lesson on transitional words and phrases

1. Transitional words and
phrases
Paragraph coherence

2. Contents:
 Transition signals
 Paragraph coherence
 Clarity
 Compound Adjectives
 Write as much as is appropriate

3. Transition signals

4.  Transition signals are connecting words or phrases that
act like bridges between parts of your writing.
 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.

5. Three types of Transition signals
1. Sentence Connectors
2. Clause connectors
3. Others
- transition phrases
- conjunctive adverbs
- coordinating conjunctions
- subordinating conjunctions

6. 1. Sentence Connectors
(transition phrases & conjunctive adverbs)
Transition phrases:
 Appear in the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
 A coma is needed.
Example:
For example, the Baltic Sea (, for example) in Northern
Europe is only one-fourth as saline as the Rea Sea in the
Middle East (, for example).

7. Conjunction Adverbs:
 Often used with a semicolon and a comma to join two
independent clauses.
Examples:
In warm climate zones, water evaporates rapidly; therefore,
its net profit declined.
Some English words do not have exact equivalents in other
languages; for example, there is no German word for the
adjective fair, as in fair play.

8. Coordinating conjunctions:
 Used with a comma to join two independent clauses
and to form a compound sentence.
2. Clause Connectors
Examples:
In a matriarchy, the mother is the head of the family, and
all of the children belong to her clan.
In warm climate zones, water evaporates, so the
concentration of salt is greater.

9.  Yet and But an opposite idea is coming.
 Yet: preferred when the 2nd clause is an unexpected or
surprising contrast to the 1st clause.
 But: preferred when the 2 clauses are direct oppositions.
 Yet is similar in meaning to “nevertheless”.
 But is similar to “however”.
Yet and But:
Examples:
Thomas Edison dropped out of school at age 12, yet he
became a famous inventor.
I want to study art, but my parents want me to become an
engineer.

10. Subordinating conjunctions:
 Used to introduce a dependent clause, which is
joined to form a complex sentence.
 Position: use a comma if the DC comes before the IC;
do not use a comma if the DC comes after the IC.
Examples:
Although the company’s sale increased last year, its
net profit declined.
The company’s net profit declined last year although
its sales increased.

11.  Indicating transition:
additional (adj.); despite (prep.); examples (n.).
3. Others
Examples:
An additional reason for the firm’s bankruptcy was the lack of
competent management.
Examples of vocabulary differences between British and
American English include petrol/gasoline, windscreen/windshield,
and lorry/truck.
Despite increased sales, the company’s profit declined last
quarter.

12. Common Transition Signals

13. Meaning / function Sentence
connectors
Clause connectors Others
(adj, verb, prep)
Coordinators Subordinators
To introduce a
similar additional
idea
also
besides
furthermore
in addition
moreover
too
and
nor (and not)
another
an additional
To compare things also
likewise
similarly
too
and
both…and
not only…but also
neither…nor
as
just as
as…as
like/alike
just like
similar to
be alike
be similar
To introduce an
opposite idea,
and to contrast
things
however
in contrast
instead
in/by comparison
nevertheless
on the other hand
on the contrary
still
but
yet
although
even though
though
whereas
while
despite
in spite of
compared to/with
be different (from)
be dissimilar
be unlike
differ (from)

14. Meaning /
function
Sentence
connectors
Clause connectors Others
(adj, verb, prep)
Coordinators Subordinators
To introduce an
example
For example
For instance
In this case
such as
like
an example of
to demonstrate
take the case of
To emphasize In fact
To explain
and restate
Indeed (really, certainly)
That is
to introduce
an alternative
otherwise or If
unless

15. Meaning /
function
Sentence
connectors
Clause connectors Others
(adj, verb, prep)
Coordinators Subordinators
To indicate
time
thereafter
then
soon
at that time
at this point
Immediately
before, after
during
prior to
formerly
finally
Previously
To signal
chronological
order
first, second, then,
next…
first of all, now, soon
last, finally
meanwhile
gradually
after that
since then
after
as
as soon as
before
since
until
when
while
the first, the second
the next, the last, the
final
before lunch
after the war
since 1990
in the year 2008
(any time expression)

