Transition words (linking words) are used to link ideas when writing. They enable the writing to flow from one idea to the next in a logical and cohesive way.
What Are Conjunctions?
Conjunctions are the most common form of linking word. They are used to join two parts of a sentence together generally in the middle of a sentence. There are seven co-ordinating conjunctions.
These are:
- and
- but
- so
- or
- for
- nor
- yet
Example:
Successful students work hard and they organise their time effectively.
Here —
Independent clause: Successful students work hard
Conjunction: and
Independent clause: they organise their time effectively
What Are Sentence Connectors?
Sentence connectors are used to link ideas from one sentence to the next and to give paragraphs coherence. Most pieces of formal writing are organised in a similar way: introduction; development of main ideas or arguments: conclusion. Linking words and phrases join clauses, sentences and paragraphs together.
A piece of writing or text may include the following:
Connectives Overview
Sentence connectors perform different functions and are placed at the beginning of a sentence. They are used to introduce, order, contrast, sequence ideas, theory, data etc. The following table lists useful connectors.
| Category | Functions |
|---|---|
| AND |
a) listing (enumeration, addition) b) transition (leads to a new stage) c) summary (gives a summary or conclusion) d) reference (refers to what was said before) e) example f) result (the consequence of what was said before) g) place (refers to things in or outside the document) h) time (refers to other studies) |
| OR |
i) reformulation (express something in other way) j) replacement (express an alternative) |
| BUT |
k) contrast (present a different view) l) concession (agrees with limitations) |
Now let us see the meanings and uses of the transition words (connectives):
1. AND
1.1 listing
enumeration: indicates a cataloguing of what is being said. Most lists use clearly defined words.
- First, Furthermore, finally
- One, a second, a third, etc.
- firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc.
- to begin with, in the second place, moreover, to conclude, etc.
- above all, last but not the least
- first and foremost, first and most importantly
1.2 Addition to what has been previously indicated
a) Reinforcement (includes confirmation):
- above all
- actually
- additionally
- again
- also
- as well as
- besides
- especially
- further
- furthermore
- indeed
- in addition
- moreover
- not only.........but also
- notably
- obviously
- particularly
- specially
- then
- too
- what is more
b) Comparison (similarity to what has preceded):
- also
- both .... and .....
- correspondingly
- equally
- in the same way
- likewise
- similarly
- too
c) Transition (can lead to a new stage in the sequence of thought):
- now
- regarding
- turning to
- with respect/ regard to
often used when discussing something briefly:
- as for
- as to
d) Summary (a generalisation or summing up of what has preceded):
- altogether
- hence
- in brief
- in conclusion
- in short
- overall
- then
- therefore
- thus
- to conclude
- to sum up
- to summarise
e) Reference (refers back to previous sentences):
- and
- as follows
- chiefly
- for instance
- for example
- in other words
- in particular
- including
- mainly
- mostly
- namely
- notably
- or
- particularly
- such as
- that is
f) Example:
- for example
- for instance
- such as
- to illustrate
- as an illustration
- to demonstrate
g) Result (express the consequence or result from what is implicit in the preceding sentence or sentences):
- accordingly
- as a result
- as a consequence
- because of
- consequently
- for this/ that reason
- hence
- in order to
- now
- so
- so that
- the consequence
- the result is
- then
- therefore
- thus
h) Place:
- above
- adjacent
- at the side
- behind
- below
- elsewhere
- here
- in front
- in the background
- in the foreground
- there
- to the left
- to the right
i) Time:
- after a while
- afterwards
- at last
- at that time
- at the same time
- before
- currently
- earlier
- eventually
- finally
- formerly
- in the meantime
- in the past
- initially
- later
- meanwhile
- now
- once
- presently
- previously
- shortly
- simultaneously
- since
- soon
- subsequently
- then
- therefore
- until
- until now
- whenever
- while
2. OR
j) Reformulation (expresses something in another way)
- better
- in other words
- in that case
- rather
- that is
- that is to say
- to put it (more) simply
k) Replacement (expresses an alternative to what has preceded):
- again
- alternatively
- another possibility would be
- better/ worse still
- on the other hand
- rather
- the alternative is
3. BUT
l) Contrast
- by (way of) contrast
- conversely
- in comparison
- in fact
- in reality
- in stead
- on the contrary
- on the one hand .... on the other hand ......
- then
m) concession (indicates that the previous view is accepted with reservation):
- admittedly
- after all
- all the same
- although
- although this may be true
- at the same time
- besides
- despite
- doubtless
- even/if though
- even so
- however
- in spite of
- naturally
- nevertheless
- no doubt
- none the less
- notwithstanding
- only
- still
- under certain circumstances
- up to a point
- while
- yet
What Are Subordinators?
Subordinators are linking words that are used to join clauses together. They are used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. Subordinators connect elements of unequal importance. One clause is not as strong as the other.
Examples:
Even though the train was late, I got the exam on time.
—> Dependent clause = Even though the train was late
—> Independent clause = I got the exam on time
I got the exam on time, even though the train was late
—> Independent clause = I got the exam on time
—> Dependent clause = even though the train was late.
Common Subordinators
Below are some examples of commonly used subordinators.
| Comparison and Contrast | Cause/Effect | Time |
|---|---|---|
|
Although Though Even though While Whereas |
Since So that Because |
After When Until Whenever Before |
| Possibility | Place and Manner | |
|
If As if Whether |
|
|
...............................................
Key Takeaways
- Transition words ensure that writing flows smoothly and logically from one idea to another.
- The three main categories are conjunctions, sentence connectors, and subordinators.
- Conjunctions generally link two parts together in the middle of a sentence (e.g., and, but, so).
- Sentence connectors begin sentences and perform specific functions like listing, comparing, and summarizing.
- Subordinators connect clauses of unequal importance, appearing at the beginning or middle of a sentence.
Quick Practice
Test your understanding by writing your answers in the comments below:
- Identify the subordinator in this sentence: "Even though the train was late, I got the exam on time."
- Classify the transition word "furthermore" under its correct function category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Transition Word?
Transition words, also known as linking words, are used to link ideas together when writing to help the text flow logically and cohesively.
What are the three main types of transition words?
The three main categories are conjunctions, sentence connectors, and subordinators.
Where do sentence connectors go in a sentence?
Sentence connectors are typically placed at the beginning of a sentence to introduce, order, contrast, or sequence ideas.