Cohesion in English: reference, repetition and logical links

🔗 Cohesion makes relationships visible

A paragraph is cohesive when language signals how sentences connect. Pronouns, repeated key words, synonyms, substitution, ellipsis and linking expressions can reduce unnecessary repetition. They work only when the reader can recover the intended reference and relation.

Three checks

• Reference: in “The solar panels were installed in May. They now supply the lab,” they refers to the panels.
• Lexical chain: repeating a key term or using a precise related word keeps the topic active.
• Logical relation: however marks contrast, therefore a conclusion or result, and for example an illustration.

Cohesion is not coherence

A writer can add many connectors to unrelated claims. Coherence requires a stable topic and a defensible progression of ideas. First decide the relation; only then select a connector.

⚠️ Avoid ambiguous reference

In “Mai told Lan that she had won,” she may refer to either person. Rewrite with the name or restructure the sentence when context does not resolve the ambiguity.