Why use transitional words and phrases?

Transitional words and phrases (e.g. however, or, finally, before) contribute to the unity (cohesiveness) of a text. Indeed, without these words or phrases, a text will most likely seem disorganized and will often be difficult to understand. When used they provide greater organization within a text and lead to greater understanding and enjoyment on the part of the reader.

Grammatically, such words and phrases fall under a number of categories:

• Conjunctions: but, provided, and, although

• Prepositional phrases: in addition to, in conclusion

• Adverbs: also, however, nevertheless

Transitional words and phrases can be placed in various places in a text. This might be:

• between paragraphs

• between sentences

• between sentence parts

• within sentence parts

For example, you could write:

Mexican immigration has recently been the subject of much discussion within US political circles. However, most ordinary Americans know little of this burning issue.

The word 'however' contributes to greater unity or cohesion between sentences.

Or you could write:

Mexican immigration has recently been the subject of much discussion within US political circles but most ordinary Americans know little of this burning issue.

The word 'but' contributes to greater cohesion within a sentence.

Different functions of transitional words and phrases

Functions

Each transitional word or phrase can be given a different function, for example:

Time: then, now, first, second, next, before, after, today, tomorrow, at that point, subsequently, eventually, in the past, in the future

Sequence: at first, secondly, thirdly, to begin with, at the same time, the next step, later on, next, then, simultaneously, in conclusion

Many transitional words or phrases express a logical connection between elements in a text. For this reason they are often referred to as 'logical connectors', for example:

Addition: and, also, then, besides, furthermore, in addition, additionally, moreover, again

Contrast and comparison: conversely, not only…but also, nevertheless, by the same token, likewise, on the one hand, on the other hand, similarly

Purpose: in order to, so that, to this end, for this purpose, for that reason

Consequence: accordingly, as a result, as a consequence, hence, so so then, therefore, thus

Summarizing or concluding: all things considered, briefly, in conclusion, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, to sum up, finally

Reason: because, due to the fact that, for, since, on account of

Generalizing: as a rule, for the most part, generally speaking, usually

Restatement: in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, to put it differently

Emphasising: obviously, in fact, indeed, absolutely, positively, surprisingly, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, in particular, especially

Illustration: for example, e.g., for instance, that is, specifically, in particular, for one thing, an instance of this

Note that some words can have more than one function given to them (e.g. then).

Transitional Phrases

Transitional words and phrases keep the reader “on track.” They keep the reader understand the relationship between one idea or statement and subsequent ones.

 

1. Adding ideas: besides for example (e.g.) for instance furthermore in addition in fact indeed likewise moreover once more similarly that is (i.e.) then, too 2. As expected: as a matter of fact for that matter it follows that naturally obviously of course surely to be sure 3. Cause and effect: accordingly and so and that’s why as a consequence as a result as might be expected consequently for this reason hence since then therefore thus 4. Contrast: at the same time conversely despite however in spite of nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding not at all on the contrary on the other hand still unlike yet 5. Concession: although but of course certainly doubtless granted that of course though to be sure to doubt that whereas

6. Degrees of certainty: anyhow anyway certainly doubtless in all likelihood in all probability in any case indeed perhaps possibly probably surely 7. Qualification: especially frequently if in case in general in particular inasmuch lest occasionally particularly provided that specifically unless 8. Repetition: as noted as noted earlier as we have seen besides in any case in fact in other words indeed to put it another way to repeat 9. Summary: all in all finally in a word in brief in conclusion in short in summary in summation on the whole therefore to conclude to make a long story short to sum it up to summarize