Lesson 15 of 24
Coherence and spoken linking language
Make the relationship clear
Coherence comes from the way ideas connect. Linking expressions help when they name a real relationship; they cannot rescue an answer that changes topic randomly.
| Function | Useful language | Original example |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | because, mainly because, one reason is | “I walk because the station is nearby.” |
| Example | for instance, such as, a good example is | “Small repairs, such as replacing a handle, can be manageable.” |
| Contrast | but, although, whereas, on the other hand | “It’s inexpensive, but it takes longer.” |
| Qualification | in some cases, to an extent, that depends on | “In some cases, a short course is enough.” |
| Consequence | so, which means, as a result | “It closes early, which means commuters rarely use it.” |
| Clarification | in other words, what I mean is | “It should be accessible—in other words, easy to reach and use.” |
Choose language appropriate to a conversation. A series of “moreover,” “furthermore” and “in conclusion” may sound unnecessarily essay-like in a short personal answer. Ordinary “but” or “so” can be completely effective.
Keep references understandable
Pronouns reduce repetition only when their reference is clear. “I spoke to my brother and my neighbour. He explained it” leaves “he” uncertain. “My neighbour explained the repair” removes the ambiguity. Similarly, replace vague “this thing” when the listener cannot identify it.
Develop one line before opening another
If you introduce three reasons, develop them enough to be meaningful. In a short answer, one explained reason is often more useful than three labels. Do not announce “firstly” unless there really is an ordered sequence to follow.
Practice: take an answer with five linking expressions. Remove them temporarily. Check whether the ideas still have a logical order, then restore only the expressions that make the relationship easier to hear. Read it aloud and notice whether it sounds like speech you would naturally use.