Connective

A connective is a word or phrase that links ideas within or between sentences and paragraphs, showing how they relate. Connectives can signal addition (and, also, furthermore), contrast (but, however, on the other hand), cause and effect (because, therefore, as a result), time (then, meanwhile, finally) or comparison (similarly, likewise). By making the relationship between ideas explicit, connectives guide the reader through a piece of writing and help it flow.

Choosing the right connective matters. The wrong one can mislead a reader about how two ideas fit together.

In writing tasks, well-chosen connectives create cohesion and make an argument or narrative easy to follow. Examiners reward this as part of organisation. Varied, accurate connectives show control, while overusing a few, such as and and then, makes writing feel basic.

In analysis, notice how a writer uses connectives to steer the reader through an argument. This can support a point about structure and persuasion.

Changing And it was expensive to But it was expensive turns a flat addition into a pointed contrast. It shows how much the connective controls meaning.

Choose connectives that accurately show the relationship you mean, whether contrast, cause or sequence. Vary them so your writing does not lean on the same few. Place them where they genuinely help the reader follow your thinking.

In analysis, comment on how a writer's connectives guide the reader or build an argument step by step.

You may also find writing formats and annotated model responses useful. Next, visit our skills guides for IGCSE English to see terms like this used in real answers. Our IGCSE English tuition page explains how lessons run. When you are ready, the paid one-hour trial is the first step.