2. TRANSITIONAL
SIGNALS
Transition signals are connecting
words or phrases that act like
bridges between parts of your
writing. They link your sentences
and paragraphs together smoothly
so that there are no abrupt jumps or
breaks between ideas.
3. Transition signals act like signposts to
indicate to the reader the order and flow of
your writing and ideas. They strengthen
the internal cohesion of your writing.
Using transitions makes it easier for the
reader to follow your ideas. They help
carry over a thought from one sentence to
another, from one paragraph to another,
or from one idea to another.
4. The following words and phrases can
be used to indicate transitions and to
cur your reader about how ideas are
logically connected in your writing.
To introduce an example:
Especially
Specifically
Frequently
In this case
To demonstrate
Etc.
5. To show To introduce an
agreement: additional idea:
Of course Also
Certainly And
Admittedly And then
It is true that Besides
No doubt As well as
Etc. Nor
Finnaly
Again
Etc.
6. To indicate To indicate time:
sequence or Earlier
order, or logically Previously
divide an idea:
Afterwards
After
at this point
Before
Formerly
Finally
Soon
In this time
Later
Last
To this day
Next
Then
Second
During
Meanwhile
Etc.
Etc
7. To compare: To contrast:
By comparison And
Like However
While Notwithstanding
Balanced against Conversely
Likewise On the other hand
Just like Yet
Similarly But
Etc. Unlike
Etc.
8. To show cause and To summarise or
effect: conclude:
and so In conclusion
Consequently Therefore
Therefore As shown
As a consequence Finally
For this reason Summing up
As a result To conclude
Etc. On the whole
Etc.
9. Different transition signals do different things.
1. Some are used to indicate sequence or order, such are
"before that," "along with it" and "in the meantime."
2. Some are used to introduce an example, such as "for
instance," "to illustrate" and "take the case of."
3. Some are used to indicate time, such as "immediately,"
"prior to" and "at that time."
4. Some are used to logically divide an idea, such as
"initially“ and "lastly."
5. Some are used to compare and contrast ideas, such as
"in contrast," "on the other hand" and "by comparison."
6. Some introduce additional ideas and information, such
as "in addition," "furthermore" and "more than that."
7. Some introduce an opposing idea, such as "on the
other hand," "in spite of" and "even though."
8. Some are used to give an example, such as "to
illustrate," "for example" and "in this case."
9. Some are used to summarize, such as "on the whole,"
"in summary" and "to sum things up.
10. Below is an example of how
using transitional words and
phrases can improve the quality
of a piece of writing. Note how
the ideas flow more smoothly,
and the logical relationships
between the ideas expressed
are clearer in the second
paragraph.
11. It is true that nothing is known about Adrian’s birth, but
we know that, during his early years, he was raised by
hedgehogs in Birmingham, England. This
upbringingwould have a lasting effect on him; for
example, Adrian is a nocturnal creature who has been
known to curl himself into a ball on occasion. In
addition, the diet on which Adrian likely subsisted when
he was young, namely insects, left him with a phobia for
anything with more than four legs.
Nevertheless, Adrian was able to lead a relatively
normal life after Mr. and Mrs Smith rescued him from
the Birmingham hedgehogs. The Smiths set about
teaching Adrian how to behave in the world of humans.
First, they taught him to speak English. Second, they
taught him to read. Finally, they sent him to a school for
the Arts. Adrian quickly became a talented guitar
player, and he decided As a result, that if he could not
be a professional musician, he would curl himself into a
ball forever. Ultimately, Adrian met some fellow
musicians who, in comparison, were as talented as
he, and they soon formed a band that became a huge
success.
