Hello to my blog subscribers and guests! In this article I would like to tell you about cool introductory words that are used in conversation. They make your English easier and are very convenient to use in different situations!
There are many introductory words in English, but I would like to draw attention to the most frequently used ones.
Anyway — “nevertheless, one way or another, in any case, etc.”
I have already told you about this word in the article. This is one of the most popular words in English language. You can hear it very often from native speakers. And 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 solution, 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 enjoy learning it)
Honestly — "Honestly»
A good word in spoken English. 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 cool:
Honestly, I didn't like that movie.
(To be honest, 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 that can be used 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 actually don't 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.
(Obviously they are best friends)
Obviously, it’s the most difficult part of our journey.
(This is by far the most difficult part of our journey)
Obviously, he's lying.
(Obviously he's lying)
There is another word with a similar meaning:
Apparently- “apparently, probably, it seems, apparently”:
They are apparently in the relationship.
(Apparently they are in 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 obviousness of what is said than "apparently". I hope it's clear =)
Practically — "practically, essentially, in fact"
A less common, but also very useful word:
It's practically impossible.
(It's almost impossible)
It's practically the same.
(It's almost the same)
I hope the article was useful to you;)
Keep learning English and take care of yourself!
Linking words or introductory words are intended to link sentences in text or spoken language. Their correct use shows the speaker with the best side, his level of proficiency foreign language. Introductory words in English they can express agreement or disagreement, the speaker’s assessment of what is heard. They make speech coherent, consistent and easily perceived by others, allow you to avoid long pauses and think about the next thought being expressed.
What are Linking Words?
Introductory words are available in any language, English is no exception. They are placed at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence. Such constructions are pronounced with a special intonation. Connective words in English are not parts of a sentence, but not a single conversation or essay can do without them. They are often confused with adverbs, conjunctions and other function words. To avoid confusion, simply remove the introductory word from the context. If the meaning of the statement remains the same, then you have a copula construction in front of you.
The main role of introductory constructions in the English language is to connect individual parts of the text into one text. They are especially useful when writing letters, literary texts, essays, and compositions. Linking Words will help you indicate the time, identify the cause of what happened, and express the sequence of events. For the convenience of English language learners, all constructions are divided into several groups depending on their purpose in text or speech.
Among the already listed features of English introductory words, the following can be listed:
- These words do not change their grammatical form regardless of their environment.
- Some constructions can easily move throughout the text; they are placed at the beginning, middle and end of the statement.
- Linking words do not add new meaning to the utterance.
- They cannot be asked questions from the main or secondary members of the sentence.
- Introductory words in English can be replaced with synonymous phrases or phrases.
Using introductory words correctly will help direct the dialogue in the right direction. They add expressiveness to the conversation.
Introductory constructions in oral speech
Monologue statements, conversations between two or more persons are always accompanied by the use of introductory phrases in English. They are distinguished by pauses, as well as intonation: lowering the voice or rapid pronunciation.
Content accuracy
If a person is sure of something, then to express his own opinion in speech he uses the following introductory constructions in English:
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I agree (that) |
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I think that |
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I think so |
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I think yes |
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In fact |
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Most likely, |
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Undoubtedly, |
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Maybe, |
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Moreover, |
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Yes, sure |
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I know that) |
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Exactly, |
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Definitely |
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Undoubtedly |
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That's exactly what I think. |
Everything is exactly as I think |
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My point exactly |
This is what I'm talking about |
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Everything is correct |
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Everything is correct |
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I couldn`t agree with you more. |
I couldn't agree more |
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I can go along with that. |
I'm ready to agree |
How to Express Your Own Opinion in English
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I think that) |
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In my opinion |
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In my opinion |
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In my opinion, |
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It seems to me |
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To my way of thinking |
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As far as I`m concerned, |
As I know, |
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From my point of view, |
From my point of view |
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I don't think (that) |
I do not think that |
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I don`t really know (if) |
I do not know |
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Personally, I think |
Personally I think (that) |
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I'm not sure (if) |
I'm not sure what |
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I don`t have a strong opinion about that. |
I have strong opinions on this matter. |
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I don`t have a definite opinion about that, but |
I don't have a clear opinion on this matter |
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I presume (that) |
I suppose that) |
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I am convinced |
For example
Personally, I think you`ve got a good idea. Personally, I think you have a good idea.
