Academic writing Flashcards
Focus attention
As for: with regard to, considering or speaking about.
“As for you, you’d better be quick”. ‘‘As for the money, we will talk about it later”.
Regarding: with respect to, concerning; in relation to, about.
“Your recent letter regarding the above proposal”
“I have a question regarding your last statement’’
In/with reference to sb/sth: in relation to, as regards; used, especially in business letters, to say what you are writing or talking about.
“I am writing with reference to your letter of 15 March.”
“War can only be explained with reference to complex social factors”
Add to previous point
Furthermore: in addition; besides (used to introduce a fresh consideration in an argument); more importantly.
“I suggest we use Barkers as our main suppliers - they’re good and furthermore they’re cheap.”
“This species has a quiet charm and, furthermore, is an easy garden plant”
Moreover: as a further matter; besides;
“The whole report is badly written. Moreover, it’s inaccurate.’’
‘‘Moreover, glass is electrically insulating.’’
In addition to: as well (as);as an extra person, thing, or circumstance:
‘‘In addition to his flat in London, he has a villa in Italy and a castle in Scotland.’’
‘‘Members of the board were paid a small allowance in addition to their normal salary’’
As well as: and also; and in addition:
‘‘Invite Emlyn - and Simon as well’’
‘‘I want to visit Andrew as well as Martin.’’
‘‘A shop that sold books as well as newspapers’’
Also: in addition; too:
'’A brilliant linguist, he was also interested in botany
dyslexia, also known as word-blindness’’
‘‘Also, a car is very expensive to run’’
Likewise: 1.) in the same way; also
‘‘The dream of young people is to grow old, and it is likewise the dream of their parents to relive youth’’
‘‘Just water these plants twice a week, and likewise the ones in the bedroom.’’
2.) in a like manner; similarly:
‘‘I stuck out my tongue and Frankie did likewise’’
Too: in addition; also:
‘‘He is a grown woman, and a strong one too’’
Provide contrast
One one hand / On the other hand: used to present factors that are opposed or that support opposing opinions;
‘‘A conflict between their rationally held views on the one hand and their emotions and desires on the other”
“On the one hand I’d like a job that pays more, but on the other hand I enjoy the work I’m doing at the moment.’’
While: whereas (indicating a contrast):
‘‘One person wants out, while the other wants the relationship to continue’’
Rather: used to precede an idea that is different or opposite to a previous statement; instead of; as opposed to:
‘‘There is no shortage of basic skills in the workplace. Rather, the problem is poor management.’’
‘‘She seemed indifferent rather than angry”
Instead: as an alternative or substitute;
‘‘Do not use lotions, but put on a clean dressing instead’’
Instead of: as a substitute or alternative to; in place of:
‘‘Walk to work instead of going by car”
In contrast: the state of being strikingly different from something else, typically something in juxtaposition or close association:
‘‘The day began cold and blustery, in contrast to almost two weeks of uninterrupted sunshine.’’
Alternatively: As another option or possibility:
“Alternatively, you may telephone us direct’’
“We could go to the Indian restaurant, or alternatively, we could try that new Italian place.”
Provide conceding contrast (author unwillingly agrees)
Granted:admittedly; it is true (used to introduce a factor that is opposed to the main line of argument but is not regarded as so strong as to invalidate it):
‘‘Granted, sitting around the house may not be your idea of the perfect retirement, but what’s your choice when inflation is eroding the value of your nest egg?’’
Granted that: even assuming that:
‘‘Granted that officers were used to making decisions, they still couldn’t be expected to understand.’’
‘‘Granted (that) the story’s true, what are you going to do about it?’’
It is true that:
‘‘It is true that it was an inconvenient time, but it could have attended the debate’.’’
Certainly: undoubtedly; definitely; surely;used to reply completely or to emphasize something and show that there is no doubt about it: :
‘‘The prestigious address certainly adds to the firm’s appeal.’’
‘‘She certainly had a friend called Mark, but I don’t know whether he was her boyfriend.’’
Admittedly: used to introduce a concession or recognition that something is true or is the case:
“Admittedly, the salary was not wonderful, but the duties were light.’’
‘‘This is admittedly an extreme case.’’
Despite: without being affected by; in spite of; without taking any notice of or being influenced by; not prevented by :
‘He remains a great leader despite age and infirmity’’
‘‘I still enjoyed the week despite the weather.”
‘‘Despite repeated assurances that the product is safe, many people have stopped buying it.’’
