Introductory words in English. What are introductory words in English for? What introductory phrases to express your disagreement
Natalia Glukhova
Introductory words in English
03/07 2018
Hello dear friends!
How many years have you been learning English and still wonder why you don't sound like a native speaker? Why does speech still seem standard textbook-like? I know how to help you cope with this problem. To do this, you need to understand what introductory words are in English.
From this article you will learn:
What are they needed for
Probably not all of you understood what I mean. Introductory words and phrases are constructions that do not carry special meaning in a sentence, that is, without them it will not lose meaning. But they all perform their own, specific functions. For example, the phrase I think serves to convey the speaker's attitude to the situation: I think this color suits you (I think this color suits you). We remove I think and the meaning remains the same: This color suits you.
Why then teach them if they do not carry a semantic load? The fact is that just the same they show how fluent you are in foreign language. The ability to use them is what distinguishes a free user from an inexperienced one. They use introductory words in all aspects: for writing and in ordinary formal or informal conversation.
For example, To sum up with, the company has done better than the last year.
In the end, all changes have happened for the better.
To structure thoughts
When to give your opinion
A large list of introductory words and expressions is reserved for expressing one's opinion.
I present them to you in the table:
To be honest, I don’t think your plan is going to work.
Frankly speaking, the film was amazing.
There are words and phrases in English that are used to express disagreement. And what about?
I take a different view on this situation (I have a different opinion about this situation)
I don’t agree that you need to paint this wall blue.
There are also constructions expressing, on the contrary, agreement.
Expression of consent or disagreement
Fair enough we should increase salaries.
I have no objection that we deal with this problem first.
There are other words that help express your attitude towards the situation, both good and bad:
Hopefully, she is still at home.
Unfortunately, we had to move the house.
She was literally crying of happiness.
They will be very useful to you, for example, for a monologue in English or retelling of a text or any situation.
I had to leave the cinema early. What I mean is I hated the film. The jokes were not funny and the actors ’play was boring (I had to leave the cinema earlier. I mean, I didn’t like the movie. The jokes weren’t funny and the acting was boring).
Hello to my subscribers and blog guests! In this article I would like to tell you about some cool introductory words that are used in a conversation. They make your English easier and can be used in a variety of situations!
There are many introductory words in English, but I would like to draw your attention to the most commonly used ones.
Anyway — "Nevertheless, anyway, in any case, etc."
I already told you about this word in the article. It is one of the most popular words in the English language. You can hear it very often from native speakers. This is not surprising because you can use it almost anywhere you want. For example:
I don’t want to go there. But, anyway, I’ll go with you.
(I don't want to go there. But, anyway, I'll go with you)
Anyway, it's not easy way out, but we have to do it.
(Anyway, this is not the best way out, but we have to do it)
Anyway, I'll help you!
(Anyway, I'll help you)
English it's not so easy. Anyway, I like learning it.
(English is not easy. But anyway, I like to learn it)
Honestly — "honestly»
A good word in spoken English. It is a short form of the phrase “to tell you the truth honestly»I really like to use this word in conversation. Very convenient and sounds great:
Honestly, I didn’t like that movie.
(Honestly, I didn't like that movie)
Honestly, I liked the way you said that.
(To be honest, I liked the way you said it)
Honestly, I didn’t have time to do these exercises.
(To be honest, I didn't have time to do these exercises)
Actually — "Actually, actually"
A cool word to use in a variety of situations. For example:
Actually, I didn’t say it.
(Actually, I didn't say that)
Actually, I’ve sung this song the first.
(Actually, I sang this song first)
I don’t actually know what to say about it.
(I don't really know what to say about this)
Probably — "probably"
Another good word for spoken English:
Probably, I was wrong.
(I was probably wrong)
Probably, we’ll go together to the party.
(We'll probably go to the party together)
Probably, we’ll be late for the train.
(We'll probably miss the train)
Obviously — "Obviously, definitely":
Obviously, they’re the best friends.
(They are obviously best friends)
Obviously, it's the most difficult part of our journey.
(This is by far the hardest part of our journey)
Obviously, he’s lying.
