it looks like, maybe, could, alleged, might, reputed, seems like, was reported, probably, it could be argued that, typically