Although: 1.) in spite of the fact that; even though:
‘‘Although the sun was shining it wasn’t that warm.’’
‘‘Although small, the room has a spacious feel.’’
2.) however; but:
‘‘He says he has the team shirt, although I’ve never seen him wear it.’’
Provide emphatic contrast (author asserts own position)
But: used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned:
‘‘This is one principle, but it is not the only one’’
However: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously:
“People tend to put on weight in middle age. However, gaining weight is not inevitable.’’
Even so: in spite of that; nevertheless:
“Not the most exciting of places, but even so I was having a good time.’’
‘‘The phone system has improved, but even so, there are still very few houses with phones.’’
All the same: despite what has just been said:
“It rained every day of our holiday - but we had a good time all the same.”
Still: nevertheless; all the same, despite of that:
“I’m afraid he’s crazy. Still, he’s harmless.”
‘‘He was diagnosed with cancer but still returned to work.’’
‘‘I’m a mother of two and I still hold down a job.’’
That said: even so (introducing a concessive statement):
“It’s just a gimmick. That said, I’d love to do it.”
Nevertheless: in spite of that; notwithstanding; all the same:
“Statements which, although literally true, are nevertheless misleading.’’
‘‘I knew a lot about the subject already, but her talk was interesting nevertheless.’’
Nonetheless: in spite of that; nevertheless:
“It was the barest of welcomes, but it was a welcome nonetheless.’’
Yet: nevertheless; in spite of that:
“Every week she gets worse, and yet it could go on for years.’’
“Melissa was not doing well in her physics course, yet overall she had a B average.’’
Otherwise: except for what was just referred to:
“I like working outside when it’s warm, but otherwise I stay indoors.”
“I’m not motivated by money, otherwise I would have quit.’’
Dismiss previous point
In any event: whatever happens or may have happened:
“In any event, there was one promise the trickster did keep.’’
“I hope to see her this afternoon, but in any event I’m leaving town tomorrow.’’
In any case: whatever happens or may have happened; used to confirm or support a point or idea just mentioned:
“He wasn’t allowed out yet, and in any case he wasn’t well enough.’’
“You should be able to catch a bus, but in any case you can always take a taxi home.’’
Point out similarity
Likewise:in the same way; also; used to introduce a point similar or related to one just made:
“The dream of young people is to grow old, and it is likewise the dream of their parents to relive youth.’’
‘‘You will forget the bad things that have happened in the past. Likewise, I will forget what you have done to me.’’
In the same way:
‘‘In the same way, the European Union must also look at ways of dealing with Afghanistan.’’
Structure the discussion
First:
“First, a solution was found to the difficult question of the amount of financing.’’
Second:
“First, what does it cost? And secondly, who’s it for?’’
To begin with: at first, in the first place:
“Such a fate is unlikely to befall him: to begin with, his is a genuine talent.”
“We had an awful time! To begin with, Cameron got sick on the first day.”
Next:
‘‘Next, we must unreservedly support the action of the United Nations and the ICRC.’’
Finally: [sentence adverb] used to introduce a final point or reason:
‘‘Finally, it is common knowledge that travel broadens the horizons.’’
Again:[sentence adverb] used to introduce a further point for consideration, supporting or contrasting with what has just been said:
“I never saw any signs, but then again, maybe I wasn’t looking’’
Give example
For example:used to introduce something chosen as a typical case:
“Many, like Helen, for example, come from very poor backgrounds.’’
In particular: especially (used to show that a statement applies to one person or thing more than any other):
‘‘He socialized with the other young people, one boy in particular.’’
For instance: as an example:
‘‘Take Canada, for instance.’’
Generalize
In general: 1.) usually; mainly:
‘‘In general, Alexander was a peaceful, loving man.’’
2.) as a whole:
“Our understanding of culture in general and of literature in particula.’’
To a great extent: in a substantial way; largely:
‘‘We are all to a great extent the product of our culture.’’
Broadly speaking:
‘‘Generally (Broadly) speaking, it’s quite a good school.’’
Sum up
In conlcusion:lastly; to sum up:
‘‘In conclusion it is clear that the market is maturing.’’
In brief: in a few words; in short:
‘‘He is, in brief, the embodiment of evil.’’
Overall: [sentence adverb] in all parts; taken as a whole:
‘‘Overall, 10,000 jobs will go.’’
‘‘Overall, it has been a good year.’’