16. Meaning /
function
Sentence
connectors
Clause connectors Others
(adj, verb, prep)
Coordinators Subordinators
To indicate
order of
important
above all
first and foremost
more/most importantly/
significantly
primarily
a more important
the most important
the second most
significant
the primary
To introduce
a cause or
reason
consequently
therefore
for this purpose
for because
since
as
result from
be the result of
due to
because of
the effect of
the consequence of
as a result of
as a consequence of

17. Meaning /
function
Sentence
connectors
Clause connectors Others
(adj, verb, prep)Coordinators Subordinators
To
introduce
an effect or
result
Accordingly
As a result
As a consequence
Consequently
Hence, thus
Therefore
so result in
cause
have an effect on
affect
the cause of
the reason for
To conclude All in all
In brief
In conclusion
In short
In summary
In deed
accordingly
It is clear that…
We can see that…
The evidence
suggests that…
These examples
show that…

18. Sample text:
http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/trans1.html

19. Paragraph Coherence
 Coherence: how sentences hold together.
 A coherent paragraph does more than simply lay down the
facts -- it organizes them, creating a logical argument that
makes sense from idea to idea.
 Coherent paragraphs have a beginning, a middle, and an end.

20. 1. Repeating key nouns / key words
2. Using linking pronouns
3. Using transition signals
4. Applying logical order
Four ways to achieve coherence:

21. Example
 Limited investment in the housing sector makes it practically impossible
to allocate sufficient resources for urban dwellers' housing needs. A high
rate of urban population growth has increased the country's needs for
housing. A small group of city officials has laid out a new plan to combat
the crisis. A solution to the housing-shortage problem is a vital policy
issue here. The housing problem has grown in the last twenty years.
 Limited investment in the housing sector makes it practically impossible
to allocate sufficient resources for urban dwellers' housing needs. In fact,
the problem has grown in the last twenty years. Because a high rate of
urban population growth has increased the country's needs for housing,
a solution to the housing-shortage problem is a vital policy issue here. A
small group of city officials has laid out a new plan to combat the crisis.
weak
improved
Although related by topic (housing shortage), each sentence makes its
own separate point with no link to the sentences before or after. The result
is a group of related yet separate ideas instead of one coherent paragraph.
Each separate fact now flows into the next, creating a coherent whole.

22. Why is this paragraph less coherent?

23. (how many key nouns, pronouns are used?)
Repetition of key nouns

24. Use of consistent pronouns:
Avoid change of person or change of number.
(why is it inconsistent?)

25. Transition signals
Which paragraph is easier to understand?

26. Clarity
 Make sure every pronoun has a clear antecedent.

27. Examples:
Norden picked up the wrench, removed the nut,
and handed it to Robert.
Complaining angrily, John wrote it up and sent it to the
newspaper. (what is it?)
Norden picked up the wrench, removed the nut,
and handed the tool to Robert.
Angrily, John wrote up his complaint and sent it to the
newspaper.

28. Avoid the use of the indefinite it and they.
In the college handbook, it lists the holidays we get in the
winter quarter.
At DuPont, they provide very reasonable health insurance.
The college handbook lists the holidays we get in the
winter
quarter.
DuPont provides very reasonable health insurance.

29. Eliminate the vague it, they, is when, and
is where.
1. In Oregon, they have passed a law which encourages the
recycling of waste materials.
2. In the instruction manual, it explains how to operate an
chewing machine.
3. Inflation is when the dollar is worth less than previously.
4. At the Farmers’ Auction Block is where they have many
buyers of truck crops.
Oregon has passed a law which …
The instruction manual explains how to operate…
Inflation occurs when the dollar is ....
Many buyers of truck crops are at the Farmers’ Action Block.

