Transition Phrases.docx - El Camino College



Transition Phrases

Transition Phrases, or signal words, help you, the reader, follow the direction of a writer’s thought. They are like signposts on the road that guide the traveler. Below are lists of common signal words you might come across in your readings. Use these to help you navigate your texts to determine what the author is trying to convey.

Example words tell us that a writer will provide one or more examples to make a given idea clear. Here are some common example words:

|(for) example |(for) instance |to illustrate |

|including |such as |once |

Comparison words let the reader know that the author is pointing out a similarity between two subjects. Here are some common comparison words:

|like |in the same way |similarly |likewise |

|equally |alike |just as |just |

|in like manner |similarity |as in a similar fashion |same |

Contrast words signal that a writer is pointing out differences between subjects. Here are some common words that show contrast:

|but |instead |still |difference |

|yet |in contrast |as opposed to |different(ly) |

|however |on the other hand |in spite of |differs from |

|although |on the contrary |despite |unlike |

|nevertheless |even though |rather than |while |

Cause and effect words show that the writer is discussing one or more reasons or results. Here are some common cause and effect words:

|therefore |so |because (of) |thus |

|(as a) result |effect |(as a) consequence |results in |

|cause |explanation |consequently |lead to |

|affect |due to |since |reason |

Emphasis words are where the writer tells you directly that a particular idea or detail is especially important. Here are some common emphasis words:

|important to note |the most substantial issue |a vital force |most of all |

|remember that |above all |a significant factor |a major event |

|a central issue |a primary concern |the chief outcome |a distinctive quality |

|a key feature |the principal item |especially relevant |the main value |

|pay particular attention to |should be noted |especially valuable |the chief factor |

Addition words tell you that the writer’s thought is going to continue in the same direction. S/he is going to add on more points or details of the same kind. Here are some common addition words:

|also |first |furthermore |likewise |

|and |another |first of all |in addition |

|moreover |second |finally |for one thing |

|last of all |next |the third reason |similarly |

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