(He's obviously lying)
There is another word with a similar meaning:
Apparently- "apparently, probably, it seems, apparently":
They are apparently in the relationship.
(Apparently they have a relationship)
Apparently, we’ve made a mistake.
(It seems we made a mistake)
It's hard to explain the difference, but I'll try. "Obviously" characterizes a greater degree of evidence of what has been said than "Apparently". Hope it's clear =)
Practically — "Practically, in fact, in practice"
Not so common, but also a very useful word:
It’s practically impossible.
(It's almost impossible)
It's practically the same.
(This is practically the same)
I hope the article was useful for you;)
Keep learning English and take care of yourself!
Opening phrases and insertion words exist in any language. Such phrases help start a conversation, link parts of a conversation, parts of a sentence, thoughts and ideas with each other. Introductory phrases and words in English help to give speech an emotional and semantic coloring, make speech more expressive and rich. Such expressions can convey the speaker's attitude to the utterance.
Examples of using introductory words and phrases in EnglishKnowledge of introductory phrases and insertion structures in English will be very useful for those who are studying this language, because it will help a beginner to improve his language skills. Today we will look at the most common and common introductory phrases in English, the so-called clichés, and their use in speech.
Introductory phrases are called introductory phrases because the sentence begins with them, and they do not play any grammatical or semantic role in the sentence. Such expressions enhance the emotionality and expressiveness of the statement, but if they are discarded, the meaning of the sentence will not change in any way.
Here are some basic clichés with examples to help you diversify your English:
- Moreover, ...- Moreover…
Tom is absent today, moreover, he is ill. - Tom is absent today, moreover, he is ill. - Most of all, ...- Most…
Most of all I like ice-cream. - Most of all I love ice cream. - It is important to know that ...- It is important to know that ...
It is important to know that this question needs an urge decision. - It is important to know that this issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible. - It is important to remember that…- It is important to remember that ...
It is important to remember that we have no time to be late, nobody will wait for us. - It is important to remember that we have no time to be late, because no one will be waiting for us. - In conclusion,…- In conclusion ... As a conclusion ...
In conclusion I’d like to say that you’ve done a great work. In conclusion, I would like to say that you have done an excellent job. - After all, ...- Finally…
I am sick and tired of this conversation, and after all, it’s late, it’s time to go home. - I'm tired of this conversation, and in the end, it's too late, it's time to go home. - In any case,… / Anyway,… / Either way,…- In any case ... Still ...
In any case, we should prevent him. Anyway he must know about the problem. “In any case, we should warn him. Still, he should be aware of the problem. - Actually, ...- Actually ...
Actually Tom didn’t know about the problem, so he isn’t guilty. - Actually, Tom did not know about the problem, he is not to blame. - Fortunately ...- Fortunately…
Tom is late. Fortunately, we didn’t manage to begin the conference. - Tom is late. Fortunately, we haven't started the conference yet. - Unfortunately ...- Unfortunately…
Unfortunately, I didn’t finish my homework. - Unfortunately, I haven't finished my homework. - Firstly, ...- First, first ...
Let's begin. Firstly, I want to ask you some questions. - Let's start. First, I would like to ask you a few questions. - Instead of ...- Instead of…
Instead of watching TV now, you’d wash up. - Instead of watching TV now, you would wash the dishes. - In the first place, ...- At the first place…
In the first place we must finish our work for today. - In the first place, we must finish our work for today. - From time to time, ...- Occasionally…
Do you often see Alex? Yes, from time to time he visits me. - Do you often see Alex? Yes, he visits me from time to time. - Аs a result of ...- As a result of ...
As a result of what is done, we have a great job. - As a result of what has been done, we have done a good job. - Indeed, ...- In fact, in reality ...
Indeed, I need you. “Actually, I need you. Also in the proverb A friend in need is a friend indeed. - A friend is known in need (Literally: a friend in need is really a friend). - In order to…- In order, in order to ...
In order to manage everything, you should plan your day. - To do everything, you have to plan your day. - In other words, ...- In other words…
She doesn’t want to finish her task, in other words, she is lazy. “She doesn’t want to finish her job, in other words, she’s lazy.
