Allison Schroll's "Transitional Devices"
You have already seen many examples of transitions that signal different types of relationships between ideas. This resource provides a list of transitional words and expressions to signal the following types of logical relationships:
- addition
- cause and effect
- comparison
- concession
- contrast
- special features or examples
- summary
- time relationships
Before following the link, test your knowledge of transitions by writing down as many transitional words and phrases as you can think of for each of the logical relationships in the list above. When you have done so, follow the link to see some more examples. Make note of any transitional words or phrases that are new to you.
Transitional Devices
Following is a list of many of the common transitional words and phrases that are used to show logical relationships in the English language:
To indicate addition:
Again, also, and, and then, besides, equally important, finally, first further, furthermore, in addition, last, likewise, moreover, second, third, too.
To indicate cause and effect:
Accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence, in short, otherwise, then therefore, thus, truly.
To indicate comparison:
In a like manner, likewise, similarly.
To indicate concession:
After all, although this may be true, at the same time, even though, I admit, naturally, of course.
To indicate contrast:
After all, although true, and yet, at the same time, but, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, yet.
To indicate special features or examples:
For example, for instance, incidentally, indeed, in fact, in other words, in particular, specifically, that is, to illustrate.
To indicate summary:
In brief, in conclusion, in short, on the whole, to conclude, to summarize, to sum up.
To indicate time relations:
After a short time, afterwards, as long as, as soon as, at last, at length, at that time, at the same time, before, earlier, of late, immediately, in the meantime, lately, later, meanwhile, presently, shortly, since, soon, temporarily, thereafter, thereupon, until, when, while.
To indicate addition:
Again, also, and, and then, besides, equally important, finally, first further, furthermore, in addition, last, likewise, moreover, second, third, too.
To indicate cause and effect:
Accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence, in short, otherwise, then therefore, thus, truly.
To indicate comparison:
In a like manner, likewise, similarly.
To indicate concession:
After all, although this may be true, at the same time, even though, I admit, naturally, of course.
To indicate contrast:
After all, although true, and yet, at the same time, but, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, yet.
To indicate special features or examples:
For example, for instance, incidentally, indeed, in fact, in other words, in particular, specifically, that is, to illustrate.
To indicate summary:
In brief, in conclusion, in short, on the whole, to conclude, to summarize, to sum up.
To indicate time relations:
After a short time, afterwards, as long as, as soon as, at last, at length, at that time, at the same time, before, earlier, of late, immediately, in the meantime, lately, later, meanwhile, presently, shortly, since, soon, temporarily, thereafter, thereupon, until, when, while.
Last modified: Tuesday, February 14, 2017, 5:04 PM