Except for: used to mean ‘not including’ or ‘but not’:
‘‘All money transfers, except for those between members of the same branch, will now be charged a transaction fee.’’
Besides: in addition to; apart from:
“I have no other family besides my parents
besides being a player, he was my friend’’
‘‘I had no time to warn you. Besides, I wasn’t sure.’’
Indicate logical result
Because:
‘‘We did it because we felt it our duty.”
Since: for the reason that, because:
‘‘Delegates were delighted, since better protection of rhino reserves will help protect other rare species’’
As: beacuse:
‘‘As it was getting late, I decided to stop at a motel.’’
Resulting from:occur or follow as the consequence of something:
‘‘Government unpopularity resulting from the state of the economy.’’
Indicate logical result
Therefore: for that reason; consequently:
‘‘He was injured and therefore unable to play.’’
“We were unable to get funding and therefore had to abandon the project.’’
Thus: as a result or consequence of this; therefore:
‘‘Burke knocked out Byrne, thus becoming champion.’’
‘‘They planned to reduce staff and thus to cut costs.’’
As a result: a consequence, effect, or outcome of something:
‘‘The tower collapsed as a result of safety violations.’’
‘‘Profits have declined as a result of the recent drop in sales.’’
So: and for this reason; therefore:
‘‘It was still painful, so I went to see a specialist.’’
‘‘You know I’m telling the truth, so don’t interrupt.’’
So that: with the result that, with the aim that; in order that:
‘‘It was overgrown with brambles, so that I had difficulty making any progress.’’
‘‘They whisper to each other so that no one else can hear.’’
Accordingly: [sentence adverb] consequently; therefore:
‘‘There was no breach of the rules. Accordingly, there will be no disciplinary inquiry.’’
Hence: as a consequence; for this reason:
‘‘A stiff breeze and hence a high windchill.’’
‘‘His mother was Italian, hence his name - Luca.’’
Restate for clarity
In other words: expressed in a different way; that is to say.
‘‘He was economical with the truth - in other words, he was lying.’’
That is: used to introduce or follow a clarification, interpretation, or correction of something already said:
‘‘Androcentric—that is to say, male-dominated—concepts.’’
‘‘He was a long-haired kid with freckles. Last time I saw him, that is.’’
‘‘I’ll meet you in the city, that is, I will if the trains are running.’’
Namely: that is to say; to be specific (used to introduce detailed information or a specific example):
‘‘To me there is only one kind of rock, namely, loud rock.’’
‘‘We need to get more teachers into the classrooms where they’re most needed, namely in high poverty areas.’’
‘‘I learned an important lesson when I lost my job, namely that nothing is a hundred percent guaranteed.’’
So to speak: used to highlight the fact that one is describing something in an unusual or metaphorical way:
‘‘Delving into the body’s secrets, I looked death in the face, so to speak.’’
‘‘In that relationship it’s very much Lorna who wears the trousers, so to speak (= Lorna makes all the important decisions).’’
Hedge or soften position
Apparantely: [sentence adverb] as far as one knows or can see; used by speakers or writers to avoid committing themselves to the truth of what they are saying:
‘‘The child nodded, apparently content with the promise.’’
‘‘Foreign ministers met but apparently failed to make progress.’’
At least: used to reduce the effect of a statement; used to emphasize that something is good in a bad situation:
‘‘I’ve met the president - at least, he shook my hand once.’’
‘‘It’s a small house but at least there’s a garden.’’
Can: used to indicate that something is typically the case, used to express possibility:
‘‘Antique clocks can seem out of place in modern homes.’’
‘‘Smoking can cause cancer.’’
Could: used to indicate possibility:
‘‘They could be right.’’
‘‘I would go if I could afford it.’’
‘‘He could be very moody.’’
May: expressing possibility:
‘‘That may be true.’’
Might: used to express possibility or make a suggestion:
‘‘This might be true.’’
‘‘You might try nonprescription pain relievers.’’
‘‘He’s very fast and he might even finish in the top three.’’
Should: used to indicate what is probable:
‘‘$348 million should be enough to buy him out.’’
‘‘If you follow these directions, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding our house.’’
Possibly: [sentence adverb] perhaps (used to indicate doubt or hesitancy):
‘‘He found himself alone, possibly the only surviving officer.’’
“Do you think this skirt might be too small for her?Possibly, she has put on weight.”
Likely: probably:
‘‘We will most likely go to a bar.’’
‘‘I’ll most likely get there at about ten o’clock.’’
