{"id":155,"date":"2018-09-14T15:30:20","date_gmt":"2018-09-14T19:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/technicalwriting2ed\/chapter\/appendixd-transitionalwords\/"},"modified":"2026-03-04T13:06:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T18:06:59","slug":"appendixd-transitionalwords","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/technicalwriting2ed\/chapter\/appendixd-transitionalwords\/","title":{"raw":"Appendix D: Transitional Words and Phrases for University Writing","rendered":"Appendix D: Transitional Words and Phrases for University Writing"},"content":{"raw":"In previous English classes, you may have learned the basic transitional words or phrases in Table D.1<\/strong>. These can be effective when writing simple information in a structure where you simply add one idea after another, or want to show the order of events.\r\n\r\n\r\n
TABLE D.1 Basic beginner-level transitions<\/caption>\r\n
first\r\n\r\nsecond\r\n\r\nthird\r\n\r\nlast\r\n\r\nmoreover<\/td>\r\nfirstly\r\n\r\nsecondly\r\n\r\nthirdly\r\n\r\nlast but not least,\r\n\r\nfurthermore<\/td>\r\nfirst of all\r\n\r\nnext\r\n\r\nthen\r\n\r\nfinally\r\n\r\nbesides<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nHowever, more complex university-level writing requires more sophisticated transitions. It requires you to connect ideas in ways that show the logic of why<\/strong><\/em> one idea comes after another in a complex argument or analysis. For example, you might be\r\n
    \r\n \t
  • comparing\/contrasting ideas<\/li>\r\n \t
  • showing a cause and effect relationship<\/li>\r\n \t
  • providing detailed examples to illustrate an idea<\/li>\r\n \t
  • presenting a conclusion to an argument.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWhen expressing these complex ideas, the simple transitions above will not always be effective \u2013 indeed, they may even confuse the reader.\r\n\r\nConsider the transitions in Table D.2,<\/strong> and how they are categorized. While this is not an exhaustive list, it will gives you a sense of the many transitional words and phrases that you can choose from, and help you choose the one that most effectively conveys your meaning.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    TABLE D.2 Sophisticated university-level transitions<\/caption>\r\n
    Addition<\/strong><\/th>\r\nComparison<\/strong><\/th>\r\nContrast<\/strong><\/th>\r\nCause and Effect<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    also\r\n\r\nand\r\n\r\nin addition\r\n\r\nin fact\r\n\r\nindeed\r\n\r\nso too\r\n\r\nas well as\r\n\r\nfurthermore\r\n\r\nmoreover<\/td>\r\nalong the same lines\r\n\r\nin the same way\r\n\r\nsimilarly\r\n\r\nlikewise\r\n\r\nlike<\/td>\r\nalthough\r\n\r\nbut\r\n\r\nin contrast\r\n\r\nconversely\r\n\r\ndespite\r\n\r\neven though\r\n\r\nhowever\r\n\r\nnevertheless\r\n\r\nwhereas\r\n\r\nyet\r\n\r\nwhile\r\n\r\non the other hand<\/td>\r\naccordingly\r\n\r\nas a result\r\n\r\nconsequently\r\n\r\nhence\r\n\r\nit follows, then\r\n\r\nsince\r\n\r\nso\r\n\r\nthen\r\n\r\ntherefore\r\n\r\nthus<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Conclusion<\/strong><\/th>\r\nExample<\/strong><\/th>\r\nConcession<\/strong><\/th>\r\nElaboration<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    as a result\r\n\r\nconsequently\r\n\r\nhence\r\n\r\nin conclusion\r\n\r\nin short\r\n\r\nin sum\r\n\r\nit follow, then\r\n\r\nso\r\n\r\ntherefore\r\n\r\nthus<\/td>\r\nas an illustration\r\n\r\nconsider\r\n\r\nfor example\r\n\r\nfor instance\r\n\r\nspecifically\r\n\r\na case in point<\/td>\r\nadmittedly\r\n\r\ngranted\r\n\r\nof course\r\n\r\nnaturally\r\n\r\nto be sure\r\n\r\nconceding that\r\n\r\nalthough it is true that\u2026<\/td>\r\nby extension\r\n\r\nin short\r\n\r\nthat is to say\r\n\r\nin other words\r\n\r\nto put it another way\r\n\r\nto put it bluntly\r\n\r\nto put it succinctly\r\n\r\nultimately<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nTransitional words and phrases<\/strong> show the connection between ideas, and show how one idea relates to and builds upon another. They help create coherence<\/strong>. When transitions are missing or inappropriate, the reader has a hard time following the logic and development of ideas. The most effective transitions are sometimes invisible; they rely on the vocabulary and logic of your sentence to allow the reader to \u201cconnect the dots\u201d and see the logical flow of your discussion.\r\n
    Common Transitional Strategies to Link Ideas<\/header>\r\n
    \r\n
      \r\n \t
    • Repeat a word or phrase from the previous sentence (or use a synonym, related word, or antonym) to show that the same idea is still being discussed, but is being developed further<\/li>\r\n \t
    • Use the pronoun \u201cthis + noun\u201d to show continued discussion of the idea<\/li>\r\n \t
    • Use one of the above transitional words or phrases to show how<\/strong><\/em> you are developing your idea. Are you showing contrast? Are you using an example to develop your idea? Are you explaining a cause and effect relationship? Are you concluding? Are you conceding a point?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n

