Coherence in a paragraph means that all the ideas fit together in a logical flow. In a coherent paragraph, the relationship between ideas is clear, and one idea connects logically to the next. Coherence can be achieved by using transitions, logical order, pronouns, and parallel forms.
Using Transitions for Coherence
Transitions show how one idea relates to another. For example, the transition however serves to set up two contrasting ideas.
- She likes to read novels. However, she does not enjoy biographies.
Transitions are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. They can also be used with a semicolon and a comma to form a compound sentence.
- I enjoy writing in my journal. However, I do not like writing letters.
- His first novel was not a success; however, his second work became a bestseller.
Below is a list of some transitions and their use.
| Use | Transitions |
| Example | for instance, to demonstrate, for example, in some cases |
| Additional Idea | moreover, furthermore, in addition |
| Contrast | however, in contrast, on the contrary, nevertheless, nonetheless, whereas, even though, although, unlike |
| Similarities | similarly, likewise |
| Emphasis | indeed, in fact, obviously |
| Result | therefore, thus, consequently, as a result |
| Conclusion | in conclusion, in summary |
Ordering Ideas for Coherence
Another way to achieve coherence in an essay is to arrange ideas in a logical order, such as chronological order or order of importance.
When arranging ideas in chronological order, use language such as in the beginning, first, second, next, then, or finally.
- First, I went to the bank. Next, I visited my mother in the hospital.
When arranging ideas in order of importance, order items from the most important to the least important or vice versa. Use language such as the most/least important thing, the next priority, or the third/final priority/goal.
Using Pronoun Reference for Coherence
A pronoun can replace a noun. I, you, he, it, this, that, those, and these are examples of pronouns. Pronouns can create coherence in an essay.
- What is revision and why is it necessary?
Pronouns can also replace whole phrases or ideas.
- I left my expensive dictionary in the library. I do not know how I did that.
Pronouns must agree in number and gender with the noun they refer to.
- I have a younger brother. He is a lawyer.
Using Parallel Forms for Coherence
Another strategy to achieve coherence is to use parallel forms. This means that all items in a list have the same grammatical form.
- I like playing tennis, swimming, and dancing.
I like playing tennis, swimming, and to dance.(Incorrect)
- She cooked dinner, set the table, and arranged the flowers.
She cooked dinner, set the table, and the flowers were arranged.(Incorrect)
Source: Effective Academic Writing, 2nd Ed., OUP, 2012, Rhonda Liss and Jason Davis
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