A transition or linking word is a word or phrase that shows the relationship between paragraphs or sections of a text or speech. [1] Transitions provide greater cohesion by making it more explicit or signaling how ideas relate to one another. [1] Transitions are, in fact, "bridges" that "carry a reader from section to section". [1] Transitions guide a reader/listener through steps of logic, increments of time, or through physical space. Transitions "connect words and ideas so that [...] readers don't have to do the mental work for [themselves]." [2]
Transitions reveal the internal structure of an author's reasoning. While they are used primarily for rhetoric, they are also used in a strictly grammatical sense for structural composition, reasoning, and comprehension. Indeed, they are an essential part of any language.
In simple terms, a transition word demonstrates the relationship between two portions of a text or spoken language. By using these words, people can better build a sentence and convey what they are trying to say in a more concise manner. [3]
Transition words and phrases categories include: Conclusion, Continuation, Contrast, Emphasis, Evidence, Illustration and Sequence. Each category serves its own function, as do the keywords inside of a given category.
Type | Signals | Examples |
---|---|---|
Conclusion or Causality | a summation of information | therefore; thus; in conclusion; believes; so; consequently; it can be seen that; can conclude that; claims that; all in all; |
Continuation | more support for the same claim is coming up | and; also; moreover; furthermore; plus; in addition; at the same time; as well as; equally;besides; what is more; both...and; equally important; not only...but also |
Contrast | a comparison of similarities and differences | but; despite; yet; however; alternatively; still; although; unless; otherwise; not; though; while; nevertheless; by contrast; notwithstanding; rather; conversely; in spite of; on the other hand; contrarily |
Emphasis | what is considered important | I think; above all; essentially; clearly; most of all; especially; primarily; particularly; in large measure; indeed; |
Evidence | an upcoming background | because; for; since; the reason is that; |
Illustration/ Exemplification | an example is being given as support for a claim. | for example; for instance; specifically; to illustrate; such as; In the words of; To "name"; For "name"; According to "name"; as "name" says,; |
Sequence | there is a structure or order that has been formulated in the writing | Firstly,...,Secondly,...Thirdly,...Lastly; Next; Finally; On the one hand; Recently; |
Elements in a coordinate relationship are equal in rank, quality, or significance. [6] They help to show a link between equal elements. [7]
The transition words, such as also, in addition, and likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material. [12]
A transition or linking word is a word or phrase that shows the relationship between paragraphs or sections of a text or speech. [1] Transitions provide greater cohesion by making it more explicit or signaling how ideas relate to one another. [1] Transitions are, in fact, "bridges" that "carry a reader from section to section". [1] Transitions guide a reader/listener through steps of logic, increments of time, or through physical space. Transitions "connect words and ideas so that [...] readers don't have to do the mental work for [themselves]." [2]
Transitions reveal the internal structure of an author's reasoning. While they are used primarily for rhetoric, they are also used in a strictly grammatical sense for structural composition, reasoning, and comprehension. Indeed, they are an essential part of any language.
In simple terms, a transition word demonstrates the relationship between two portions of a text or spoken language. By using these words, people can better build a sentence and convey what they are trying to say in a more concise manner. [3]
Transition words and phrases categories include: Conclusion, Continuation, Contrast, Emphasis, Evidence, Illustration and Sequence. Each category serves its own function, as do the keywords inside of a given category.
Type | Signals | Examples |
---|---|---|
Conclusion or Causality | a summation of information | therefore; thus; in conclusion; believes; so; consequently; it can be seen that; can conclude that; claims that; all in all; |
Continuation | more support for the same claim is coming up | and; also; moreover; furthermore; plus; in addition; at the same time; as well as; equally;besides; what is more; both...and; equally important; not only...but also |
Contrast | a comparison of similarities and differences | but; despite; yet; however; alternatively; still; although; unless; otherwise; not; though; while; nevertheless; by contrast; notwithstanding; rather; conversely; in spite of; on the other hand; contrarily |
Emphasis | what is considered important | I think; above all; essentially; clearly; most of all; especially; primarily; particularly; in large measure; indeed; |
Evidence | an upcoming background | because; for; since; the reason is that; |
Illustration/ Exemplification | an example is being given as support for a claim. | for example; for instance; specifically; to illustrate; such as; In the words of; To "name"; For "name"; According to "name"; as "name" says,; |
Sequence | there is a structure or order that has been formulated in the writing | Firstly,...,Secondly,...Thirdly,...Lastly; Next; Finally; On the one hand; Recently; |
Elements in a coordinate relationship are equal in rank, quality, or significance. [6] They help to show a link between equal elements. [7]
The transition words, such as also, in addition, and likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material. [12]