and

(linking-words)

Found 20 stronger alternatives to upgrade your writing.

also

Addition (simple)

T1

Nuance: Additional

Simple replacement; very common.

Boring

We brought extra pencils, and we brought erasers.

Better

We brought extra pencils; also, we brought erasers.

too

Addition (casual)

T1

Nuance: Casual

Casual; best in dialogue.

Boring

I want to go, and I want to go, too.

Better

I want to go, too.

as well

Addition (slightly formal)

T1

Nuance: Additional

Slightly more formal than “too”.

Boring

She is coming, and her sister is coming.

Better

She is coming; her sister is coming as well.

plus

Addition (casual)

T1

Nuance: Extra

Casual; friendly tone.

Boring

We need notebooks, and we need a folder.

Better

We need notebooks; plus, we need a folder.

then

Sequence (next)

T1

Nuance: Next

Use when one thing happens after another.

Boring

First we planned, and then we started writing.

Better

First we planned; then we started writing.

so

Result (cause → effect)

T1

Nuance: Result

Use for results (cause → effect).

Boring

It rained, and the game was canceled.

Better

It rained, so the game was canceled.

because

Reason (cause)

T1

Nuance: Reason

Use for reasons.

Boring

We stayed inside, and it was cold outside.

Better

We stayed inside because it was cold outside.

in addition

Addition (formal)

T2

Nuance: Add-on

Essay-friendly addition.

Boring

We read the article, and we wrote a summary.

Better

We read the article; in addition, we wrote a summary.

furthermore

Addition (formal)

T2

Nuance: Emphasis

Formal essay transition.

Boring

The evidence is strong, and it supports the claim.

Better

The evidence is strong; furthermore, it supports the claim.

moreover

Addition (formal)

T2

Nuance: Emphasis

Formal; adds an extra point.

Boring

The solution is inexpensive, and it is effective.

Better

The solution is inexpensive; moreover, it is effective.

as a result

Result (formal)

T2

Nuance: Result

Use for cause → effect.

Boring

The weather was bad, and we changed our plan.

Better

The weather was bad; as a result, we changed our plan.

therefore

Result (formal)

T2

Nuance: Logical

Formal, logical conclusion.

Boring

We are often late, and we should start earlier.

Better

We are often late; therefore, we should start earlier.

for example

Add an example

T2

Nuance: Example

Use to add an example.

Boring

Many students improved, and one student raised his score by ten points.

Better

Many students improved. For example, one student raised his score by ten points.

as well as

Addition (phrase)

T3

Nuance: Combined

More formal; avoids repetition.

Boring

She packed snacks, and she packed water for the hike.

Better

She packed snacks as well as water for the hike.

along with

Addition (phrase)

T3

Nuance: Together

Good for adding an extra item.

Boring

We had homework, and we had a project.

Better

Along with homework, we had a project.

in addition to

Addition (phrase)

T3

Nuance: Extra

Formal structure; adds an extra item.

Boring

He practiced writing every day, and he read every day.

Better

In addition to reading, he practiced writing every day.

consequently

Result (formal)

T3

Nuance: Result

Very formal cause → effect.

Boring

The team was losing, and they changed strategies at halftime.

Better

The team was losing; consequently, they changed strategies at halftime.

thus

Result (formal)

T3

Nuance: Conclusion

Formal; similar to therefore.

Boring

The evidence is clear, and the claim is supported.

Better

The evidence is clear; thus, the claim is supported.

likewise

Similarity/addition

T3

Nuance: Similarity

Adds a similar point.

Boring

The first group improved, and the second group improved.

Better

The first group improved; likewise, the second group improved.

not only ... but also

Strong addition (paired)

T3

Nuance: Emphatic

Great for emphasis; paired structure.

Boring

She studied hard, and she also asked questions in class.

Better

Not only did she study hard, but she also asked questions in class.