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 onlybut 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

1 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 organisation 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.

Common Transitional Words and Phrases

1. To give examples: for example, for instance, such as, specifically

2. To show cause and effect: therefore, hence, thus, as a result, resulting in, so, consequently

3. To contrast: nevertheless, however, but, on the other hand, in contrast, on the contrary, conversely, at the same time, still, although, even though, despite, in spite of 4. To show similarity: likewise, similarly, just as, equally

5. To concede: although, even though, of course, granted, while

6. To elaborate: in addition, additionally, moreover, also, furthermore

7. To emphasize: more importantly, most importantly, chiefly, indeed, in fact, primarily, no doubt

8. To restate: again, in other words, in effect, that is, in short

9. To indicate time: last, at last, eventually, before, after, afterwards, finally, during, then, when, as

10. To indicate place: to the right, to the left, in the background, in the foreground, in the distance

11.

To conclude: thus, finally, in the end