Cohesive Devices: A Simple Step to Elevating Your Writing!

"What is the magical power of cohesive devices, Sabrina?" 

"How do they enhance my writing skills from being OK 🙁 to GREAT 😀?"  

Well, let me tell you! 

Cohesive devices are essential tools that help writers to create logical and coherent texts.

So this week, we will explore the importance and effective use of cohesive devices in academic writing. Understanding and utilizing these devices will (I promise) greatly improve the quality of your writing skills and enhance your ability to express ideas with clarity and precision. 

Let’s look at a few reasons WHY cohesive devices are so important…

⭐ Establishing logical connections

Cohesive devices, such as transitional words, phrases, and linking expressions, help establish logical connections between ideas and facilitate smooth transitions from one sentence or paragraph to another. They guide readers through your writing and ensure that your arguments and concepts flow seamlessly. 

Examples: Therefore, Moreover, Additionally, In the beginning,...

⭐ Enhancing coherence

Cohesive devices play a crucial role in maintaining coherence within your academic writing. By providing clear links and relationships between sentences and paragraphs, readers can follow your line of thought and understand the overall structure and organization of your ideas. 

⭐ Signalling relationships

Cohesive devices help signal various relationships, including cause and effect, comparison, contrast, addition, and sequencing. Words like therefore, however, in addition, similarly, and consequently guide the readers in understanding the connections between different parts of your text. When you write different types of essays, cause and effect, descriptive, etc., you will likely use certain cohesive devices in some essay styles versus others. 

For examples of the best cohesive devices to use when writing different essay types, download our Cohesive Devices PDF for a better understanding. 

⭐ Improving readability and comprehension

Well-placed cohesive devices enhance the readability and comprehension of your academic writing. They help readers understand complex arguments and concepts with ease. As a result, your work becomes more accessible and engaging to more readers. 

⭐ Avoiding repetition

Cohesive devices prevent you from sounding repetitive. This is SO IMPORTANT! I will say this again: this is SO IMPORTANT. To sound more professional and like a fluent speaker, cohesive devices will help you avoid sounding repetitive throughout your writing. This is why it is important to learn how to use various cohesive devices to help expand your ideas and writing.  

⭐ Creating a professional tone

Using cohesive devices in academic writing demonstrates your understanding of the English language and your ability to express ideas in a clear and more sophisticated manner. It adds a level of professionalism to your work, contributing to a positive impression and the perception of your writing skills. This is an important goal for many language learners, whether you are trying to pass a language test (IELTS, CELPIP, etc.) or trying to impress your professor in high school, college, or university. So, do not wait to build this skill!

Becoming proficient with cohesive devices requires practice and revision.

Always ask for help and try sending your writing to be looked over by a professor, friend, tutor, or peer.

Most importantly, remember that cohesive devices make your writing stand out by sounding like a fluent speaker. This is a practiced skill that will take time to develop, but once you have done this, it is my promise to you that you will see your skills grow, A LOT!

Your English Writing Coach, 

Sabrina 😊