FUNCTION OF CONNECTIVES IN PARAGRAPHS (WITH EXAMPLES) - LITERATURE - 2025

The function of connectives in paragraphs is to match or relate words or sentences that are interconnected to each other. Connectives are words or short phrases that are used to connect two or more grammatical constructions.

Connectives are very important since they are used to maintain a logical sequence in the exposition of ideas.

The use of connectives is related to the continuity and coherence between all the ideas that make up the complete text.

Some of the most used connectives are: the letters o, and, ue; and short phrases such as: "in addition", "therefore" and "consequently", among others.

The 5 main functions of connectives

Depending on the specific function that connectives play in writing, they can be used to paraphrase ideas, add comments, express opposition to a previous idea, introduce a new topic and exemplify, among other uses.

1- Addition

They add an idea to the text. This idea usually complements what was stated in the previous paragraph.

Examples:

- Likewise, jogging brings the benefit of a rapid weight reduction.

- In addition, thanks to its high water content, cucumber has important moisturizing properties.

Other connectives that imply the inclusion of new ideas are: "and", "also", "in addition", "later", "thus", "is more" and "in addition".

2- Comparison

They contrast, establish similarities and / or common factors between ideas.

Examples:

- To a lesser extent are the contributions made by group B, with just 15% participation.

- Similarly, lettuce is also a vegetable with a high water content.

Other connectives that establish comparison are: "equally", "more than", "less than", "same as", "similarly", among others.

3- Opposition

They express discrepancy between two or more ideas developed in the text.

Examples:

- Despite the foregoing, this type of actions applied in the long term can have negative consequences.

- Unlike carnivorous animals, herbivores only eat plants.

Other connectives of this type are: "antagonistically", "however", "in another order of ideas", "now well", "despite everything", "although", "on the other hand", "instead", "Contrary", among others.

4- Consequence

They manifest a cause-effect relationship between two paragraphs. This type of connectives is often widely used in essays or argumentative texts.

Examples:

- Consequently, it is feasible to deduce that smoking is harmful to health.

- Therefore, the practice of saving is essential to establish goals in the medium and long term.

Other connectives of consequence are: "therefore", "in that order of ideas", "in view of it", "for this reason" and "in such a way".

5- Exemplification

They are connectors used to exemplify some definition or detailed situation in the text.

Examples:

- Such is the case of anacondas, which are an example of a boa constrictor viper.

- To exemplify the above, let's appreciate the demonstrations of nature.

Some connectives used to exemplify are: "as well as", "for example", "such as", "similarly", "an example of it", "to illustrate the above", among others.

Other connectives

Other connectives used in writing texts are the following:

To introduce a topic

"In the first instance", "first of all", "in the first place", "to begin with", "first".

To conclude a topic

"Finally", "in short", "to conclude you have to", "finally", "finally".

To paraphrase or clarify ideas

"In other words", "in any case", "in this way", "which is the same", "that is to say."

References

1. Connectives (sf). I founded BBVA. Recovered from: wikilengua.org
2. Examples of Connectives (2012). Examplede.com magazine. Recovered from: examplede.com
3. Escalona, ​​T. (sf). Connectors of Paragraphs and Sentences with Connectors in the Drafting. Recovered from:learnlyx.com
4. The connectors and their function (sf). EAFIT University. Department of Humanities. Recovered from: eafit.edu.co
5. Mirel, W. (2013). Learn about linguistic connectors and their functions. Recovered from: utel.edu.mx