How to show disagreement
Introductory words expressing emotions
For example,
Unfortunately, I can`t attend this lesson. To my disappointment, I will not be able to attend class.
Introductory words in English for essays
It is quite difficult to separate connective words in English for oral speech from those that are necessary for written work: essays, stories, personal and business letters. Everything will depend on the style and type of address to the addressee. Emotionally charged words are extremely rare in essays in English. The entire text must be constructed according to a pre-prepared plan and must correspond to the structure of each specific type of essay: opinion essay, for and against essay and others. It is also worth noting that abbreviations in essays are completely discouraged. Let's look at introductory words for writing and essays in English.
Writing an Introduction
Linking words for considering the first argument
Phrases for adding arguments
Phrases for conclusion
To express your own opinion, you can use linking words used in oral speech, but choose more formal constructions.
Writing an essay in English requires special preparation, since it is one of the most difficult tasks on exams. Not only the correct use of lexical and grammatical units will be assessed, but also the overall coherence of the text and its logical structure. It is the standard introductory words for essays in English that help to better structure the text and formulate your own thoughts into a clear framework.
How to start your thought beautifully? Unfortunately, many people abuse the phrase I think turning speech into an endless stream of “thoughts.” What to do to avoid this catastrophe? Yes, just study the common ones introductory words in English, choose the ten most interesting for you and start using it during discussions in English! A correctly chosen introductory phrase is already half of a successful conversation.
Introductory words in English. List of the most popular
Conventionally, I would divide all introductory words in English into several categories:
1. Phrases that can be a great start to a conversation or construct a competent answer to a question.
To tell the truth- frankly speaking
First of all- first of all, first of all
By the way- by the way, by the way
As far as I know- as far as I know
I am convinced- I'm sure, I'm convinced
I would like to stress – I would like to point out
I suppose\believe\consider\ guess- I suppose that…
If you ask me– if you ask me
To my way of thinking- in my opinion, it seems to me
As a matter of fact- in fact
It goes without saying - goes without saying
To begin with- to begin with, first; let's begin with
2. Introductory words that make the transition from one thought to another smoother and help keep the interlocutor’s attention.
In other words- in other words, in other words
As I have already mentioned- as I already said
On the one hand- On the one side
On the other hand- on the other side
Moreover- moreover, besides
In addition- Besides
As to- concerning
However- however
In this case- in this case
Although- Although
Nevertheless- nevertheless, however
3. Phrases that lead you to a beautiful end to the conversation.
To make a long story short\In a nutshell – in short, in a nutshell
That's why- That's why
According to the famous aphorism, it is speech that distinguishes a person from an animal. And a beautiful and competent narration, which literally flows from the mouth of the speaker, distinguishes an educated person from mediocrity.
One of the ways to diversify your speech and make it smooth and natural are introductory words in English. We will talk about what introductory words are, why they are needed and how to skillfully use English clichés in this article. Let's roll
Introductory words in English - what are they?
English introductory words (parenthesis)- these are special speech constructions that are used to express the speaker’s personal opinion about what he is saying, as well as to connect one sentence with another.
In Russian, as a rule, such words are separated by commas. By the way, “as a rule” from the last sentence are introductory words. As well as “by the way.” Without introductory words, speech becomes a dry, incoherent set of facts, so reasonable dilution of the text with introductory words makes it more vivid, emotional and lively. Introductory phrases are often used at the beginning of a sentence to connect it with the previous one, as well as in the middle or end to give a certain flavor to the idea being expressed.
Try to remember the following introductory words in English that will help you express your opinion:
- I must admit... - I must admit...
I must admit, he knows his oats.- I must admit that he knows his stuff.
- It seems that... - It seems that...
It seems that he was very upset.- He seemed very upset.
- As far as I know… - As I know...
As far as I know, she is single.- As far as I know, she is not married.
- Frankly speaking … / To tell the truth... - Frankly speaking... / In truth...
Frankly speaking, I don't really like your boss.- Frankly speaking, I don’t really like your boss.
To tell the truth, this is not my cup of tea.- To tell the truth, it’s not mine.
- In my opinion… - In my opinion...
In my opinion, that was the best show ever!- In my opinion, it was the best show of all time!
