About us
Our goal is not to overload students with heavy grammar, turning them into philologists, but to teach a real, living language. The one you hear in a store, the one that allows you to communicate, meet people and clearly articulate your thoughts in a foreign language.
sales team
Introductory words in English
11.01.2025
4 minutes to read
In English there are such things as introductory words. They are words or phrases that we use to "dilute" a speech a little or to add extra thoughts. For example, we might start a sentence with "well" to show that we are thinking or hesitating a little. Introductory words are often used in conversations to make speech flow more smoothly and naturally. They can help express how you feel or feel about what you're talking about. These words don't seem to carry much semantic load, but they make communication more lively and interesting. In this article we will understand what introductory words are, how and when to use them to make your speech sound cool and clear!
Table of contents
- What are introductory words and what they are used for in English
- Types of introductory words in English
- Expression of opinion
- Sequence designation
- To express causation
- Confrontation of ideas
- Comparison
- Provide examples and clarification
- Expression of confidence
- Addendum of thoughts
- Emphasis
- Summarizing
- Emotional expression
- Important guidelines for the use of introductory words in the English language
Introductory words are words or phrases that help us express our opinions, attitudes, or add explanation to what we are saying. They are not the main part of a sentence and do not change the main meaning of the sentence. For example, phrases like "in my opinion" or "you know" are introductory words. If we remove them, the meaning of the sentence remains the same, but the speech becomes less expressive and "dry".
Introductory words are needed to make speech flow more smoothly and naturally. We often use them when we want to pause, think, or show that something is important or special to us. For example, if you want to say that you like something, but you don't want to be too direct, you can add an introductory word: "Well, I really like this movie." In this case, "Well" kind of shows that you've given it some thought before sharing your opinion.
In addition, introductory words can help in a conversation when you want to clarify or add details. For example, the phrase "To be honest" is used to emphasize that you are being frank. It gives the conversation a more personal touch.
In general, introductory words make your speech more lively and interesting, and help you move smoothly from one thought to another without losing your meaning.
Introductory words are needed to make speech flow more smoothly and naturally. We often use them when we want to pause, think, or show that something is important or special to us. For example, if you want to say that you like something, but you don't want to be too direct, you can add an introductory word: "Well, I really like this movie." In this case, "Well" kind of shows that you've given it some thought before sharing your opinion.
In addition, introductory words can help in a conversation when you want to clarify or add details. For example, the phrase "To be honest" is used to emphasize that you are being frank. It gives the conversation a more personal touch.
In general, introductory words make your speech more lively and interesting, and help you move smoothly from one thought to another without losing your meaning.
What are introductory words and what they are used for in English
Types of introductory words in English
In English, introductory words are words and expressions that do not change the main meaning of a sentence, but make speech more fluid and lively. They help us to express an opinion, clarify information, show our attitude to what is being said, or simply make our speech more natural. Introductory words can show how we feel about a topic of conversation, add clarification, or organize our thoughts. In this section, we will look at the different types of introductory words, what they are used for, and how to use them correctly in different situations.
Expression of opinion
When we express an opinion, we often use introductory words to show that what we are talking about is our personal opinion or point of view. This helps to make the speech more personalized and persuasive. In English, there are several ways to express an opinion using introductory words. We can say that we think, think or feel something about a situation. Such expressions help people understand that what we say is not a fact, but our personal assessment.
Here is a table with examples of introductory words we use to express an opinion:
Here is a table with examples of introductory words we use to express an opinion:
These introductory words help us to make our speech more personal by showing that it is not just information, but our opinion or point of view. It is important to remember that such expressions are used when we want the interlocutor to understand that we are not speaking as fact, but as opinion.
When we talk about events or actions that happen in a certain order, we often need introductory words to show that one action comes after another. This helps to make our speech more logical and orderly. English has special words for this purpose, which show in what order events happen or what steps need to be taken.
Here is a table with examples of introductory words that are used to indicate sequence:
Here is a table with examples of introductory words that are used to indicate sequence:
Sequence designation
These words help to structure a story or explanation in steps, giving the listener or reader a clear idea of what is happening in what sequence.
To express causation
When we want to show that one event happened because of another event, we are helped by introductory words that indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. This helps explain why something happened or why we made a decision. Such words show that one action was the result of another and make the speech more logical.
Here is a table with examples of introductory words to express cause and effect:
Here is a table with examples of introductory words to express cause and effect:
These introductory words help to show that one event or action is the cause of another, and they make our speech clearer and more logical.
