Transitional words and phrases - Skidmore College
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Transitional words and phrases
As a "part of speech," transitional words are used to link words, phrases, or sentences. They help the reader to progress from one idea (expressed by the author) to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent relationships within the text.
Transitional Words
English transitional words and phrases are essential, since they not only connect ideas, but also can introduce a certain shift, contrast or opposition, emphasis or agreement, purpose, or result or conclusion, in the line of argument. (The transitional words and phrases below have been assigned only once to somewhat artificial categories, although some words belong to more than one category.)
Agreement / Addition / Similarity The transitional words like also, in addition, and likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material.
in the first place as a matter of fact
in addition in the same fashion / way
in the light of to say nothing of
equally identically moreover together with likewise correspondingly furthermore
not only ... but also in like manner coupled with
first, second, third not to mention
equally important by the same token
uniquely as well as of course comparatively similarly additionally
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Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction
Transitional phrases like but, rather, and or, express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out alternatives, and thus introduce a change in the line of reasoning (contrast).
although this may be true different from
on the other hand at the same time even so / though
then again in reality
unlike (and) yet
albeit as much as although whereas conversely nevertheless regardless however
in contrast of course ..., but on the contrary
in spite of be that as it may
above all after all (and) still while besides even though instead despite otherwise nonetheless notwithstanding rather
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Cause / Condition / Purpose These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions.
in the event that as / so long as
for the purpose of with this in mind to the end that
in order to in view of
unless while since provided that only / even if so as to inasmuch as
granted (that) on (the) condition (that)
with this intention in the hope that for fear that
seeing / being that If ..., then whenever because of in case given that so that owing to
due to / thanks to
Examples / Support / Emphasis
These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples as support, to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.
in other words for one thing in this case to put it another way with attention to important to realize
to put it differently as an illustration for this reason that is to say by all means another key point
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first thing to remember must be remembered
to point out with this in mind
notably to be sure
chiefly indeed surely such as explicitly expressly particularly in general in detail for instance to emphasize to clarify to enumerate
most compelling evidence point often overlooked on the positive side on the negative side including namely truly certainly markedly especially specifically surprisingly in fact in particular for example to demonstrate to repeat to explain significantly
Effect / Consequence / Result
Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect.
as a result in that case because the consequently
under those circumstances for this reason hence therefore
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thereupon accordingly
in effect
forthwith henceforth
thus
Conclusion / Summary / Restatement
These transitional words and phrases conclude, summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final general statement. Also, some words (like therefore) from the Effect / Consequence category can be used to summarize.
as can be seen in the final analysis
as shown above given these points
in a word after all in summary in short in essence on balance overall usually to sum up in any event all in all ultimately
generally speaking all things considered
in the long run as has been noted for the most part
in fact in conclusion
in brief to summarize
altogether ordinarily by and large on the whole in either case obviously definitely
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Time / Chronology / Sequence
These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions.
at the present time sooner or later
up to the present time in due time as long as in a moment
in the first place at this instant formerly eventually prior to
from time to time at the same time
to begin with as soon as
in the meantime without delay all of a sudden first, second henceforth meanwhile presently
Many transitional words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.
Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further, they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples.
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Based on: List of Transitional Words
Usage of Transition Words in Essays Transitional words and phrases are vital devices for essays, papers or other literary compositions. They improve the connections and transitions between sentences and paragraphs. They thus give the text a logical organization and structure. All English transitional words and phrases (sometimes also called 'conjunctive adverbs') do the same work as coordinating conjunctions: they connect two words, phrases, or clauses together and, thus, the text is easier to read and the coherence is improved. 7
Based on: Usage: Transitional words are used with a special rule for punctuation: a semicolon or a period is used after the first 'sentence,' and a comma is almost always used to set off the transition word from the second 'sentence.' Example 1: People use 43 muscles when they frown; however, they use only 28 muscles when they smile. Example 2: However, transitional words can also be placed at the beginning of a new paragraph or sentence - not only to indicate a step forward in the reasoning, but also to relate the new material to the preceding thoughts. Use a semicolon to connect sentences, only if the group of words on either side of the semicolon is a complete sentence (both must have a subject and a verb, and could thus stand alone as a complete thought).
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