      Exercise D-1:\u00a0<\/strong> Place the transitional words below the paragraph into the blanks where they work most logically into the paragraphs. <\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n

      \r\n

      Exercise 1<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nA vegan can be defined as someone who does not eat meat, fish, or other animal products, such as eggs or cheese; ________, he or she eats vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds.\u00a0 __________ this diet consists of non-meat food sources, a vegan typically consumes less fat and cholesterol than an individual who consumes meat.\u00a0\u00a0 __________, raising animals for food uses valuable land, water, and energy.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 __________, adopting a vegetarian diet helps conserve the valuable resources that our future depends on.\r\n
        \r\n \t
      • Consequently<\/li>\r\n \t
      • Because<\/li>\r\n \t
      • Furthermore<\/li>\r\n \t
      • Instead<\/li>\r\n \t
      • For example<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

        Exercise 2<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n__________ many educators and parents have praised the Harry Potter<\/em> series, some Christian parents have called for a ban on the books in their schools and libraries.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Some churches have even gone as far as burning the books, citing biblical injunctions against witchcraft, __________ those in Exodus<\/em> and Leviticus<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 __________, some Christians believe the books are compatible with Christianity, __________, that they embody basic Christian beliefs.\r\n
          \r\n \t
        • However<\/li>\r\n \t
        • Although<\/li>\r\n \t
        • In addition<\/li>\r\n \t
        • Such as<\/li>\r\n \t
        • Indeed<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n ","rendered":"

          In previous English classes, you may have learned the basic transitional words or phrases in Table D.1<\/strong>. These can be effective when writing simple information in a structure where you simply add one idea after another, or want to show the order of events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
          TABLE D.1 Basic beginner-level transitions<\/caption>\n
          first<\/p>\n

          second<\/p>\n

          third<\/p>\n

          last<\/p>\n

          moreover<\/td>\n

          		firstly<\/p>\n

          secondly<\/p>\n

          thirdly<\/p>\n

          last but not least,<\/p>\n

          furthermore<\/td>\n

          		first of all<\/p>\n

          next<\/p>\n

          then<\/p>\n

          finally<\/p>\n

          besides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

          However, more complex university-level writing requires more sophisticated transitions. It requires you to connect ideas in ways that show the logic of why<\/strong><\/em> one idea comes after another in a complex argument or analysis. For example, you might be<\/p>\n

            \n
          • comparing\/contrasting ideas<\/li>\n
          • showing a cause and effect relationship<\/li>\n
          • providing detailed examples to illustrate an idea<\/li>\n
          • presenting a conclusion to an argument.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            When expressing these complex ideas, the simple transitions above will not always be effective \u2013 indeed, they may even confuse the reader.<\/p>\n

