PTE Connectors & Cohesion Vocabulary

Used to introduce an additional and often more important point.

“Online learning is cheap; moreover, it reaches students in remote areas.”

Collocations: moreover, studies indicate, moreover, it is clear

Used to add another piece of information to what has already been said.

“The programme improves literacy; in addition, it builds confidence in young learners.”

Collocations: in addition to this, in addition, research shows

Used at the start of a sentence to add a further supporting idea.

“Renewable energy is cleaner; additionally, its costs continue to fall each year.”

Collocations: additionally, the report notes, additionally, there is evidence

In the same way; used to draw a parallel between two ideas.

“Japan invests heavily in robotics; likewise, South Korea prioritises automation.”

Collocations: likewise, we see, likewise, this applies

In a similar way; used to link two ideas that share a feature.

“Solar output rose sharply in Germany; similarly, wind capacity doubled in the UK.”

Collocations: similarly, one can argue, similarly, findings suggest

To the same degree; used to give a second point the same weight as the first.

“Reducing waste is important; equally, we must rethink how we produce goods.”

Collocations: equally important, equally significant

Combined with; used to link two factors that work together to produce an effect.

“Poor infrastructure, coupled with weak governance, slowed the country's growth.”

Collocations: coupled with rising costs, coupled with the fact that

Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has just been said.

“The plan looks attractive; however, its long-term costs remain unclear.”

Collocations: however, critics argue, however, the evidence shows

In spite of that; used to introduce a contrasting point that still holds.

“The reforms were unpopular; nevertheless, they proved effective in the long run.”

Collocations: nevertheless, it remains, nevertheless, one must consider

Despite what has just been said; a slightly more formal variant of nevertheless.

“The theory is contested; nonetheless, it continues to shape policy debates.”

Collocations: nonetheless, the fact remains, nonetheless, it is clear

Used to introduce a statement that reverses the previous idea.

“Cities grow when jobs arrive; conversely, they shrink when industries collapse.”

Collocations: conversely, rural areas, conversely, in poorer regions

Used to present the second of two contrasting points or perspectives.

“Public transport reduces congestion; on the other hand, it requires heavy investment.”

Collocations: on the other hand, critics, on the other hand, supporters

Used to point out a clear difference between two things.

“In contrast to previous decades, most jobs today require digital literacy.”

Collocations: in contrast to, in contrast, developing countries

Used to compare two facts or situations that are different.

“Whereas developed nations focus on emissions, poorer countries prioritise growth.”

Collocations: whereas the former, whereas in the past

In spite of the fact that; used to introduce a concessive contrast.

“Although the tax raised revenue, it did little to change consumer behaviour.”

Collocations: although it is true, although some argue

Without being affected by; used before a noun or gerund to show contrast.

“Despite widespread criticism, the reform was passed with a narrow majority.”

Collocations: despite the fact that, despite these challenges

In spite of; a formal way to acknowledge a factor without letting it overturn a claim.

“Notwithstanding the risks, the government proceeded with the trial programme.”

Collocations: notwithstanding these concerns, notwithstanding the evidence

For that reason; used to introduce a logical conclusion.

“The evidence is inconclusive; therefore, further research is needed.”

Collocations: therefore, it follows, therefore, one can conclude

As a result of what has just been said.

“Wages stagnated; consequently, household spending fell sharply.”

Collocations: consequently, we observe, consequently, many people

Used to introduce something that happens because of a previous action or event.

“The city banned diesel vehicles; as a result, air quality improved within a year.”

Collocations: as a result of, as a result, many

In this way; for this reason. A concise, formal marker of consequence.

“The findings were replicated; thus, the theory gained wider acceptance.”

Collocations: thus, we can see, thus enabling

For this reason; used to draw a compact conclusion from what came before.

“Fewer students chose science subjects; hence the shortage of engineers today.”

Collocations: hence the need, hence the term

In a way that matches the situation; therefore.

“Demand for housing surged; accordingly, the government relaxed planning rules.”

Collocations: accordingly, policies were, accordingly, prices rose

Because of; used to introduce the cause of a situation.

“Owing to poor visibility, the airport suspended all departures for six hours.”

Collocations: owing to the fact that, owing to rising costs

Caused by; used to attribute an outcome to a specific factor.

“Sales fell sharply due to weaker consumer confidence and higher interest rates.”

Collocations: due to the fact that, due to rising demand

Taking into account the fact that; used to signal a premise for a conclusion.

“Given that resources are limited, priorities must be set carefully.”

Collocations: given that the evidence, given that many

Because of the fact that; used to link a reason to a conclusion.

“Since public transport is heavily subsidised, ticket prices remain affordable.”

Collocations: since the reform, since it is clear

Used to introduce the first point in a list of arguments or steps.

“Firstly, the policy improved access to healthcare in rural communities.”

Collocations: firstly, we must, firstly, it is important

After a particular thing has happened; afterwards.

“The initial trial succeeded and the treatment was subsequently rolled out nationwide.”