- It goes without saying… - Undoubtedly...
It goes without saying that your mom cooks really well, but my wife does it better.- Of course, your mother cooks very well, but my wife is better.
- I think … / I believe … / I guess... - I think... / I think... / I suppose...
I think, he should go to college.- I think he should go to college.
I believe that was the last train.- I think it was the last train.
I guess we were late.- I guess we're late.
Now let’s turn to English clichés that help connect the thought with the previous sentence:
- Actually... - Really... / Actually... / That's it...
It's not your business, actually.- It's none of your business, actually.
- Moreover… - Moreover...
James has bought a new car, moreover, it's Ferrari.- James bought a new car, moreover, it’s a Ferrari.
- In any case … / Anyway … /Either way... - In any case... / Be that as it may...
In any case, we"ll have fun.- Either way, we'll have fun.
Anyway, let's solve the problems on they occur.- Be that as it may, let's solve problems as they arise.
Either way, it's a great job.- Anyway, it's a great job.
- Indeed... - Actually... / And really...
Indeed, it was Frodo's greatest adventure.- Indeed, this was Frodo's greatest adventure.
- Besides… - Besides...
Besides, he spent ages looking for the perfect wedding ring.“Besides, he took forever to find the perfect engagement ring.”
- In other words… - In other words...
In other words, Jenny just wanted to dance in a beautiful dress.- In other words, Jenny just wanted to dance in a pretty dress.
- By the way… - By the way...
By the way, it was your last chance.- By the way, this was your last chance.
- Luckily … / Fortunately… - Fortunately...
Luckily for us, the shop was open.- Luckily for us, the store was open.
Fortunately, its working hours were 24/7.- Fortunately, he worked 24/7.
- Unfortunately... - Unfortunately...
Unfortunately, they didn't have any time for shopping.- Unfortunately, they had no time for shopping at all.
- However… - However...
However, no one ever saw Gregory and Mandy in one room.- However, no one has ever seen Gregory and Mandy in the same room.
- Nevertheless… - Nevertheless...
Nevertheless, Americans insist on stepping the Moon first.- Nevertheless, the Americans insist that they were the first to set foot on the moon.
- On the one hand, ... , on the other hand, ... - On the one hand on the other hand...
On the one hand, it "s a great opportunity to prove your right, on the other hand, it costs a lot of money.- On the one hand, this is a great opportunity to prove that you are right, on the other hand, it costs a lot of money.
And the last group of English introductory words that will help summarize everything that has been said:
- In conclusion... - Finally...
In conclusion, we may say that parenthetical words are very useful.- In conclusion, we can say that introductory words are very useful.
- It turned out that… - It turned out that...
It turned out that nobody knew about his birthday.- It turned out that no one knew about his birthday.
- After all… - In the end...
Try to keep a healthy way of life and you"ll live longer, after all.- Try to support healthy image life and you will live longer in the end.
- Аs a result... - As a result...
As a result, hurricane Catherine has destroyed many houses.- As a result, Hurricane Katrina destroyed many houses.
- Finally… - Finally...
Finally, Harry and Hermione reached their destination.- Finally, Harry and Hermione reached their destination.
- In short ... / In a nutshell... - In short...
In short, they have come to a compromise.- In short, they came to a compromise.
In a nutshell, she fell in love with her step-brother.- In short, she fell in love with her half-brother.
- In a word... - In a word...
In a word, there was a spectacular event. - In a word, it was a spectacular event.
The above introductory phrases in English will help make any text more lively. To understand how to organically weave them into your speech, we recommend reading informational articles on our resource, as well as watching examples of TED talks in the Video Workshop section.
Don't be afraid to experiment! Set yourself a goal to use at least three new English clichés every day. In just a month, your dialogues will become more interesting, moreover, you will begin to better understand live English conversation!
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Introductory words in English are used to make spoken or written speech more vivid. There are such words in English, as in Russian. a large number of. Such techniques are used in oral speech to create pauses or add euphony to sentences, and in writing to write a beautiful and emotional essay or letter.
Introductory words are so named because they are used at the beginning of a sentence construction. They do not carry any semantic or grammatical load. Introductory phrases in English add expressiveness to the conversation, but if they are discarded, the meaning of the conversation will not change in any way.
