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Transitional words or phrases are used in speech and in writing to link parts of
a sentence. They create flow between adjacent sentences, create an
emphasis, or clarify meaning. These links offer some transitions for what the
writer/speaker is trying to convey.
Comparison
Contrast
Cause
Effect
Clarification
Qualification
Addition
Time
Purpose
Comparison
1. Similarly
2. Likewise
These and similar phrases are typically used at the start of the sentence to
improve flow and indicate agreement between statements.
Example:
Smith (1999) was of the view that the Stroop Test provided reliable
results. Similarly (Likewise), Jones (2004) opined that this approach could
serve as a reliable indicator of language acquisition.
Contrast
1. Nonetheless
2. However
3. On the other hand
4. In contrast
5. Conversely
Use the words above typically at the start of a sentence to emphasize that
what follows contrasts with the preceding statement.
Example:
Cause
1. Since
2. Because
3. For that reason
Again, use these phrases at the start of the sentence to indicate that one is a
condition (cause) for the other.
Examples:
Since he was late for class, he had less time to do the test.
He was late for class; for that reason, he had less time to do the test.
Effect
1. Thus
2. Therefore
3. Hence
4. Consequently
5. Accordingly
The examples above indicate a relationship between adjacent statements, as
shown in the examples below.
Clarification
1. Put differently
2. In sum
3. In other words
4. That is to say
These phrases are used to paraphrase or summarize what has been stated in
the preceding sentence, as shown below.
The authors reported a positive correlation between the duration of the study
and English proficiency. Put differently (In other words, That is to say), the
longer the participants studied English, the better their performance on
proficiency tests.
Transition Words
Qualification
1. Frequently
2. Although
3. Probably
4. Likely
5. Never
Unlike the examples above, these words are typically used within a single
sentence to add further explanation, as shown below.
1. Furthermore
2. In addition
3. Moreover
4. Further
This form is useful when providing descriptions for which lists are not
appropriate, as they are either too long or comprised of complete sentences.
Time
1. Meanwhile
2. In the meantime
3. While
4. During
5. Simultaneously
6. Immediately
7. After
8. Never
9. Concurrently
The list above provides only a small subset of examples, but it demonstrates
that these phrases are used to indicate the timing of events shown by
adjacent sentences.
Purpose
1. In order to
2. So that
3. For that purpose
4. To that end
As implied by the wording of these phrases, use these at the start of the
second statement to explain why something was done.
She passed her driving test to be able to apply for a new job.
She passed her driving test so that she could apply for a new job.