More English introductory clichés
Of course, in English there are a lot of expressions that do not play any grammatical role in the sentence, but lexically enrich and decorate speech:
- It seems that…- It seems that…
It is cloudy and windy outside. It seems to me that it will rain. - It's cloudy and windy outside. It seems to me that it will rain. - In short, ...- Briefly speaking…
I am not sure he understood the problem. In short, he didn’t understand anything. “I'm not sure he understood what the problem was. In short, he didn't understand anything. - Besides, ...- Besides…
I am very tired; besides, I think that I’ve caught a cold. “I’m very tired, and besides, I think I’ve caught a cold.” - In addition, ...- In addition, besides ...
We have a lot of work. In addition we must finish it till Sunday. - We have a lot of work. Besides. we have to finish it by Sunday. - By the way, ...- By the way, by the way ...
By the way, did you pay for the internet? - By the way, did you pay for the internet? - However, ...- Nevertheless, all the same ...
I’ve finished my article; however, I have some details. - I finished my article, however, there are still some details. - Frankly speaking, ...- Honestly…
Frankly speaking, I don’t believe him. - Honestly, I don't believe him. - In my opinion, ...- In my opinion, in my opinion ...
In my opinion, Alex is very sincere man. - In my opinion, Alex is a very sincere person. - Аt first, ... / First, ...- First, first ...
Can I take your car? At first, I must speak with my parents. - Can I take your car? I have to talk to my parents first. - First of all, ...- Primarily…
I want to be a doctor. But first of all, I must finish the school. - I want to be a doctor. But first of all, I have to finish school. - Let us / Let "s / Let me ...- Allow me, let's ...
Let me see your documents. - Let me see your documents. - On the one hand, ..., on the other hand, ...- On the one hand on the other hand…
On the one hand this question is very important, but on the other hand it can wait. - On the one hand, this question is very important, on the other hand, it can wait. - Also,…- Same…
I’ve bought some dresses for my daughter; also I’ve bought a skirt for me. - I bought several dresses for my daughter, I also bought a skirt for myself. - Nevertheless, ...- Yet, nevertheless, despite ...
Nevertheless, Ann is late, we’ll begin without her. - Despite the fact that Anna is late, we will start without her. - I would rather ...- I would prefer…
I would rather finish this exercise. - I would prefer to finish this exercise. - I would like to ...- I would like to…
I would like ice-cream with fruits. - I would like an ice cream sundae. - I think,… / I believe,… / I guess,… / I consider…- I think, I believe, I guess ...
I consider that our planet needs protection. “I think our planet needs protection. - Maybe ...- May be…
Tom didn’t come to our party. Maybe he is ill. “Tom didn't come to our party. Maybe he got sick. - Probably ...- Maybe…
Probably Kate will win the contest. - Probably Katya will win this competition. - It's possible that ...- It is possible that ...
I can't connect the internet. It's possible that our computer is broken. - I cannot access the Internet, perhaps our computer is broken.
So, these were the main introductory phrases and inserted constructions in English. Hopefully these simple clichés and phrases will help you link sentences as you speak.
Introductory words are called so precisely because they "introduce" the reader into the meaning of the sentence. They denote a logical connection between the original thought and the final one, thereby giving the text smoothness and integrity. Introductory words are like road signs that help the reader navigate the text.
The easiest way to connect words is conjunctive conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. They help to combine not only single words, but entire phrases. For example, when you use the conjunction “so” (meaning “therefore”), you are saying, “we can draw this conclusion from the above”.
When you use "or" you are saying "there is also such a variant." The most commonly used conjunction "and" is also the weakest in terms of conveying meaning, it simply combines "something" and "something else." play the role of ligaments, but they are not enough to give the text coherence and expressiveness.
What are the introductory words
And here introductory words come to the rescue! They are logically related. Introductory words are classified according to the type of logical connection between the members of the sentence. Let's consider the most frequently used ones.