When the weather is fine we can go to the sea or friends and at last stay at home.– When the weather is good, we can go to the sea or to friends, or, finally, stay at home. (finally = and yet)
Also, the construction in question can be at the end of a sentence. In this case, they talk about “final words.” They help not only to express the speaker’s attitude to the conversation or events in question, but also to direct the dialogue in the right direction.
Using constructions in introductory words
Using introductory expressions, the speaker can express almost any of his emotions and show his attitude towards a subject or object. So, what are introductory phrases used for in letters and in conversation in English:
- To indicate a positive attitude
For example,
Doubtless, you can take this exam. - Surely you can pass this exam
- To express your own opinion
For example,
I am convinced, there are not people who can speak English, there are people who don’t want.– I am convinced that there are no people who cannot speak English, there are people who do not want to.
- To reflect emotion
Other English topics: Special Questions in English: with tables and examples
Eg,
Unfortunately, I can't visit my sick friend today.– Unfortunately, I cannot visit my sick friend today.
- To show disagreement
For example,
Actually, it is not difficult to study 15 new English words every day.– Actually, it’s not difficult to learn fifteen new words in English every day.
- To indicate time
| After | after |
| All of a sudden | all of a sudden |
| At the present time | currently |
| At the same time/ In the meantime | in the same time |
| At this instant | in this moment |
| Before | before, before |
| By the time | by that time |
| Eventually | in the end |
| In due time | on time |
| Later | Later |
| Meanwhile | in the meantime, in the meantime |
| Now | Now |
| Occasionally | occasionally |
| Once | one day |
| Shortly | soon |
| Since | since, since then |
| Sooner or later | Sooner or later |
| Then | then |
| Until | before |
| Until now | still |
| Up to the present time | until now |
| When | When |
Eg,
Until now it was easy to do laboratory work, but the final stages are more difficult that I thought.– So far it was easy to do the lab, but the final stages turned out to be more difficult than I thought.
- To structure thoughts
| First and foremost/ first of all | Firstly |
| Firstly/foremost | Firstly |
| In the first place | first of all |
| Primarily | first of all |
| Secondly | Secondly |
| The first/ second reason for | first/second reason |
| To begin with | to begin with, let's start with |
For example,
Firstly, I would like to discuss the problems related to reproductive health.– Firstly, I would like to discuss problems related to reproductive health.
- To indicate the cause and condition
Eg,
I will tell you my secret, on the condition you should never say to someone about it.“I’ll tell you my secret, on the condition that you don’t tell anyone about it.”
- For a conclusion or conclusion
Other English topics: The only and plural in English - rules, examples
| Summing it up | Summarizing |
| So, to sum it up | so, to summarize |
| To crown it all | to top it all off |
| With this in mind | taking into account the above |
| In conclusion/Finally | Finally |
| As a result | as a result |
| Accordingly | Based on this |
| Hence | hence |
| For this reason | for this reason |
| In the final analysis/ in the long run | ultimately |
| All things considered | all things considered |
| In summary | eventually |
| After all | in the end |
For example,
All things considered, I can say that smoking should be banned in public places.– Taking everything into account, I can say that smoking should be prohibited in public places.
Introductory words in English for all occasions
Phrases to start a conversation with:
- As a matter of fact - essentially
- It goes without saying - goes without saying
- To begin with - to begin with, first; let's begin with
- To tell the truth - telling the truth
- First of all - first of all, first of all
- By the way - by the way, by the way
- As far as I know - as far as I know
Phrases that help you move smoothly from one thought to another:
- In this case - in this case
- Although - although
- Nevertheless – nevertheless, however
- As I have already mentioned – as I already said
- On the one hand - on one side
- On the other hand
- Moreover - moreover, in addition
Phrases that will help you end a conversation beautifully:
- To sum it up - in the end
- To draw the conclusion - summing up
- To top it off - finally, to top it all off
- That is why
- In conclusion \ To conclude – in conclusion
- As a result of - as a result.
As you can see, this topic of introductory words is not anything complicated. Now try to learn at least the most common words and phrases and then you will be able to support any conversation, discuss any topic in English, and express your point of view. And also write a beautiful essay or letter.
We advise you to study the material about 1000 words in English, which a beginner needs to know first, which contains useful vocabulary on popular topics.
We wish you success in learning English.