This / these + a noun sums up what you just said and starts the next sentence; that + a noun points back too, with more distance from the idea.
Pointing back to an idea
Not ""Attendance fell every term for three years. Attendance falling every term forced a review." (the whole idea is spelled out twice)" — say ""Attendance fell every term for three years. This pattern forced a review." (one phrase packages it, then the sentence moves on)". This pattern wraps up the sentence before it, so you do not repeat the whole idea.
Try it: Ira: The committee flagged several safety risks. Liam: ___ risks were later confirmed by an outside audit. Which word points back to the idea in the first line? (These / This / It) Answer: These — These points back to several risks, so the plural form is needed.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
this finding
Rainfall dropped sharply last year. This finding led planners to rethink water use.
these variables
/ðiz ˈvɛriəbəlz/
The researchers isolated three factors. These variables were then tested one at a time.
that proposal
/ðæt prəˈpoʊzəl/
The board suggested deep budget cuts. That proposal met strong resistance from the staff.
Signaling how ideas relate
A connector opening a sentence signals the turn: furthermore adds, however contrasts, subsequently follows in time, in light of + noun draws a conclusion.
Not ""The method was accurate. Furthermore, it was far too slow to use." (furthermore signals you're adding support, but a drawback is a contrast)" — say ""The method was accurate. However, it was far too slow to use." (however correctly flags the contrast)". Pick the connector that matches your turn; the wrong one sends the reader the wrong signal.
Try it: Mei: The first method cut errors by half. Yasmin: ___, it cost three times as much. Which connector fits the second line? (However / Furthermore / Subsequently) Answer: However — However signals the contrast between a good result and a drawback.
Try it: Lani: The council approved the budget in March. Sofia: ___, once the vote was over, funds were released to each department. Which connector fits the second line? (Subsequently / However / In light of) Answer: Subsequently — Subsequently marks the release of funds as the next event in time.
Try it: Yasmin: The survey says most riders want later buses. Ethan: ___ those results, the council extended the night service. Choose the words for the blank. (In light of / Despite / Subsequently) Answer: In light of — In light of + a noun means "considering", and the later buses follow from the survey.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
furthermore
/ˈfɜrðərˌmɔr/
The early trials were promising. Furthermore, later studies confirmed the same effect.
however
/haʊˈɛvər/
The plan looked solid on paper. However, it collapsed once real costs came in.
subsequently
/ˈsʌbsəkwəntli/
The team finished the research phase. Subsequently, they began drafting the report.
in light of
/ɪn laɪt əv/
Ticket sales doubled in May. In light of the demand, the playhouse added a second show.
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
"Attendance fell every term for three years. Attendance falling every term forced a review." (the whole idea is spelled out twice)
"Attendance fell every term for three years. This pattern forced a review." (one phrase packages it, then the sentence moves on)
This pattern wraps up the sentence before it, so you do not repeat the whole idea.
"The method was accurate. Furthermore, it was far too slow to use." (furthermore signals you're adding support, but a drawback is a contrast)
"The method was accurate. However, it was far too slow to use." (however correctly flags the contrast)
Pick the connector that matches your turn; the wrong one sends the reader the wrong signal.