100 Phrases for TOEFL Writing

No.	Term	Definition
1.	A central issue is	Introduces the main problem.
2.	A common argument is	Presents a widely held view.
3.	A key factor is	Highlights an important cause.
4.	A major concern is	Signals a serious issue.
5.	A possible explanation is	Offers one reason or cause.
6.	A reasonable conclusion is	States a logical end point.
7.	A related point is	Adds a connected idea.
8.	A significant drawback is	Introduces an important disadvantage.
9.	A strong example is	Introduces clear supporting evidence.
10.	According to the passage	Attributes information to the text.
11.	Admittedly,	Concedes a point briefly.
12.	An alternative view is	Presents a different perspective.
13.	An important distinction is	Clarifies a key difference.
14.	An underlying assumption is	States an unstated belief.
15.	Another perspective is	Introduces a second viewpoint.
16.	As a consequence,	Shows a result or effect.
17.	As a result,	Signals an outcome.
18.	As evidence,	Introduces supporting proof.
19.	As shown by	Points to supporting information.
20.	At the same time,	Adds a parallel consideration.
21.	Based on this,	Draws inference from prior points.
22.	Because of this,	Gives a direct reason.
23.	By comparison,	Compares two things.
24.	By contrast,	Shows a clear difference.
25.	By definition,	Explains meaning precisely.
26.	By focusing on	Narrows attention to one aspect.
27.	Clearly,	Signals a strong claim.
28.	Consequently,	Indicates a logical result.
29.	Consider the case of	Introduces an illustrative example.
30.	Conversely,	Signals the opposite point.
31.	Despite this,	Shows contrast to prior idea.
32.	Equally important,	Adds a point of same weight.
33.	Even so,	Concedes but continues.
34.	Evidence suggests that	Indicates support from facts.
35.	For example,	Introduces an example.
36.	For instance,	Introduces a specific example.
37.	For this reason,	Gives justification.
38.	From this perspective,	Frames a viewpoint.
39.	Furthermore,	Adds additional support.
40.	Generally speaking,	States a broad tendency.
41.	Given these points,	Summarizes before concluding.
42.	In addition,	Adds another point.
43.	In brief,	Summarizes concisely.
44.	In conclusion,	Signals final summary.
45.	In contrast,	Highlights differences.
46.	In essence,	States the core idea.
47.	In fact,	Emphasizes a truth.
48.	In general,	Makes a general statement.
49.	In other words,	Restates for clarity.
50.	In particular,	Specifies a focus.
51.	In short,	Summarizes quickly.
52.	In sum,	Summarizes overall argument.
53.	In terms of	Frames the topic area.
54.	In this case,	Refers to a specific situation.
55.	In this context,	Sets the situation clearly.
56.	In turn,	Shows a chain effect.
57.	It can be argued that	Introduces an arguable claim.
58.	It is clear that	States an obvious conclusion.
59.	It is likely that	Expresses probability.
60.	It is possible that	Expresses possibility.
61.	It is reasonable to	Signals a fair judgment.
62.	It is worth noting	Highlights an important detail.
63.	Likewise,	Adds a similar point.
64.	More importantly,	Emphasizes a key point.
65.	Moreover,	Adds stronger support.
66.	Most importantly,	Marks top priority.
67.	Nevertheless,	Contrasts while continuing.
68.	Notably,	Draws attention to a detail.
69.	On balance,	Weighs pros and cons.
70.	On the contrary,	Directly refutes a claim.
71.	On the other hand,	Introduces an opposing view.
72.	One explanation is	Gives one possible cause.
73.	One might argue that	Presents a possible argument.
74.	Overall,	Gives a general assessment.
75.	Primarily,	Indicates the main reason.
76.	Rather than	Shows preference or contrast.
77.	Research indicates that	Cites findings generally.
78.	Similarly,	Shows similarity.
79.	Specifically,	Gives precise detail.
80.	Still,	Continues despite opposition.
81.	Such as	Introduces examples.
82.	That said,	Softens or qualifies statement.
83.	The data suggest that	Interprets evidence.
84.	The main reason is	States primary cause.
85.	The most compelling	Highlights strongest point.
86.	The passage implies that	States an inferred meaning.
87.	The primary benefit is	States main advantage.
88.	The primary concern is	States main worry.
89.	The primary drawback is	States main disadvantage.
90.	The question is whether	Frames a key issue.
91.	The result is that	Introduces an outcome.
92.	The text states that	Directly cites the text.
93.	Therefore,	Signals a conclusion.
94.	This suggests that	Draws an inference.
95.	To clarify,	Explains more clearly.
96.	To conclude,	Introduces final statement.
97.	To illustrate,	Introduces an example.
98.	To some extent,	Limits the claim.
99.	To summarize,	Gives a brief recap.
100.	Ultimately,	States final judgment.