Definition / Explanation
Cohesion is the way sentences connect into a clear, flowing text. One important tool is reference, where words such as this, that, such, and so point back to earlier ideas instead of repeating them. These words can refer to a noun, a whole clause, or an entire situation. Advanced learners need to control reference carefully so that the reader always knows what the word points to. Good referencing makes writing efficient and elegant; unclear referencing makes it vague.
Key Rules
- Use this / that to refer back to an idea, event, or situation: This was unexpected.
- Use such before a noun phrase to classify or emphasise a type: such behaviour, such a response.
- Use so in patterns like do so, say so, think so, and so + adjective / adverb.
- Make sure the reference is clear. If two or more possible meanings exist, repeat the noun or rewrite the sentence.
- In formal writing, explicit reference often improves cohesion more than simple repetition.
Examples
- The plan failed. This was predictable.
- He said he'd help, and so he did.
- We had never seen such confusion before.
- The proposal was rejected. That surprised everyone.
- They expected delays, and rightly so.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ The company rejected the plan, and this upset it. -> ✅ The company rejected the plan, and this decision upset the team.
- ❌ He said he was tired, and such went home. -> ✅ He said he was tired, and so he went home.
- ❌ We had never seen so confusion before. -> ✅ We had never seen such confusion before.