Confrontation of ideas
Sometimes in a conversation or text we need to show that there is an opposition or contrast between two ideas. To do this, English has introductory words to help us contrast ideas or opinions. This is important to highlight the differences between two points of view or situations.
Here is a table with examples of introductory words to contrast ideas:
Here is a table with examples of introductory words to contrast ideas:
These words help us to show opposites, contrasts and make our thoughts more vivid and interesting for the interlocutor.
When we want to show that two objects or ideas are similar or different, introductory comparison words help us. These words allow us to compare different things or ideas, which makes our speech more vivid and clear. In English, there are several ways to express comparison.
Here's a table with examples of introductory words for comparison:
Here's a table with examples of introductory words for comparison:
Comparison
These words help us draw parallels between objects, ideas, or situations, which makes our speech more clear and visual.
Provide examples and clarification
When we need to give examples or clarify what we are talking about, introductory words help to make our speech more specific. We can add examples or explanations to make the speaker understand better what we are talking about.
Here is a table of example introductory words to give examples and clarifications:
Here is a table of example introductory words to give examples and clarifications:
These introductory words help us give examples or explanations, which makes our story more accurate and clear.
Expression of confidence
When we want to show that we are sure of something, we are helped by introductory words that convey certainty. Such words emphasize that we say something with full confidence and without doubt.
Here is a table with examples of introductory words to express confidence:
Here is a table with examples of introductory words to express confidence:
These words help to express confidence in what we say and show that we speak with full conviction.
When we need to add another thought or idea to what has already been said, introductory words help us to do it smoothly and logically. These words emphasize that we are continuing a thought without changing the main direction of the conversation.
Here is a table with examples of introductory words to complete thoughts:
Here is a table with examples of introductory words to complete thoughts:
Addendum of thoughts
These words help to smoothly add additional thoughts and ideas to our story, making it more complete.
Emphasis
When we want to emphasize the importance of a point or idea, introductory words help us do that. They emphasize what is important to say and draw attention to a particular point.
Here is a table with examples of introductory words for emphasis:
Here is a table with examples of introductory words for emphasis:
These words help highlight key points and draw attention to what's important.
Summarizing
When we want to summarize everything we have said, introductory words for conclusions help us. These words help us put things together and draw conclusions.
Here's a table of example introductory words to summarize:
Here's a table of example introductory words to summarize:
These words help to conclude a conversation or text by summarizing what has been said.
When we want to express our feelings or emotions, introductory words help to convey how we feel about a situation. They make our speech more lively and emotional.
Here is a table with examples of introductory words to express emotions:
Here is a table with examples of introductory words to express emotions:
Emotional expression
These words help to convey our emotions, making speech more lively and expressive.
Important guidelines for the use of introductory words in the English language
Using introductory words in English is a great way to make a speech more varied and interesting, but it is important to remember a few rules to avoid overloading a text or conversation. Introductory words can help us express our thoughts more clearly and concisely, but if there are too many of them, they can distract attention from the main idea. Let's break down some important guidelines to use introductory words correctly and not to upset the balance.
1. Do not overload your speech with introductory words
Introductory words should add expression, not replace important parts of a sentence. If you use too many introductory words, your speech or text may become cluttered and difficult to understand. Therefore, try to use them in moderation. For example, if there are several introductory words in one sentence, it may confuse the interlocutor. It is better to choose one or two introductory words to emphasize the idea, but not to overload it.
2. Observe the correct place for introductory words
Usually introductory words are placed at the beginning of a sentence, but sometimes they can be inserted in the middle or at the end. The main thing is that they should not interfere with the main meaning. For example, if you want to express an opinion, the phrase "In my opinion" is usually at the beginning, but you can also insert it in the middle of the sentence, as long as it does not interfere with the structure:
If your speech or text looks too dry and formal, introductory words can add lightness and fluidity. For example, instead of saying, "I think this is a good idea," you could say, "Well, I think this is a good idea. This makes your speech more conversational and natural.
4. Keep an eye on the context
Not all introductory words are suitable for every situation. For example, if you are talking to friends, "In my opinion" will sound quite natural. But in a more formal context, such as at work or in a scientific paper, it is best to avoid overly colloquial expressions such as "Well" or "You know". It is important to choose introductory words depending on who you are communicating with and in what context.
5. Do not replace all information with introductory words
Introductory words are not the main information in a sentence, but just a way to make your speech more flexible. Do not substitute them for important facts or data. For example, if you want to describe a process, you should not say, "Well, first we need to gather data," but rather start directly with the point: "First, we need to gather data." Introductions should only support the main information, not replace it.