30. practice
1. I went with Brad to Phil’s place because he wanted
company.
2. Peter spoke to the assistant, and he was very rude.
3. The division manger always favored Sam. This
angered the other employees.
4. John showed the news reporter how to take good
pictures, and his pictures turned out beautifully.
Because Brad wanted company, I went with him to Phil’s
place.
Peter spoke very rudely to the assistant.
This action angered…
the reporter’s pictures

31. 5. Gail hired the waitress, which was a wise move
on her part.
6. After the electrician installed new switches in the motors,
some of them did not work.
7. Plant three-food azalea in front of the seven-food
rhododendrons to make them stand out.
8. As the ferry boat approaches the tugboat, it blows a
warning.
Gail’s hiring of the waitress was a wise move on her part.
Gail hired the waitress. This move was wise on her part.
some of the switches did not work.
the rhododendrons (or the azaleas) stand out.
The ferry boat blows a warning as it approaches the tugboat.

32. Compound Adjectives
複合形容詞

33.  A single adjective made up of two or more words is called
a "compound adjective".
 The words in a compound adjective are linked together by
a hyphen (or hyphens) to show that they are part of the
same adjective.
 A compound adjective is a modifier of a noun. Compound
adjectives do not always have hyphens.
 They are hyphenated to avoid confusion.

34. Types of hyphenated compound adjectives
A:
1. Adjective + Noun (including comparatives and superlatives)
2. Numeric+ Noun (Singular)
3. Noun + Noun
(Adjectival phrases are often hyphenated to avoid confusion with nouns.)
A red-light district. A full-time employee. A high-level requirement.
A large-scale development. A shorter-term solution
A seven-year itch. A ten-storey building. A five-minute walk
A parent-teacher conference. Some food-web dependencies.
A crude-oil processing. An ice-cream shop

35. B:
1. Adjective + Adjective
2. Noun + Adjective
A dark-green dress.
A bitter-sweet memory.
A water-proof jacket.
A nation-wide campaign.
A duty-free shop.
A world-famous player.

36. C:
1. Adjective + Participle
2. Adverb + Participle
3. Noun + Participle
4. Numeric + Past Participle
5. Past Participle + Adverb
6. Past Participle + Preposition

37. 1. Adjective + Participle
(including comparatives and superlatives)
2. Adverb + Participle
An ugly-looking goose = A goose which looks ugly.
A snow-covered mountain = A mountain which is covered with snow.
An eye-catching girl = A girl who catches people’s eyes.
A never-ending story = A story which never ends.
A well-paid salary.
A well-respected teacher

38. 3. Noun + Participle
4. Numeric + Past Participle
5. Past Participle + Adverb
6. Past Participle + Preposition
An adventure-packed quest = A quest which is packed with adventures.
A home-made cookie.= The cookie was made at home.
A heart-broken story.
A fun-loving person.
A one-eyed bear.
A two-sided story
A laid-off worker = A work who is laid off.
A scaled-down operation.
An agreed-upon solution.

39. We should not place a hyphen in a compound adjective if
the adjectives are capitalized, such as when they are part
of a title.
•His book was entitled, "Gender Neutral Language in
English Usage," and it revolutionized the way people think
about sex roles.
•However: His book on gender-neutral language
revolutionized the way people think about sex roles.

40. practice
1.This is a dress which was made by hand.
This is a _________ dress.
2. It is a walk which takes just 7 minutes.
It is just a ___________ walk.
3. I like the house which was painted brown.
I like the ___________ house.
4. Can you see the star which is shining brightly?
Can you see the _____________ star.
5. This is a cake which is made carefully.
This is a ____________ cake.
brown-painted
carefully-made
seven-minute
hand-made
brightly-shining

41. Too Many Passive Sentences
 Because passive sentence are usually longer and harder
to read, using too many can make your writing slow and
uninteresting.
 Active sentences, on the other hand, are generally clearer,
more direct, and seem stronger.
 However, this does not mean you should stop using
passive sentences. Use passive sentences only when you
want to emphasize something important.

