How to Use Transitional Devices

Writer

All writers use transitional devices these are words/phrases that help us transition from sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph. They are used to keep the writing fluid or flowing. Consequently, if you use them properly there will be no breaks or jumps from idea to idea.

Instructions

1. The first category is transitional devices that add, repeat, or emphasize. Examples are: and, also, in addition, additionally, besides, too, in other words, further, furthermore, moreover, indeed, in fact, as a result, finally, after all, really, first, second, third, to conclude, to sum up, and accordingly.

2. These transitional devices assert truth or opposition: no doubt, without a doubt, doubtless, surely, of course, in fact, granted that, certainly, and conceding that.

   Transition place markers: here, there, at this point, below, beside, next to, behind, in front, outside and inside.

3. Transitions that signal cause, effect or result: because, thus, for, as a result, so, consequently, therefore, hence, since, and for this reason.

   Transitions that limit or prepare for an example: if, that is, unless, namely, when, in case, for example, such as, for instance, in particular, to illustrate and provided that.

   Transitional devices that refer back: as we have seen, on the whole, as mentioned above, as stated previously, as I have said and it seems then.

4. Transitional devices that show a time or space relationship: before, next, afterwards, finally, until, during, within, earlier, now, in time, eventually, soon, still, meanwhile, beyond, day/night, ever since, later, between, at first, at last, then, across, over, thereafter, at the same time and from...to.

5. Transitions that compare, contrast, or contradict: similarly, like, unlike, in comparison, to the contrary, as as if, however, along with, regardless, in spite of, yet, but yet, whereas, rather than, despite, despite this, even when, nevertheless, conversely, whether, anyhow, still and although.

   The use of transitional devices can improve writing tremendously.