6. Use them to improve the fluency of speech
One of the main advantages of introductory words is that they help to make your speech smoother and more coherent. For example, when you are moving from one idea to another, you can use introductory words to connect your thoughts. This makes it easier for the person you are talking to to absorb the information and follow the flow of your story. For example, you might say, "Moreover, this solution is also cost-effective," to smoothly transition into a new argument.
7. Don't forget about punctuation
Introductory words often require a comma, especially if they are at the beginning of a sentence. This helps separate the introductory word from the main part of the sentence, making it easier to understand. For example: "However, we should consider other options." A comma after an introductory word helps separate it from the main thought. If the introductory word is in the middle or at the end, a comma may not be needed.
8. Practice using introductory words
The more you practice using introductory words, the more natural they will sound in your speech or writing. Read texts in English, paying attention to how the authors use introductory words, and try to use them in your own sentences. This will help you better understand when and how to use these words to make your speech more expressive.
9. Remember diversity
Using different introductory words makes your speech more interesting and varied. Do not fixate on just one or two expressions, such as "In my opinion" or "However." Gradually expand your vocabulary of introductory words to make your speech sound more lively and interesting. For example, instead of using "Well," try "Actually," "In fact," or "Interestingly."
Thus, introductory words are a powerful tool to improve your speech, but they must be used wisely. Make sure that they do not become the main element of the sentence and do not overload your text. With the right approach, introductory words can make your speech more expressive, smooth and interesting for the interlocutor.
1. Do not overload your speech with introductory words
Introductory words should add expression, not replace important parts of a sentence. If you use too many introductory words, your speech or text may become cluttered and difficult to understand. Therefore, try to use them in moderation. For example, if there are several introductory words in one sentence, it may confuse the interlocutor. It is better to choose one or two introductory words to emphasize the idea, but not to overload it.
2. Observe the correct place for introductory words
Usually introductory words are placed at the beginning of a sentence, but sometimes they can be inserted in the middle or at the end. The main thing is that they should not interfere with the main meaning. For example, if you want to express an opinion, the phrase "In my opinion" is usually at the beginning, but you can also insert it in the middle of the sentence, as long as it does not interfere with the structure:
- Correct: In my opinion, this book is amazing.
- Incorrect: This book, in my opinion, is amazing. (here the introductory word distracts from the main idea)
If your speech or text looks too dry and formal, introductory words can add lightness and fluidity. For example, instead of saying, "I think this is a good idea," you could say, "Well, I think this is a good idea. This makes your speech more conversational and natural.
4. Keep an eye on the context
Not all introductory words are suitable for every situation. For example, if you are talking to friends, "In my opinion" will sound quite natural. But in a more formal context, such as at work or in a scientific paper, it is best to avoid overly colloquial expressions such as "Well" or "You know". It is important to choose introductory words depending on who you are communicating with and in what context.
5. Do not replace all information with introductory words
Introductory words are not the main information in a sentence, but just a way to make your speech more flexible. Do not substitute them for important facts or data. For example, if you want to describe a process, you should not say, "Well, first we need to gather data," but rather start directly with the point: "First, we need to gather data." Introductions should only support the main information, not replace it.
6. Use them to improve the fluency of speech
One of the main advantages of introductory words is that they help to make your speech smoother and more coherent. For example, when you are moving from one idea to another, you can use introductory words to connect your thoughts. This makes it easier for the person you are talking to to absorb the information and follow the flow of your story. For example, you might say, "Moreover, this solution is also cost-effective," to smoothly transition into a new argument.
7. Don't forget about punctuation
Introductory words often require a comma, especially if they are at the beginning of a sentence. This helps separate the introductory word from the main part of the sentence, making it easier to understand. For example: "However, we should consider other options." A comma after an introductory word helps separate it from the main thought. If the introductory word is in the middle or at the end, a comma may not be needed.
8. Practice using introductory words
The more you practice using introductory words, the more natural they will sound in your speech or writing. Read texts in English, paying attention to how the authors use introductory words, and try to use them in your own sentences. This will help you better understand when and how to use these words to make your speech more expressive.
9. Remember diversity
Using different introductory words makes your speech more interesting and varied. Do not fixate on just one or two expressions, such as "In my opinion" or "However." Gradually expand your vocabulary of introductory words to make your speech sound more lively and interesting. For example, instead of using "Well," try "Actually," "In fact," or "Interestingly."
Thus, introductory words are a powerful tool to improve your speech, but they must be used wisely. Make sure that they do not become the main element of the sentence and do not overload your text. With the right approach, introductory words can make your speech more expressive, smooth and interesting for the interlocutor.
This website uses cookies to give you the best possible experience.
OK