            Consider the transitions in Table D.2,<\/strong> and how they are categorized. While this is not an exhaustive list, it will gives you a sense of the many transitional words and phrases that you can choose from, and help you choose the one that most effectively conveys your meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
            TABLE D.2 Sophisticated university-level transitions<\/caption>\n
            Addition<\/strong><\/th>\nComparison<\/strong><\/th>\nContrast<\/strong><\/th>\nCause and Effect<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
            also<\/p>\n

            and<\/p>\n

            in addition<\/p>\n

            in fact<\/p>\n

            indeed<\/p>\n

            so too<\/p>\n

            as well as<\/p>\n

            furthermore<\/p>\n

            moreover<\/td>\n

            		along the same lines<\/p>\n

            in the same way<\/p>\n

            similarly<\/p>\n

            likewise<\/p>\n

            like<\/td>\n

            		although<\/p>\n

            but<\/p>\n

            in contrast<\/p>\n

            conversely<\/p>\n

            despite<\/p>\n

            even though<\/p>\n

            however<\/p>\n

            nevertheless<\/p>\n

            whereas<\/p>\n

            yet<\/p>\n

            while<\/p>\n

            on the other hand<\/td>\n

            		accordingly<\/p>\n

            as a result<\/p>\n

            consequently<\/p>\n

            hence<\/p>\n

            it follows, then<\/p>\n

            since<\/p>\n

            so<\/p>\n

            then<\/p>\n

            therefore<\/p>\n

            thus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

            Conclusion<\/strong><\/th>\nExample<\/strong><\/th>\nConcession<\/strong><\/th>\nElaboration<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
            as a result<\/p>\n

            consequently<\/p>\n

            hence<\/p>\n

            in conclusion<\/p>\n

            in short<\/p>\n

            in sum<\/p>\n

            it follow, then<\/p>\n

            so<\/p>\n

            therefore<\/p>\n

            thus<\/td>\n

            		as an illustration<\/p>\n

            consider<\/p>\n

            for example<\/p>\n

            for instance<\/p>\n

            specifically<\/p>\n

            a case in point<\/td>\n

            		admittedly<\/p>\n

            granted<\/p>\n

            of course<\/p>\n

            naturally<\/p>\n

            to be sure<\/p>\n

            conceding that<\/p>\n

            although it is true that\u2026<\/td>\n

            		by extension<\/p>\n

            in short<\/p>\n

            that is to say<\/p>\n

            in other words<\/p>\n

            to put it another way<\/p>\n

            to put it bluntly<\/p>\n

            to put it succinctly<\/p>\n

            ultimately<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

            Transitional words and phrases<\/strong> show the connection between ideas, and show how one idea relates to and builds upon another. They help create coherence<\/strong>. When transitions are missing or inappropriate, the reader has a hard time following the logic and development of ideas. The most effective transitions are sometimes invisible; they rely on the vocabulary and logic of your sentence to allow the reader to \u201cconnect the dots\u201d and see the logical flow of your discussion.<\/p>\n

            \n
            Common Transitional Strategies to Link Ideas<\/header>\n
            \n
              \n
            • Repeat a word or phrase from the previous sentence (or use a synonym, related word, or antonym) to show that the same idea is still being discussed, but is being developed further<\/li>\n
            • Use the pronoun \u201cthis + noun\u201d to show continued discussion of the idea<\/li>\n
            • Use one of the above transitional words or phrases to show how<\/strong><\/em> you are developing your idea. Are you showing contrast? Are you using an example to develop your idea? Are you explaining a cause and effect relationship? Are you concluding? Are you conceding a point?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \n
              \n

              Exercise D-1:\u00a0<\/strong> Place the transitional words below the paragraph into the blanks where they work most logically into the paragraphs. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/header>\n

              \n

              Exercise 1<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              A vegan can be defined as someone who does not eat meat, fish, or other animal products, such as eggs or cheese; ________, he or she eats vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds.\u00a0 __________ this diet consists of non-meat food sources, a vegan typically consumes less fat and cholesterol than an individual who consumes meat.\u00a0\u00a0 __________, raising animals for food uses valuable land, water, and energy.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 __________, adopting a vegetarian diet helps conserve the valuable resources that our future depends on.<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Consequently<\/li>\n
              • Because<\/li>\n
              • Furthermore<\/li>\n
              • Instead<\/li>\n
              • For example<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Exercise 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                __________ many educators and parents have praised the Harry Potter<\/em> series, some Christian parents have called for a ban on the books in their schools and libraries.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Some churches have even gone as far as burning the books, citing biblical injunctions against witchcraft, __________ those in Exodus<\/em> and Leviticus<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 __________, some Christians believe the books are compatible with Christianity, __________, that they embody basic Christian beliefs.<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • However<\/li>\n
                • Although<\/li>\n
                • In addition<\/li>\n
                • Such as<\/li>\n
                • Indeed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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