From Confusing to Cohesive: Improving Logical Flow to Eliminate Academic Writing Mistakes

Don’t know what a logical connector is? I didn’t either until I started to notice students using them incorrectly. Logical connectors are the linking words or phrases we use to connect our thoughts together in complex sentences - words like “however,” “yet,” and “additionally.” You need to match the connector to the actual relationship between your thoughts; that is, are you contrasting or adding to your ideas? These small words can make your writing sound illogical even when your science is strong. Let's talk about how to correct this academic writing mistake.

Logical connectors must reflect the true relationship between the ideas you are linking. Use contrast connectors (however, yet, but) only when the second finding goes against what the first would lead you to expect. Use an additive connector (and, additionally, also) when the findings are compatible or move in the same direction.

Match the connector to the relationship between ideas

DON’T DO THIS: Protein intake increased from baseline to week 12. However, mean daily energy intake also increased.

Both variables increased; this is a parallel finding, not a contradiction.

DO THIS: Protein intake increased from baseline to week 12. However, lean body mass did not change.

These two findings are separate, We might think that protein intake would be related to lean body mass, but in our study, it was not. Therefore, “however” is appropriate.

OR DO THIS if there is no contrast: Protein intake increased from baseline to week 12. Additionally, mean daily energy intake also increased.

Here’s another example with “yet”.

DON’T DO THIS: Calcium intake met the recommended dietary allowance in over 60% of participants, yet mean serum calcium concentrations were within the normal range.

These findings are compatible; adequate intake would be expected to correspond with normal serum levels.

DO THIS: Calcium intake met the recommended dietary allowance in over 60% of participants, yet a substantial proportion (32.3%) exhibited low bone mineral density.

This presents a genuine contrast between expected intake adequacy of calcium and an adverse effect on bone health.

OR DO THIS if there is no contrast: Calcium intake met the recommended dietary allowance in over 60% of participants, and mean serum calcium concentrations were within the normal range.

Why does this matter for publication? Choosing the correct connector ensures that your writing accurately represents your data and avoids creating false contradictions, weakening your arguments, and reducing clarity. Remember to use contrast connectors only when your results disagree with expectations or with each other. If your findings are parallel or compatible, use additive connectors instead.

At Absolutely English, we work with researchers to improve logical flow, clarify complex arguments, and produce publication-ready manuscripts that meet the expectations of international journals. Book a session to improve the clarity and readiness of your manuscript for publication.