Transitional Words and Phrases

1. Why do we 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.

2. Different functions of transitional words and phrases

2.1 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 ).