Comparing and Contrasting Linking Words

Writing and speaking, linking words (also known as transition words) help to structure ideas and show relationships between them. When comparing and contrasting, these linking words are essential for clarifying how two or more ideas, concepts, or things are similar or different. Here’s a detailed explanation of these words and how to use them, along with examples for better understanding.

Comparing Linking Words

Comparing linking words are used to show how two or more things are similar.

1. Similarly

Explanation:

Used to show that two or more things are alike in some way.

Example:

“Just as a bee collects nectar, similarly, a bird gathers seeds for its nest.”

2. Likewise

Explanation:

Used to express that something is true for another item in a similar way.

Example:

“Her painting style is vibrant and expressive; likewise, her use of color is bold and captivating.”

3. In the same way

Explanation:

Shows that one idea or situation is similar to another.

Example:

“The new policy improves employee satisfaction. In the same way, it increases overall productivity.”

4. Both … and

Explanation:

Used to show that two items share a common characteristic.

Example:

“Both the piano and the guitar are versatile instruments for creating beautiful music.”

5. Just as

Explanation:

Compares two things by showing that they are alike in some way.

Example:

“Just as the moon affects the tides, similarly, the sun influences the weather.”

Contrasting Linking Words

Contrasting linking words are used to show how two or more things are different.

1. However

Explanation:

Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has been previously mentioned.

Example:

“She loves classical music. However, her brother prefers rock music.”

2. On the other hand

Explanation:

Shows a contrast between two different ideas or situations.

Example:

“I enjoy outdoor activities. On the other hand, my sister prefers staying indoors.”

3. Whereas

Explanation: Used to highlight a difference between two items.

Example: “Cats are independent animals, whereas dogs are more social and require more attention.”

Fragment

Dependent clauses become fragments if they are written as separate sentences. Example: the dependent clause ‘Even though the environment is very harsh.’ Writ- ten as a separate sentence, does not give complete meaning.

A sentence fragment is a group of words that resembles a sentence, but does not give complete meaning. A fragment lacks subject, verb or complete thought.

There are three types of sentence fragments:

1.Missing subject

A. Missing verb

B. Incomplete thought

Examples

A. Missing Subject

A fragment might lack a subject, which is needed to tell us who or what the sentence is about.

Fragment:” Ran to the store.

“Complete Sentence: “She ran to the store.”

B. Missing Predicate

A fragment might lack a predicate, which tells us what the subject does.

Example:

Fragment: “The book on the table.”

Complete Sentence: “The book on the table is mine.”

C. Dependent Clause Alone

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it needs an independent clause.

Fragment: “Although it was raining.”

Complete Sentence: “Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.”

D. Incomplete Thought

A fragment may introduce an idea but fail to complete it.

A. Fragment: “Because she was tired.”

B. Complete Sentence: “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.”