Developing an argument 1
- Words meaning and, but and so
We can use longer words and phrases with the same meaning to link both across sentences and within more complex sentences.
and: In addition, Besides, Moreover, Furthermore
but: However, Nevertheless, On the other hand
so: Therefore, Consequently As a result
These words and phrases are typical of formal speech (for example presentations) and writing.
They usually come at the start of a sentence and have a comma afterwards, but can come after a comma in the middle of a sentence.
Supplier A is cheaper, and their delivery times are good. However,supplier B has better quality
products and they have a good reputation in the market.
This new process produces less waste, and as a resultit's much better for the environment.
Our stocks are moving in a downwards spiral, thereforethe Fed must cut interest ratesto boost our confidence. That, at least, is the theory among investors this week. (Forbes.com website)
- Examples: for example, for instance, such as
We can use for example or for instance. Note the possible positions.
Our costs have gone up. For example,the cost of steel has nearly doubled.
Our costs have gone up. The cost of steel, for example,has nearly doubled.
We use such as in the middle of a sentence to give examples. It is the same as 'like'. Such as is
followed by a noun phrase, not a whole clause.
Some delays, such asstrikes or bad weather, are beyond our control.
Some delays are beyond our control, such asstrikes or bad weather.
- Additional/real information: in fact, actually
We use In fact, Actually or As a matter of fact to add a piece of information to what we just
said. The second piece of information gives more details.
We have plenty in stock. In fact/As a matter of fact,we could deliver tomorrow.
We also use these words to emphasise what the real situation is. This is surprising or different to what people imagine.
/ thought we had some in stock, but in fact/actuallywe don't.
- Sequence: first of all, as well as this, finally
Wecan use Firstly, First of all to begin a series of points in a formal argument. For other numbered points we say Second, Secondly, etc.
To add a point without numbering we can say As well as this, Besides this or In addition.
At the end we can say Finally.
Why choose the Czech Republic? Well, first of all,it has lower labour costs than other neighbouring countries, and secondly,it has a stable currency. As well as this,it has a trained workforce with good labour relations, and finally,it has a strong local market
To finish one point we can say Overall or Taking everything into consideration.
Overall,a record 67% of the adult population is employed or looking for work, mainly because female participation in the labor force has jumped over the last two decades. {BusinessWeek website)
To finish a formal speech we can say In conclusion.
In conclusion,I'd just like to thank you all very much for coming, and I look forward to seeing
you again at our next meeting on 31 September.
- Generalising: in general, on the whole
There are many words and phrases we can use to talk generally: In general, On the whole, As a rule, Typically, All in all, Basically, Overall, Broadly speaking.
Organisations typicallyhave five 'customer' relationships: customers, business partners, suppliers, employees, and shareholders. (e-business advisor website)
If we want to make a balanced argument we often use one of these phrases followed by a contrasting idea with a word like but.
In general the Japanese economy has not been very dynamic over recent years. However,
some technology and telecom companies are growing very fast.
On the whole, I think you're right, althoughi disagree with you about the level of risk.
- Summarising: so, to sum up, in summary
We can use So, In short, To put it simply. To sum up and In summary to summarise.
So, to sum up the main points of my presentation so far, we are a truly international company offering a full range of services to corporate and private clients in the areas of finance, banking and insurance.
To put it simply,food processors will lose competitiveness asa direct result ofEU membership. (Business Central Europe website)
- Either... or..., instead of, except for
We use either to begin alist of possibilities. We do not begin with or. The other possibilities are introduced with or.
Either we could cancel the product launch, orpostpone it.)
But in speech we can begin with or to complete the other person's idea.
A: 'We could just cancel the launch.'
B: 'Orperhaps postpone it'
We use instead (of) to mean 'in the place of something else'. At the end of a sentence, instead is used without of.
Can we have the meeting on Friday insteadof Thursday?
Thursday is no good? OK, can we have it on Friday instead?
We use except, except for or apart from to mean 'not including'.
/ have contacted everyone except (for)Margaret