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Argument Structure Signal Words

This document discusses signal words and phrases used to structure lines of argument. It introduces common opening phrases used to begin an argument as well as words used to reinforce an argument with similar or different reasons. Phrases for introducing and rebutting opposing arguments are also presented. Finally, concluding phrases are outlined for discussing results and drawing tentative conclusions.

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115 views1 page

Argument Structure Signal Words

This document discusses signal words and phrases used to structure lines of argument. It introduces common opening phrases used to begin an argument as well as words used to reinforce an argument with similar or different reasons. Phrases for introducing and rebutting opposing arguments are also presented. Finally, concluding phrases are outlined for discussing results and drawing tentative conclusions.

Uploaded by

Rowa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Structuring the Line of Argument:

Signal Words and Phrases

Function Words Used


Introducing the line of reasoning
Opening phrases First; firstly; first of all; first and foremost;
initially; I will begin with; at the outset
Developing the line of reasoning
Reinforcing with similar reasons Besides; again; too; also; in the same line;
in the same vein; correspondingly; indeed;
in the same way; likewise; equally; similarly
Reinforcing with different reasons or Neither; neither…nor…; not only…but
evidence also…; either; too; as well as; again;
besides; in addition; also
Stronger reinforcement What is more; indeed; moreover;
furthermore
Introducing opposing arguments Others argue that; it might be argued that;
alternatively; a different perspective on this
Rebutting opposing arguments Even though; at the same time; despite this;
in spite of this; in any case; notwithstanding
this; nevertheless; nonetheless; on the
other hand; however
Contrasting In fact; on the one hand…on the other
hand; conversely; although; by contrast
Concluding
Discussing results and consequences From this we can deduce that; from this we
can infer that; because of this;
consequently; thus; hence; as a
consequence; as a result; this indicates;
this suggests that; therefore

Drawing Tentative Conclusions


Avoid Use
All, every Some, many, most, a significant amount
Always Most often, usually, generally, in most
cases; haven’t yet, so far
Never In few cases; it is unlikely that; rarely
Proves Indicates; points to; it would appear; the
evidence suggests

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