Opening & closing ideas

20 words

1. 1

   It is imperative that + clausegrammar

   Used to emphasise that something is absolutely necessary or essential; often followed by a clause with the base form of the verb (subjunctive).

   “It is imperative that governments act now to curb emissions.”

2. 2

   There is a strong case to be made for + V-inggrammar

   Used to argue that there are convincing reasons in favour of a particular action or policy.

   “There is a strong case to be made for increasing investment in early childhood education.”

3. 3

   These findings have important implications for + NPgrammar

   Used to state that results or discoveries affect policy, practice, or further research in a meaningful way.

   “These findings have important implications for urban planning.”

4. 4

   This paper contends that + clausegrammar

   Used in essays or academic writing to state the author's main argument or position.

   “This paper contends that urban design plays a crucial role in promoting social interaction.”

5. 5

   Taken together, + clausegrammar

   Used to introduce a summary or overall conclusion drawn from several points or pieces of evidence.

   “Taken together, the three studies indicate a clear trend towards remote working.”

6. 6

   This calls into question whether + clausegrammar

   Used to indicate that evidence or an event undermines the credibility or validity of a claim.

   “The discrepancy in the data calls into question whether the original method was reliable.”

7. 7

   There is a growing body of evidence that + clausestructure

   Used to say that more and more research or data supports a particular claim.

   “There is a growing body of evidence that long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of respiratory disease.”

8. 8

   It is perhaps worth considering whether + clausestructure

   Used to suggest that someone should think about a possibility; polite, tentative phrasing for proposing an idea.

   “It is perhaps worth considering whether shorter working weeks might improve overall productivity.”

9. 9

   The aim of this essay is to + Vdiscourse marker

   A formal way to state the purpose of an essay; followed by the infinitive (to + verb).

   “The aim of this essay is to examine the social effects of urbanisation.”

10. 10

    Evidence for this can be seen in + NPphrase

    Used to introduce specific evidence or examples that support the point just made.

    “Evidence for this can be seen in recent surveys showing a rise in online shopping.”

11. 11

    This raises the question of whether + clausediscourse marker

    Introduces a point of doubt or inquiry: it prompts consideration of whether something is true or appropriate.

    “This raises the question of whether governments should subsidise renewable energy.”

12. 12

    From this perspective, + clausediscourse marker

    Used to introduce a particular viewpoint when analysing or concluding.

    “From this perspective, policymakers should prioritise long-term education funding.”

13. 13

    It is reasonable to assume that + clausephrase

    Saying something is likely true based on logic or evidence, without full certainty.

    “It is reasonable to assume that urbanisation will continue as jobs concentrate in cities.”

14. 14

    On balance, + clausediscourse marker

    Used to state a conclusion after weighing pros and cons; signals an overall judgement.

    “On balance, stricter regulations are likely to benefit public health despite short-term costs.”

15. 15

    This is particularly true of + NPphrase

    Used to emphasize that the previous point applies even more to a specific category or case.

    “Public transport is important, and this is particularly true of rural areas where car ownership is low.”

16. 16

    It is important to distinguish between + NP and + NPdiscourse marker

    Used to highlight the need to recognise differences between two things or concepts.

    “It is important to distinguish between correlation and causation when interpreting research.”

17. 17

    There is little evidence to suggest that + clausephrase

    Stating that there is not much proof to support a claim; used to cautiously deny or question an idea.

    “There is little evidence to suggest that increasing fines alone will deter littering.”

18. 18

    Much attention has been paid to + Ndiscourse marker

    A formal passive phrase to state that a topic has received considerable attention from researchers, policymakers, etc.

    “Much attention has been paid to the environmental impacts of industrialisation.”

19. 19

    One final point worth mentioning is that + clausephrase

    Used to introduce the last important point in a conclusion or list of arguments; formal and clear.

    “One final point worth mentioning is that community initiatives are often more cost-effective than top-down solutions.”

20. 20

    It would be tempting to conclude that + clause, but + clausephrase

    Indicates that a conclusion may seem obvious at first, but then rejects or qualifies it with a contrasting point.

    “It would be tempting to conclude that stricter fines reduce waste, but recent studies show behaviour is more affected by convenience.”