42. Suggestions about when to use passive
sentences:
1. When the action is more important than the doer:
The theater was opened last month.
New students are invited to meet the dean in Room 126.
2. When the receiver of the action is more important than the
doer:
Everyone was given a key to the gym.
The letters were faxed this morning.

43. 3. When the result of the action is more important than the
doer:
Our advice was followed by our clients.
The new computers were installed by the system staff.
4. When you don’t know the doer, don’t care, or don’t want
your reader to know:
A mistake was made, and all the scholarship application
files. This report was written at the last minute.
5. When you want to sound objective:
The pigeons were observed over a period of three weeks.
The subjects were divided into three groups.

44. Sentences that are too long or too short

45. (I). Too many long sentences:
The following sentence may be confusing to read because
of its length:
(Breaking the sentence into two can make your writing clearer and more
interesting.)
My favorite place to visit is my grandparents’ house near the
lake. We love to fish and swim there, and we often take the
boat out on the lake.
My favorite place to visit is my grandparents’ house near the
lake where we love to fish and swim, and we often take the
boat out on the lake.

46. (II). Sentences that are too short:
Too many short sentences often makes the writing sound
choppy:
I knew my friends would throw me a party. It was for my
birthday. There was something in the air. I felt it for a
whole week before that. I was nervous. I was also very
excited. I got home that night. My friends didn’t
disappoint me. I walked in my house. All my friends
yelled, “surprise!”
To improve the above paragraph, you should join some
of the short sentences using connectors.

47. Because it was my birthday, I knew my friends would
through me a party. There was something in the air for a
whole week before that. I was nervous but excited when
I got home that night. I wasn’t disappointed. When I
walked in my house, all my friends yelled, “Surprise!”
A good style often involves the combination of both
short and long sentences.

48. Write As Much As Is Appropriate
“The professional writer writes in plastic; the amateur writer
writes in concrete.”
this means that the professional works his sentences
over and over, knowing that the first version is seldom
the best.

49. One of the most common errors is using
unnecessary words.
What is the obvious problem of the following sentence?
“Many uneducated citizens who have never attended
school continue to vote for better schools.”

50. Other examples
Each and every employee will report in writing and complete
and turn in form number 402 by August 31 not later.
The employers cooperated together and endorsed a
confirmation of the important essentials of the concurring
agreement.
The employers cooperated and endorsed the essentials
of the agreement.
Each employee will complete and turn in form 402 by
August 31. (10 words saved)

51. 12 midnight midnight
3 am in the morning 3 am
a person who is honest an honest person
a total of 14 birds 14 birds
circle around circle
close proximity proximity
end result result
exactly the same the same
Important and basic essential
List of words/phrases that be made simpler:
Meaningless and Ineffective Usages

52. in spite of the fact that although
in the field of economics in economics
shorter/longer in length shorter/longer
small/large in size small/large
blue in color blue
square/round/rectangular in shape square/round/rectangular
summarize briefly summarize
surrounded on all sides surrounded
surrounding circumstances circumstances
there is no doubt but that no doubt
the future to come the future

53. and also and or also
basically, essentially,
totally
(try to avoid these words)
Due to the fact that due to, because
each every each or every
equally as (O) equally important
(O) as important as
(X) equally as important
Firstly, secondly, thirdly first, second, third
kind of or sort of somewhat, rather, slightly
lots or lots of many or much
plus and or moreover

54. a considerable amount of much
The reason why is because The reason is / because
on account of because
a number of several
referred to as called
In a number of cases some
has the capacity to can
It is clear that clearly
obviously apparent apparently
It is apparent that apparently
employ use
fabricate make

