A common critique you may face is that your mediation, speaking or writing works lack cohesion because you run short of conjunctions or transition words (they are the same) at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph. Or you may get stuck in a rut using the same transition words over and over. As a «part of speech» transition words are used to link words, phrases or sentences. They help the reader to progress from one idea (expressed by the author) to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent and cohesive relationships within the text.
It can be difficult to think of different words in the moment, so here you have a handy lists to help you pick the perfect conjunctions and transition words to help you make the grade.
Because of:
Therefore:
To:
And:
Moreover:
Two things ar closely related:
More or les:
Here you have a more complete list of transition words. Choose the ones you are more at ease with and introduce them in your mediation exercise.
Transition words are the glue that holds your mediation, speaking and writing together and makes it more comprehensive and easy to understand and read. Sometimes transition words are single words, and other times they are whole phrases, such as “for example” or “as well as.”
above all | according to | additionally |
after(wards) | also | alternatively |
although | as a matter of fact | as a result (of) |
as well as | at the same time | before |
besides | by all means | compared to |
earlier | either | especially |
even so | even though | finally |
first | for example | for instance |
for the most part | for this reason | further(more) |
generally | however | in other words |
in particular | in relation to | in short |
in summary | in the meantime | in this case |
including | lastly | likewise |
meanwhile | moreover | neither |
not to mention | on the contrary | on the other hand |
ordinarily | otherwise | particularly |
regularly | secondly | similarly |
simply | still | subsequently |
therefore | though | to summarize |
usually | whatever | yet |
Some transition words are more formal or specific and are therefore used less often. However, they are a perfect way to make your writing stand out from the crowd.
accordingly | all the more | as a rule |
as an example | beyond | by contrast |
certainly | consequently | conversely |
coupled with | demonstrably | hence(forth) |
in the first place | in the same manner | in which case |
inexplicably | namely | opposite |
over time | put another way | notwithstanding |
singularly | so then | surely |
thereby | this is why | thus |
to be sure | to begin with | to clarify |
to illustrate | to that end | to the left/right |
to the point | undeniably | under |
undoubtedly | what is more | wherefore |
It’s important to make sure transitional words flow naturally. To determine whether or not you need a transition word at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph, look at the sentence with and without the transition word or phrase and compare the results.
Without Transition Words | With Transition Words |
Carla couldn’t sleep the night before her big presentation. She needed an extra large cup of coffee before work. | Carla couldn’t sleep the night before her presentation. Therefore, she needed an extra large cup of coffee before work. |
Jeffrey, we’ll be ready to leave for the trip in 20 minutes. Fill up the car with gas, please. | Jeffrey, we’ll be ready to leave for the trip in 20 minutes. In the meantime, fill up the car with gas, please. |
The trip through the desert was long and tiring for the crew. They all agreed it was worth it. | The trip through the desert was long and tiring for the crew. Afterward, they all agreed it was worth it. |
Denise decided to stop doing her homework. She failed freshman English. | Denise decided to stop doing her homework. Consequently, she failed freshman English. |
Last night, I had a vivid dream. I was living in Paris. I went online and booked a trip. | Last night, I had a vivid dream. I was living in Paris. As a result, I went online and booked a trip. |
The purpose of transition words is to weave your points together and guide the reader through your work. You can use them in all forms of writing, but they are particularly handy when writing.
You can use conjunctive adverbs for several different purposes. «However» and «comparatively» are helpful ways to show the contrast between ideas, while «therefore» and «consequently» can demonstrate cause and effect. Many conjunctive adverbs function well as transition words in a larger piece of writing. These adverbs help the reader understand where the current event or idea falls in context.
There are many ways to join two ideas with one word that modifies the sentence’s meaning. Check out these example sentences to see how conjunctive adverbs join ideas.
You probably noticed that conjunctive adverbs can come after the period of the first independent clause, or they can follow a semicolon that joins the two clauses. Either of these placements is grammatically correct. It simply depends on your writing style and how you are communicating your point.
Conjunctive adverbs function as both conjunctions (by joining ideas) and as adverbs (by modifying parts of the sentence). Indeed, they are some of the most helpful types of adverbs that you’re likely to encounter.
Here you have some adverbs which can modify the entire sentence that follows them. For example: