Academic / C1

koh-HEERR-uh-nt/kəʊˈhɪərənt/

Coherent describes writing or speech that hangs together: the parts follow logically and the reader can track the whole. Native markers use it for argument and explanation, not only for “easy to understand.” Clear is simpler; cohesive is more about how sentences link with connectors. An incoherent draft jumps, repeats, or contradicts itself.

Meaning

Clear, logical, and well organised.

Examples

• “She gave a coherent explanation of the problem.”
• “The report is detailed but not coherent.”
• “After the shock he could barely give a coherent account.”

Good to know

coherent = logical as a whole. cohesive = well linked. Opposite: incoherent.

Near in meaning

logical

Topics

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