Collocations: subsequently adopted, subsequently, the government

At a later time; after the event just described.

“Participants completed a survey and were interviewed briefly afterwards.”

Collocations: shortly afterwards, soon afterwards

Before the current time or event; earlier.

“The land was previously used for agriculture before being redeveloped for housing.”

Collocations: as previously mentioned, previously reported

In the intervening period; at the same time as something else.

“Exports grew steadily; meanwhile, domestic demand remained weak.”

Collocations: meanwhile, the government, meanwhile, prices

At exactly the same time.

“The reforms simultaneously cut costs and expanded coverage, a rare combination.”

Collocations: simultaneously address, simultaneously reduce

Used to introduce the last item in a sequence of points or steps.

“Finally, the essay should end with a clear restatement of the writer's position.”

Collocations: finally, one must, finally, it should be noted

In the end; used to signal a final outcome or overriding point.

“Ultimately, the success of any reform depends on how well it is implemented.”

Collocations: ultimately, the goal, ultimately responsible for

At the beginning of a process, event, or piece of writing.

“At the outset, the project focused only on primary schools in three regions.”

Collocations: at the outset of, state at the outset

At the appropriate time in the future; eventually.

“The findings will be published in due course, once peer review is complete.”

Collocations: addressed in due course, released in due course

Used to emphasise and strengthen a statement, often adding supporting detail.

“The reform was popular; indeed, over eighty percent of voters supported it.”

Collocations: indeed, the data, indeed, many argue

In a way that deserves special attention; especially.

“Several countries, notably Sweden and Denmark, have cut emissions while growing their economies.”

Collocations: most notably, notably, however

More than usual or than others; especially.

“Young workers, particularly those without degrees, were hit hardest by the downturn.”

Collocations: particularly important, particularly for

Used to single out one person, thing or situation as more relevant than others.

“Access to clean water is critical, especially in fast-growing urban areas.”

Collocations: especially in the case of, especially significant

Used to introduce the most important point in a discussion.

“Above all, any solution must be affordable for low-income households.”

Collocations: above all else, above all, we must

In a way that is critically important to the outcome.

“Crucially, the policy included funding for teacher training, not just new buildings.”

Collocations: crucially, however, crucially important

In a way that is large enough to matter or be worth noticing.

“Air pollution fell significantly after the introduction of the low-emission zone.”

Collocations: significantly higher, significantly reduce

Without any doubt; used to state a claim with strong conviction.

“Undoubtedly, digital skills will remain essential in the future workplace.”

Collocations: undoubtedly one of, undoubtedly the most

Used to introduce a specific example that illustrates a general point.

“Many cities are rethinking transport; for instance, Paris has expanded its cycle network.”

Collocations: for instance, in, consider, for instance

Used to introduce an example illustrating a claim.

“Some materials degrade quickly, for example, uncoated paper packaging.”

Collocations: for example, in the case of, take, for example

For example; used to introduce one or more instances of a category.

“Renewable sources, such as wind and solar, now supply a large share of electricity.”

Collocations: such as those, such as when

Used to signal that an example will be given to make a point clearer.

“To illustrate, consider how mobile banking transformed access to finance in East Africa.”

Collocations: to illustrate this, to illustrate the point

Used to introduce more precise information about who or what has just been mentioned.

“Two factors drove the change, namely rising wages and cheaper technology.”

Collocations: namely, the fact that, namely those who

In a way that is exact and clear; used to narrow a general claim.

“The report focused specifically on students from low-income backgrounds.”

Collocations: specifically designed to, more specifically

Especially; used to single out one item or group from a broader set.

“The reforms benefited small businesses in particular, which had struggled with red tape.”

Collocations: in particular, the fact, one point in particular

A clear example that supports or illustrates the argument being made.

“Singapore's housing policy is a case in point, showing how planning can shape social outcomes.”

Collocations: a case in point is, provide a case in point

Used to signal the closing summary of an essay or argument.

“In conclusion, the benefits of the policy outweigh its short-term costs.”

Collocations: in conclusion, therefore, in conclusion, it is clear

Used to introduce a short restatement of the main points.

“In summary, three factors explain the rise in demand: cost, convenience, and coverage.”

Collocations: in summary, the evidence, in summary, then

Considering everything; used to give a final, balanced assessment.

“Overall, the reforms produced modest but meaningful gains in student performance.”

Collocations: overall, the picture, overall trend

Taking everything into consideration; in general terms.

“On the whole, the evidence supports the case for higher public investment in transport.”

Collocations: on the whole, however, on the whole, positive

Used to introduce a brief statement of the main points at the end.

“To sum up, three main arguments support the case for reform.”

Collocations: to sum up, then, to sum up briefly

Used to briefly restate the key points already covered.

“To recap, the main drivers are demographic change, technology, and public investment.”

Collocations: to recap briefly, to recap the argument

Taking every relevant factor into account; used before a balanced final judgement.

“All things considered, the policy has been more successful than critics predicted.”

Collocations: all things considered, however, all things considered, the outcome