Connecting ideas effectively is one of the most important skills in English writing and speaking. Understanding how to use cohesive devices for adding information allows you to build stronger arguments, write better essays, and sound more natural. Here you will find the key phrases and structures that make your ideas flow together seamlessly.
What are cohesive devices for adding information?
Cohesive devices are words or phrases that link two complementary ideas together. When both ideas share a similar tone — either both positive or both negative — you can connect them using specific expressions [0:27]:
- What is more.
- Furthermore.
- Moreover.
- In addition.
- On top of that.
- Not only... but also.
The first five work in exactly the same way and carry the same meaning. You simply place them between two sentences to show that the second idea reinforces the first. For example [1:20]:
The economy has been excellent. Furthermore, jobs have been easy to find.
You could replace furthermore with moreover, in addition, on top of that, or what is more, and the meaning would remain unchanged. The key rule is that both ideas must complement each other — both positive or both negative in nature.
How does the "not only... but also" structure work?
Unlike the other five devices, not only... but also cannot simply be placed between two sentences. This structure is split into two separate parts: not only goes with the first idea, and but also goes with the second [2:15].
There is an important grammatical change to remember. When you use not only at the beginning, you must apply subject-verb inversion — the auxiliary verb comes before the subject, just like in a question [2:45].
Not only has the economy been excellent, but jobs have also been easy to find.
Notice how the original sentence "The economy has been excellent" becomes "Not only has the economy been excellent." The subject and the auxiliary verb swap positions.
What happens with simple tenses in the affirmative?
When the original sentence uses a simple tense in the affirmative form, there is no visible auxiliary verb. In this case, you must add the auxiliary verb did (for past) or do/does (for present), and the main verb returns to its base form [3:45]:
Not only did the improved economy bring a higher standard of living to the country, but it also created many new jobs.
The original verb brought becomes bring because did now carries the past tense information.
How do you handle negative sentences with this structure?
When both ideas are negative, the structure still applies, but pay close attention to the placement of not. The auxiliary did and not are separated — they do not contract into didn't [4:35]:
Not only did the economy not improve, but it also didn't add any jobs.
The verb improve stays in the base form, and did and not are split apart. This separation is essential for the structure to be grammatically correct.
How can you practice these cohesive devices?
Putting these phrases into practice reinforces your understanding. Consider the following exercise examples [5:15]:
- Not only did they win the game, but they also set a record.
- I was exhausted. Moreover, I was starving.
In the first example, you need inversion with not only did. In the second, a simple connector like moreover fits perfectly because you are joining two complementary negative experiences.
To build confidence, try writing your own sentences using a variety of these devices — avoid repeating the same one. Mix furthermore, in addition, on top of that, and not only... but also to develop flexibility. Share your sentences and get feedback to keep improving your cohesive writing skills.
