Signal Words and Their Functions

Front

To signal addition of ideas

Back

and, also, besides, further, furthermore, too, moreover, in addition, then, of equal importance, equally important, another

Front

To signal time

Back

next, afterward, finally, later, last, lastly, at last, now, subsequently, then, when, soon, thereafter, after a short time, the next week (month, day, etc.), a minute later, in the meantime, meanwhile, on the following day, at length, ultimately, presently

Front

To signal order or sequence

Back

first, second, (etc.), finally, hence, next, then, from here on, to begin with, last of all, after, before, as soon as, in the end, gradually

Front

To signify space and place

Back

above, behind, below, beyond, here, there, to the right (left), nearby, opposite, on the other side, in the background, directly ahead, along the wall, as you turn right, at the tip, across the hall, at this point, adjacent to

Front

To signal an example

Back

for example, to illustrate, for instance, to be specific, such as, moreover, furthermore, just as important, similarly, in the same way

Front

To show results

Back

as a result, hence, so, accordingly, as a consequence, consequently, thus, since, therefore, for this reason, because of this

Front

To signal purpose

Back

to this end, for this purpose, with this in mind, for this reason, for these reasons

Front

To signal comparisons

Back

like, in the same (like) manner or way, similarly

Front

To indicate contrast

Back

but, in contrast, conversely, however, still, nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, and yet, on the other hand, of course, on the contrary, or, in spite of this, actually, a year ago, now, notwithstanding, for all that, strangely enough, ironically

Front

To signal alternatives, exceptions, and objections

Back

although, though, while, despite, to be sure, it is true, true, I grant, granted, I admit, admittedly, doubtless, I concede, regardless