Coherence in writing means that all your support connects to form a whole. In other words, you have provided enough “glue” for readers to see how one point leads to another.
A good way to improve coherence is to use transitions — words, phrases, and sentences that connect your ideas so that your writing moves smoothly from one point to the next. The table below shows some common transitions and what they are used for.
In the paragraph that follows, the transitions have been underlined.
It is not difficult to get organized — even though it takes discipline to stay organized. All you need to do is follow a few simple ideas. You must decide what your priorities are and do these tasks first. For example, you should ask yourself every day: What is the most important task I have to accomplish? Then, make the time to do it. To be organized, you also need a personal system for keeping track of things. Making lists, keeping records, and using a schedule help you remember what tasks you need to do. Finally, it is a good idea not to let belongings and obligations stack up. Get rid of possessions you do not need, put items away every time you are done using them, and do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle. Getting organized is not a mystery; it is just good sense.
Common Transitional Words and Phrases
| INDICATING SPACE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| above | below | near | to the right |
| across | beside | next to | to the side |
| at the bottom | beyond | opposite | under |
| at the top | farther/further | over | where |
| behind | inside | to the left | |
| INDICATING TIME | |||
| after | eventually | meanwhile | soon |
| as | finally | next | then |
| at last | first | now | when |
| before | last | second | while |
| during | later | since | |
| INDICATING IMPORTANCE | |||
| above all | in fact | more important | most important |
| best | in particular | most | worst |
| especially | |||
| SIGNALING EXAMPLES | |||
| for example | for instance | for one thing | one reason |
| SIGNALING ADDITIONS | |||
| additionally | and | as well as | in addition |
| also | another | furthermore | moreover |
| SIGNALING CONTRAST | |||
| although | however | nevertheless | still |
| but | in contrast | on the other hand | yet |
| even though | instead | ||
| SIGNALING CAUSES OR RESULTS | |||
| as a result | finally | so | therefore |
| because | |||
Another way to give your writing coherence is to repeat a key word — a word that is directly related to your main point. For example, in the paragraph in “Revise for Detail and Support,” the writer repeats the word organized several times. Repetition of a key word is a good way to keep your readers focused on your main point, but make sure you don’t overdo it.