Signal Words

1. Speaking and Writing
SIGNAL
WORDS

2. OBJECTIVES
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⊳ To be able to identify what are signal words.
⊳ To be able to recognize the different signal words used in speaking
and writing.
⊳ To be able to use and determine the different signal words used in a
sentence.

3. Introduction
The word ‘signal’ is a noun formation of the verb ‘sign’
with the addition of a derivational morpheme or a noun forming
suffix ‘al’. Signs show direction or guide just like a signpost or
signboard. So signal words are not different. They are words that
show the reader, the direction of the writer or speaker’s thought.
They also indicate the course of events in a text. It is also refer to
‘signpost’ or ‘road sign’ words. They are structural key words that
signal the connection between ideas. They are clue words that
determine direction the writer expects the reader to follow.
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4. Introduction
It is also refer to signal words as Transition words, Transitional Adverbs
and Sentence Connectors. Transition words assist the reader to move from one
idea of the writer or speaker to another and they connect these ideas. They
enhance coherence within a text. In addition to the role of ensuring coherent
relationships within a text, transition words introduce certain shifts, contrasts
or oppositions.
We make use of them in depicting agreement, similarity or addition.
Signal or Transition words add information, reinforce ideas and express
agreement with preceding material. They express cause, purpose, condition,
emphasis, support, illustration, effect, result, consequence, etc. 4

5. Hello!
I am Jovey
I am your discussant on the topic Speaking and Writing on Signal Words
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6. Speaking and Writing
SIGNAL WORDS

7. • Transitions or signal words help you, the reader,
follow the direction of a writer’s thought. They are
like signposts on the road that guide the traveller.
Look at the following sentences:
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8. EMPHASIS WORDS
⊳ Among the most valuable signals for you to know are
emphasis words, through which the writer tells you
directly that a particular idea or detail is especially
important.
in fact, yes, no, indeed
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9. COMPARISON OR CONTRAST WORDS
Comparison words signal that the author is pointing out a similarity between
two subjects. They tell you that the second idea is like the first one in some
way.
Like likewise just like
Equally in like manner in the same way alike
Similarity similarly just as as in a
similar fashion
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10. COMPARISON OR CONTRAST WORDS
Contrast words signal a change in the direction of the writer’s thought. They tell
you that the author is pointing out a difference between two subjects or
statements.
But however in contrast yet
Differ difference variation still
on the contrary conversely otherwise on the other hand
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11. ILLUSTRATION WORDS
Illustration words tell you that an example or illustration will be
given to make an idea clear. Such words are typically used in
textbooks that present a number of definitions and examples of
those definitions. Look over the following illustration words.
for example to illustrate specifically
once for instance
such as
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12. CAUSE-AND-EFFECT WORDS
Cause-and-effect words signal that the author is going to describe
results or effects.
Because therefore so that cause
Reason effect thus consequently
Since as a result if . . . then result in
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