- Example: for example, for instance (for example), such as (such as), specifically (namely)
- Consequence: therefore, hence, thus, thus, as a result, resulting in, so, consequently
- Opposition: nevertheless (nevertheless), however (however), but (but), on the other hand (on the other hand), in contrast (for comparison), on the contrary, conversely (vice versa), at the same time ( at the same time), still (nevertheless), although (although), even though (even though), despite, in spite of (despite the fact that)
- Similarity: likewise, similarly, just as, equally
- Concession: although (although), even though (even though), of course (of course), granted (provided, taking into account), while (with that)
- Addition: in addition, additionally (in addition, in addition), moreover (more), also (also), furthermore (in addition, also, in addition)
- Emphasis: more importantly, most importantly, chiefly, indeed, in fact, primarily, no doubt
- Repetition: again (again), in other words (in other words), in effect (in fact, in fact), that is (that is), in short (in short)
- Time indication: at last (last time), eventually (eventually), before (earlier), after, afterwards (next), finally (finally), during (during), then (then), when (when ), as (because)
- Specifying a location: to the right, to the left, in the background, in the foreground, in the distance
- Conclusion: thus (thus), finally, in the end (finally, in conclusion)
How introductory words can affect the text
You may be surprised how much better the text can be by using the introductory words correctly. Introductory words act like the glue that holds ideas together, and they help guide you and your reader smoothly and naturally from one part of the text to the next. For example:
Source: Succeeding in college often is a challenge for students. Most colleges provide services designed to help students. They include peer tutoring and personal counseling. Colleges need to provide more services to help students succeed.
Corrected text: Succeeding in college often is a challenge for students. Therefore, most colleges provide services designed to help students, such as peer tutoring and personal counseling. However, colleges need to do more to help students succeed.
Adding just a few introductory words helps to indicate the relationship between different parts of the paragraph and improves the overall flow of the text.
What to avoid when using introductory words
Introductory words improve the quality of the written text, but they can also be abused. Below are three things to watch out for when using introductory words.
Make sure the logical connections established by the introductory words are clear
Since introductory words serve to connect sentences and ideas, their use will be incorrect if the connection is unclear or absent altogether.
Example: A girl looks out of the window covered with frost. For example, she sees a dog under a tree, trembling in the cold. ("For example" doesn't make sense, since the girl's seeing the dog is not an example of anything mentioned in the first sentence.)
Example: She decides to go out and get the dog. Consequently, her mother sits in the chair knitting. ("Consequently" does not make sense, since her mother's sitting in a chair has nothing to do with the girl's decision to pick up a dog.)
Avoid overusing introductory words
Introductory words should guide the reader, but overuse can have the opposite effect and make the text confusing.
Example: Writing an essay can be challenging. However, there are techniques that can make the process a little easier. For example, taking plenty of notes on the subject can help the writer generate ideas. Therefore, note-taking is an important "pre-writing" strategy. In addition, some people "free-write," writing quickly for ten or twenty minutes to see what ideas arise. However, taking notes and free-writing are only the beginning. Ideas must eventually be organized in a logical way. Consequently, an outline can help the writer make sense of the rough material generated through the note-taking and free-writing process. Therefore, writing an outline is another important step in the writing process. However, some writers are able to conceptualize a sense of logical order for their ideas without actually writing an outline. Nevertheless, these writers seem to have some kind of outline in their minds. In addition, an outline should help the writer formulate a thesis for the essay. Consequently, an outline can help give focus to the essay.
This paragraph can be improved by removing some of the introductory words. When there are too many introductory words, it can be confusing and annoying to the reader, especially if the introductory words appear at the beginning of a sentence.
Avoid mistakes that can occur when using introductory words
Opening words, like any others, must be used carefully so that they do not create grammatical errors. The most common mistakes are “gluing” sentences with a comma. Examples are shown below.
Incomplete sentence: Resulting in the girl "s search for affection elsewhere.
Corrected: Mother seems to ignore her daughter, resulting in the girl "s search for affection elsewhere.
Stitching a comma: The girl sees the dog out in the cold, however by the time the girl goes outside, the dog is gone.
