Text cohesion refers to the grammatical and lexical links within a text that make it feel connected and unified. Without cohesion, a text feels choppy and disconnected even if the ideas are logical. Understanding and applying cohesive devices, as outlined in the Cambridge Grammar reference, is a key skill assessed in IELTS Writing (Band 7+) and Cambridge CAE/CPE writing tasks.
What Is Text Cohesion?
Cohesion is the surface-level linguistic connection within a text: pronouns that refer back to nouns, words that replace earlier words, omitted words understood from context, and related vocabulary running through the text. It is different from coherence, which is the logical organisation of ideas. Good writing needs both.
Reference
Reference uses pronouns or demonstratives to link back (anaphoric) or forward (cataphoric) to a noun or idea already mentioned or yet to come:
- Personal pronouns: The scientist conducted the experiment. She recorded the results. (she = the scientist)
- Demonstratives: The government raised taxes. This decision was controversial. (this = the decision)
- Cataphoric reference: This is what happened: the pipe burst. (pointing forward)
Substitution
Substitution replaces a word or clause with a pro-form to avoid repetition:
- Nominal: Do you have a pen? Yes, I have one. (one = a pen)
- Verbal: She runs every day. So do I. (do = run every day)
- Clausal: Has she decided? I think so. (so = that she has decided)
Ellipsis
Ellipsis omits words because they are understood from context: They worked hard and [they] earned good results. A: Are you coming? B: Yes [I am coming]. It makes writing more economical and natural without loss of meaning.
Lexical Cohesion
Lexical cohesion creates unity through word choices: lexical chains (climate, temperature, emissions, warming — semantically related words), synonyms/near-synonyms (a child... the youngster... the minor), and collocations (heavy traffic, strong argument, rich vocabulary). Avoid excessive repetition of the same noun; vary with synonyms and pronouns.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong: The study was important. The study looked at poverty. The study found a link. (too much repetition — use reference/substitution)
- Wrong: The committee decided on a plan. These were controversial. Correct: The committee decided on a plan. This was controversial. (single noun → 'this' not 'these')
- Wrong: She finished the report. Then she sent this. Correct: She finished the report. Then she sent it. (pronoun, not demonstrative, for a single previously mentioned object)
Practice Exercises
Grammar Quiz
Identify the correct cohesive device in context passages.
Cloze Dropdown
Choose the correct reference word (this/it/they) in essays.
Complete the Sentence
Rewrite repetitive passages using appropriate cohesive devices.
Flash Cards
Learn the categories of cohesive devices and their functions.
Practice What You've Learned
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is text cohesion?
Text cohesion refers to the grammatical and lexical links within a text that make it feel connected and unified. These links include pronouns that refer back to nouns (reference), words that replace earlier words (substitution), omitted words understood from context (ellipsis), and related vocabulary that runs through the text (lexical chains). Without cohesion, a text feels choppy and disconnected even if the ideas are logical.
What is the difference between cohesion and coherence?
Cohesion refers to surface-level linguistic links (pronouns, repetition, connectors). Coherence refers to the underlying logical organisation of ideas — whether the text makes sense, has a clear argument, and progresses logically. A text can be cohesive (lots of pronouns and connectors) but incoherent (ideas don't follow logically). For good writing you need both: coherence in planning and cohesion in execution.
What are the main types of reference in English?
Personal pronouns (she/he/they/it/we) refer to people or things mentioned. Demonstratives (this/that/these/those) refer to nearby or previously mentioned items; 'this' for the immediately preceding item, 'these' for plural. Comparatives (more, better, another, such) create comparison-based links. Most reference is anaphoric (pointing backward). Cataphoric reference (pointing forward) is used for rhetorical effect.
What is substitution and how is it different from ellipsis?
Substitution replaces a word or clause with a pro-form: I'd like a coffee. Could I have one? (one = a coffee). Ellipsis omits words entirely because they are understood: A: Coming tonight? B: Yes [I am coming tonight]. In substitution, something takes the place of the original. In ellipsis, nothing takes its place — the gap is understood from context. Both avoid repetition, but substitution makes the reference more explicit.
What are lexical chains and why do they matter?
A lexical chain is a sequence of semantically related words running through a text: climate, temperature, emissions, greenhouse gases, warming, carbon. Lexical chains create thematic unity and signal what a text is about. Academic writers consciously use synonyms, hyponyms (specific examples of a category) and collocations to build cohesive lexical networks that carry meaning across long stretches of text.
When should I use 'this' vs 'it' to refer back to something?
'It' refers to a specific noun already mentioned: The meeting was held. It lasted two hours. (it = the meeting). 'This' refers to a whole idea, event, or concept just mentioned: The team failed to meet the deadline. This caused significant delays. (this = the whole situation). 'This' is more common when the reference is to a proposition or situation rather than a single countable noun.
What is anaphoric and cataphoric reference?
Anaphoric reference points backward to something already mentioned (the most common type): Maria entered the room. She looked worried. (she = Maria). Cataphoric reference points forward to something not yet mentioned: This is the key finding: the drug reduced mortality by 40%. (this = what follows). Cataphoric reference is used for rhetorical effect or to create suspense and anticipation.
How do pronouns create cohesion?
Pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition and create a chain of reference through a text. Each pronoun points back to its antecedent (the noun it replaces). Problems arise with ambiguous reference: John told Peter that he was wrong. (Who is 'he'?) In academic writing, use clear reference to avoid ambiguity. Where a pronoun could refer to multiple nouns, replace the pronoun with the noun for clarity.
How is text cohesion assessed in IELTS Writing?
IELTS Writing is scored on four criteria, including Cohesion and Coherence. Examiners look for: accurate use of reference (not repeating the same noun constantly), appropriate use of connectors (not overusing 'furthermore/moreover'), variety of cohesive devices (pronouns, synonyms, ellipsis), and clear paragraph organisation. Band 7+ requires 'manages cohesion well'; Band 8+ requires skilful and flexible use of cohesive devices.
What are the most common cohesion mistakes ESL writers make?
1) Overusing connectors: starting every sentence with 'Furthermore' or 'However' creates a mechanical effect. 2) Ambiguous pronoun reference: using 'it', 'they', or 'this' without a clear antecedent. 3) Repetition of the same noun in every sentence instead of using pronouns or synonyms. 4) Using 'these' to refer to a singular noun (This information → these informations is wrong; information is uncountable). 5) Mixing tenses between sentences, which breaks cohesion through inconsistency.