Lindy LedohowskiParagraphs, essays, research papers, theses, and dissertations are all written formats that students use in order to demonstrate the logical progression of ideas one to another.
And in English writing, it's not enough to just list ideas one after the other without using transitional words.
To show the logical connection between the ideas, we need to indicate how or the way in which our sentences and ideas flow together so that the reader can follow along with our thought process.
This is where transition words and phrases come in handy. If used well a reader can answer the following questions quite immediately:
- Are the ideas connected?
- Does one depend on the other?
- Is one a premise upon which another idea is built?
Put simply, they will easily understand the logical flow of your essay. And you, as the writer, will be able to keep your writing clear and concise by using these words or phrases.
Here are some common transitional words and phrases that you might want to consider using the next time you have to write something for school, college, or university.
Consequence: therefore, thus, hence, accordingly, as a result, consequently
Likeness: similarly, likewise
Contrast: but, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, yet
Amplification: and, again, in addition, further, furthermore, also, moreover, too
Example: for example, for instance
Restatement: in other words, put simply
Recapitulation: in conclusion, to summarise, in sum
Time or Place: afterward, latter, former, hitherto, subsequently, simultaneously
P.S. We've used some in this article. Can you spot them?
