SekitarKita.Com: TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSIONS

A. Definition

Transition is a word or phrase that shows how the meaning of one sentence is related to the meaning of the preceding sentence. Though important for establishing cohesion in a text, transitional expressions can be overused as well as used too little.[1]

Transitions help the reader to follow the author’s line of thought as he/she moves from one idea to the next. Using transitional expressions diminishes reader’s frustrations, making it easier for the reader to absorb the author’s text. This in turn reflects well on the author’s credibility and makes it more likely that the reader will take what the author says seriously.[2]

B. Some transitional expressions

· Addition

additionally, again, also, and, or, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, next, too, in addition, moreover, then, first, second, an alternative is.

· Repetition and restatement

in other words, that is.

· Similarity

also, in the same way, just as . . . so too, likewise, similarly.

· Opposition, exceptions, contrasts, differences, comparison

But, however, in spite of, clearly then, on the one hand . . . on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet, similarly, also, in the same manner, likewise.

· Sequence

first, second, third, . . . next, then, finally, initially, later.

· Time

After, afterwards, at last, before, currently, during, as, earlier, immediately, next, later, meanwhile, while, now, recently, immediately, simultaneously, subsequently, then, when.

· Example

for example, for instance, namely, likewise, in fact, specifically, to illustrate.

· Draw emphasis

even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly

· Place

above, farther on, opposite, close, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there, to the left/right.

· Logical sequence/Cause and effect

accordingly, it follows that, for this reason, as a consequence, consequently, hence, if, so, clearly then, since, therefore, thus, as a result.

· To conclude or repeat

finally, thus, in a word, in brief, in conclusion, therefore, in the end, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, at last, after, in short, that is.[3]

Some Useful Transitional Expressions[4]

If you want to:	Use these transitional expressions:
Add	also, and, and then, as well, besides, beyond that, first (second, third, last, and so on), for one thing, furthermore, in addition, in fact, moreover, next, what is more
Compare	also, as well, both (neither), in the same way, in like manner, likewise, similarly
Contrast	although, be that as it may, but, even though, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, yet, whereas
Concede (a point)	certainly, granted that, of course, no doubt, to be sure
Emphasize	above all, especially, in fact, in particular, indeed, most important, surely
Illustrate	as a case in point, as an illustration, for example, for instance, in particular, one such, yet another
Place	above, beside, below, beyond, further, here, inside, nearby, next to, on the far side, outside, to the East (North, South, and so on)
Qualify	Perhaps
Give a reason	as, because, for , since
Show a result	and so, because of this, as a consequence, as a result, consequently, incidentally, for this reason, hence, so, therefore, thus
Summarize	all in all, finally, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, in other words, lastly, on the whole, to sum up
Place in time	after a while, afterward, as last, at present, briefly, currently, during, eventually, finally, first (second, and so on), gradually, immediately, in the future, later, meanwhile, now, recently, soon, suddenly, then