55. mix together mix
combine together combine
connect together connect
for the purpose of for….
to….
noticeable to the eye noticeable
Visible to the eye visible
Audible to the ear audible
Alone all by himself alone
during the winter months during winter
In the month of May In May
In the city of Detroit In Detroit

56. Past experience experience
Past history history
In the final analysis finally
Final conclusion conclusion
Whole entire entire
Might possible might
Here in this place here
Different variations variations
In this day and age today
Retrieve back retrieve
Return back return
Repeat again Repeat
Prior to the time that before

57. practice
1. The clerk reviewed the statement for the purpose of
checking for errors.
2. All the students must know the absolutely basic
fundamentals of grammar.
3. The politician tried to make his influence felt among the
citizens.
4. The bank teller asked the customer to endorse the check
on the back.
5. The governor’s assistant gave a speech on the subject
of the resources of Texas.
6. The patient was to take his medicine at regular intervals
of time.
influence
a speech on
fundamentals
checking
endorse the check
regularly

58.  Only →注意這個字在句子中的位置。
 當你要表達"He kicked that ball only ten
yards." 的意思時，切勿寫成"He only
kicked that ball ten yards."

59. Plague Words and Phrases

60. 1. “All things considered”:
All things considered, Connecticut's woodlands are in better
shape now than ever before.
2. “As a matter of fact”:
As a matter of fact, there are more woodlands in Connecticut
now than there were in 1898.
3. “At the present time”:
This is because there are fewer farmers at the present time.
Connecticut's woodlands are in better shape now than ever
before.
There are more woodlands in Connecticut now than
there were in 1898.
This is because there are fewer farmers now.

61. 4. “Because of the fact that”:
Woodlands have grown in area because of the fact that farmers
have abandoned their fields.
5. “Exists”:
The fear that exists among many people that we are losing our
woodlands is uncalled for.
6. “For the most part”:
For the most part, people's suspicions are based on a
misunderstanding of the facts.
Woodlands have grown in area because farmers have
abandoned their fields.
The fear among many people that we are losing our woodlands
is uncalled for.
People's suspicions are based on a misunderstanding of the
facts.

62. 7. “In my opinion”:
In my opinion, this wasteful policy ought to be revoked.
8. “In the case of”:
In the case of this particular policy, citizens of northeast Connecticut
became very upset.
9. “In the final analysis”:
In the final analysis, the state would have been better off without
such a policy.
10. “In the process of”:
Legislators are already in the process of reviewing the statutes.
This wasteful policy ought to be revoked.
Citizens of northeast Connecticut became very upset about his
policy.
The state would have been better off without such a policy.
Legislators are already reviewing the statutes.

63. 11. “It seems that”:
It seems that they can't wait to get rid of this one.
12. “The point I am trying to make”:
The point I am trying to make is that sometimes public policy
doesn't accomplish what it set out to achieve.
13. “Type of”:
Legislators need to be more careful of the type of policy they
propose.
They can't wait to get rid of this one.
Sometimes public policy doesn't accomplish what it set
out to achieve.
Legislators need to be more careful of the policy they
propose.

64. Web links
 http://www.englishpage.com/prepositions/phrasaldictiona
ry.html (Phrasal Verb Dictionary)
 http://valenciaenglish.netfirms.com/phrasals00.htm
(Phrasal verb introduction)
 http://www.englishdaily626.com/c-mistakes.php
(common mistakes)
 http://www.cybertranslator.idv.tw/grammar/phrasalverbs.
htm (common Phrasal Verbs )

65.  http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ (普渡大學寫作中心)
 http://www.chineseowl.idv.tw/html/c_new.htm
(The Chinese online writing lab – 柯泰德 Ted Knoy)
 http://blog.udn.com/trjason
(廖柏森 英語與翻譯教學 )
 http://www.cybertranslator.idv.tw/grammar/grammar.htm
(文法寫作指南)
 http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/tsw/esl-link.htm
(Common writing problems)