Boost Your Fluency with These 10 Connecting Phrases

Improving your fluency in English involves more than just expanding your vocabulary.

It’s about making your speech more coherent and sophisticated.

Here are 10 essential connecting phrases that will elevate your communication skills, along with examples to show you how to use them effectively.

 

1. It’s also worth noting that…

Using this phrase adds an important piece of information or a reminder.

Examples:

• It’s also worth noting that this policy has been successful in other countries.
• It’s also worth noting that not everyone agrees with this approach.
• It’s also worth noting that the deadline has been extended.

 

2. The other thing to bear in mind is…

This phrase is useful for introducing an additional point that should be considered.

Examples:

• The other thing to bear in mind is the cost of implementation.
• The other thing to bear in mind is that the weather can change quickly.
• The other thing to bear in mind is the impact on local communities.

 

3. That being said

This phrase is used to present a contrasting point or a slight contradiction.

Examples:

• The project is progressing well. That being said, there are still some challenges to overcome.
• The meal was delicious. That being said, the service was a bit slow.
• The new policy is generally popular. That being said, some people have raised concerns.

 

4. Having said that

Similar to “That being said”, this phrase introduces a contrasting idea or exception.

Examples:

• The proposal has many benefits. Having said that, it’s not without its flaws.
• The software is easy to use. Having said that, it requires a lot of memory.
• The weather has been lovely. Having said that, it’s supposed to rain tomorrow.

 

5. For instance

Use this phrase to introduce an example that illustrates your point.

Examples:

• There are many ways to improve your health. For instance, you could start walking more.
• He has several hobbies. For instance, he enjoys painting and hiking.
• Many animals are nocturnal. For instance, owls and bats are active at night.

 

6. I think the perfect illustration of that is

This phrase is a more elaborate way to provide an example.

Examples:

• I think the perfect illustration of that is the way she handled the crisis.
• I think the perfect illustration of that is his performance in the last game.
• I think the perfect illustration of that is the company’s rapid growth.

 

7. And the direct result of that is

Use this to show the consequence of a previously mentioned action or situation.

Examples:

• The team worked overtime. And the direct result of that is the project being completed early.
• He didn’t study for the exam. And the direct result of that is his poor grades.
• They increased their marketing efforts. And the direct result of that is higher sales.

 

8. In other words

This phrase helps to clarify or restate a point in a different way.

Examples:

• The process involves multiple steps of data analysis and synthesis to arrive at a comprehensive conclusion. In other words, it’s a way to make sense of a lot of information.
• The legislation aims to mitigate environmental impact through stringent regulations and penalties for non-compliance. In other words, it’s a law to protect the environment.
• The metabolic rate is influenced by various factors including age, sex, genetic predisposition, and physical activity level. In other words, how fast your body burns calories depends on several things.

 

9. So, to wrap up

Use this phrase to signal that you are concluding your point or presentation.

Examples:

• So, to wrap up, let’s review the main points we discussed today.
• So, to wrap up, I believe this strategy will benefit the company.
• So, to wrap up, we should focus on improving customer satisfaction.

 

10. And on top of that

This phrase is great for adding an additional, often positive, piece of information.

Examples:

• The new software is easy to use. And on top of that, it’s very affordable.
• She’s very talented. And on top of that, she’s extremely hardworking.
• The vacation was relaxing. And on top of that, we met some wonderful people.

By incorporating these phrases into your speech and writing, you’ll be able to express your ideas more clearly and cohesively. Practice using them in different contexts to improve your fluency and make your communication more effective.