Importance of Adversative Function in Academic Writing

Introduction

Writers use an adversative function in academic writing to combine different ideas. They also use adversative functions to show contrast or opposition. An adversative function gives coherence and cohesion to the writing. Academic writing requires a demonstration of ideas in a dialectical manner. Dialectics entails a discussion that has the capacity to endorse contradictory views. It also requires the synthesis of different ideas in the text. So, academic writers need to know about the usage of an adversative function. This article will highlight the importance of adversative function and its usage in academic writing.

Why do authors use an adversative function in academic writing?

Every element in a sentence or phrase adds to the idea that an author wants to convey. An adversative function is what binds these words together so that the writer can convey a cohesive meaning. The articulation of cohesive ideas requires suitable use of linguistic features. Moreover, the dialectical features of the language aid in grabbing the readers’ attention. The use of an adversative function aids in making the text accessible to readers. So, adversative functions comprise those linguistic features that aid in describing the connection between sentences. Writers use adversative functions to enhance the logical consistency of sentences. Adversative functions are verbal signposts. Authors use them to preserve the logical consistency of sentences. 

What is the purpose of using an adversative function in academic writing?

Cohesion is important in academic writing, and essay writing services. Authors use different language devices to create cohesion in the text. Similarly, the usage of adversative functions in academic writing creates cohesion. Adversative functions develop a link between different text components. Moreover, they also create logical consistency among the sentences. As a result, it makes the text understandable and accessible to the readers. Academic writing presents large and complex ideas. So, it requires writing in an understandable manner. Readers must be able to understand the explicit and implicit meanings in the text. Writers increase the readability of their text through adversative functions. Adversative functions pertain to the conjunctive adverbs and coordinating conjunctions that can establish the links between ideas. They connect different parts of the text and help build the framework of the text.

What are the different types of adversative functions?

An adversative function has the following types that are important grammatical tools in academic writing:

1. Additive conjunctions

Additive conjunctions are a type of an adversative function which add further information to the text. Additive conjunctions serve two main purposes:

• combining two grammatically identical phrases together
• indicating the introduction of additional elements or references in the text

Writers use additive conjunctions in a sentence frequently to highlight previously communicated facts or statements. These conjunctions provide context and variety for those facts. For example:

• And
• but
• Moreover
• Furthermore
• Also
• As well as
• Besides
• In addition
• Including
• Similar

Additive conjunctions generate consistency between sentences, and the context evolves more organically.

2. Adversative Conjunctions

Adversative conjunctions, like additive conjunctions, form a relationship between sentences or phrases. But they generate an antagonistic link between different elements of the text. The usage of adversative conjunctions is common in academic writing to connect two or more conflicting arguments. Authors use these conjunctions to compare the arguments. As a result, these conjunctions establish a contrasting connection between the two ideas, resulting in the appearance of two distinct perceptions. Here are some adversative conjunctions you can use for academic writing:

• But
• Still
• Nevertheless
• Whereas
• While
• Yet
• However
• In contrast
• On the other hand
• Instead of
• Except
• Notwithstanding

3. Causal Conjunctions

Causal conjunction is another type of an adversative function to demonstrate causal relationships in the text. Causal conjunctions establish a cause-and-effect relationship between clauses and sentences. Authors use causal conjunctions in academic writing to determine the causal relationships between facts and ideas. For example:

• As
• For instance
• So
• Consequently
• For this reason
• As a result
• Despite
• Due to
• In case
• In order
• In this way
• Otherwise
• Since
• So as to
• So that
• Therefore
• Though
• Thus
• To that end
• Unless
• Until
• Yet

4. Temporal Conjunctions

Temporal conjunction is another type of adversative function that authors use in academic writing to demonstrate the link between time and place. Authors use temporal conjunctions to juxtapose events as they happen in time. Temporal conjunctions in academic writing demonstrate the different positioning of different components in the text. For example, they are used to indicate the text’s introduction, main body, and conclusion. The primary purpose of temporal conjunctions is to make it clear to the readers what part comes first.

Moreover, it helps the reader to navigate through the text easily. Readers are better able to understand that the text is approaching the end. So, you should use temporal conjunctions precisely to denote the positioning of different sections in the text. Temporal conjunction gives cohesion to the text and strengthens the framework of academic writing. Here are some examples of temporal conjunctions:

• As
• After
• As soon as
• Firstly
• Secondly
• At first
• At once
• Before
• Finally
• Just
• Meanwhile
• Next
• Now
• Now that
• Since
• Then
• Until
• When
• Whenever
• While

How to use an adversative function in academic writing?

You can use an adversative function in academic writing to demonstrate a link between the ideas. Or when you have to add further information to what you stated in the previous sentence or paragraph. Moreover, you can also use the adversative function to compare arguments and indicate the ideas in the subsequent text. It is important to remember that the purpose of an adversative function is to create cohesion in the text. Many writers overuse adversative functions and their different types, which is not a good strategy. Adversative conjunctions should be used appropriately to preserve the cohesion and structure of the text.

Conclusion

Writing requires the employment of various language devices and grammatical vocabulary to enhance the readability of the text. Academic writing entails using connectives and conjunctions to increase the readability of the text. In this regard, adversative functions are important for academic writing. They make the text comprehensible to the readers and help them navigate through the text easily.