Transitional Devices( Words, phrases and Expressions)

Definition
“Transitional devices are words or phrases that help carry a thought from one
sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another”

Transition devices 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. These linking
words act as a brigde between sentences and paragraph. For Example, As, By and
large,Although, Moreover,Thus , therefore, however, further, in addition to , likewise
, but , thus etc.

He studied hard and thus ,pass his exam.

Overall, the event was a success.

Although sania was very tried , she washed the dishes.

By and large, the responses to our survey were positive.

In these examples, transitional words and expressions are used to create a link
between two sentences.

English transition words, phrases and expressions are very important, since they not
only connect ideas, but also can introduce a certain shift, contrast or opposition,
emphasis or agreement, purpose, result or conclusion etc, within a sentence or
parahraph.

Types of Transitional devices

1.For Agreement / Addition / Similarity

The transition words are used to add new information, reinforce ideas, and express
agreement with previous sentences and paragraph .Transition words and phrases that
are used to connect similar sentences are as follows;

Like her grandmother, sobia loves the Texas.

The cat act as if he is the boss of the house

 Also In the same fashion Just as

So Similarly As

In like manner Likewise Like

2.Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction

This type of transition devices include words and phrases that are used to connect
contrasting sentences or point out alternatives. It means that, words and phrases like
but, still, unlike, although ,this may be true are used to depict the contrary or
alternative point of views and introduce a change in the line of reasoning (contrast).

Orhaan prefer to read the book rather than seeing the movie.

I am not able to go to the beach with you; neverthless, thank you so much for asking
me.

But Still After all

In spite of While Although this may be true

On the one hand Different from Regardless

On the other hand Of course …, but Despite

Nevertheless Or At the same time

Nonetheless Albeit Be that as it may

Notwithstanding Then again Rather

In contrast Besides Above all

On the contrary In reality Even though

Instead As much as Whereas

Conversely Although Otherwise

3.Cause / Condition / Purpose

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions.
Mr.Akmal don’t like to ride rollercoaster. Beacause he is afraid of heights

Mr Cox rides the titan . Then, He screams like a little boy

The list of such kind of devices are given below.

In the event In view of If

As long as Because of then

For the purpose of So that While

In hope of that Owing to Due to

With this intention On th condition Forthwith

In order to since While

4. Examples / Support / EmphasisTransition words and phrases that are used to

emphasise, support, and illustrate ideas in sentences.These transitional devices
(like especially,certainly) are used to introduce examples as support, to
indicate importance . These devices also provides an illustration of the whole
previous idea so that an idea is clued to the reader.

For Example,

In this case, it would be better to tell her the truth.

For this reason, we have decided to postpone the meeting.

Not all birds eat berries. For example, hawks eat mice and other mammals

As an illustration Especially In this case

To put it another way Expressly That is to say

By all means Important to realise Surely

Point often overlooked Chiefly To point out

On the negative side Certainly With this in mind

 Including Like For one thing

Namely On the positive side For this reason

Indeed Notably With attention to

Markedly Such as Another key point

Explicitly Specifically In general

Particularly In fact To emphasise

In particular In detail For example

To repeat To clarify Frequently

5. Effect / Consequence / Result

Transition words and phrases that are used for connecting sentences by expressing the
results or consequences of the action mentioned in the preceding sentences. The
transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are
time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was
a consequence or an effect.

He didn’t study for the test and; as a result , he failed

For this reason, we have decided to implement new safety measures.

She was the fastest runner, hence she won the match.

Moreover, for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are
placed before the consequences or effects.

The list of such kind of devices are given below.

As a result Under those circumstances In effect

In that case For this reason So

 For Because the Thus

Then Consequently Hence

Accordingly Henceforth In conclusion

6.Conclusion / Summary / Restatement

These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and restate new ideas or
indicate a final general statement .Transition words and phrases that are used to
conclude sentences are given below. Some words (like therefore) from the Effect /
Consequence category can be used to summarize the idea.

In summary, the report suggest that we need to improve our marketing strategy.

The committee discussed many problems at the meeting. Finally, we were able to
solve the concerned matter.

To conclude, I want to wish you all a very happy holidays.

Finally In brief, Briefly In the end

In conclusion In a word Thus

On the whole To conclude In sum

To summarise To sum up As can be seen

usually In the long run In short

Given these points In either case overall

For the most part Ultimately After all

In fact In essence In any event

Altogether Ordinarily Obviously

7.Time / Chronology / Sequence

Transition words and phrases connecting sentences by defining, limiting and
Restricting Time.These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting,
restricting, and defining time. They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial
expressions.For example,
Sooner or later, you have to face the consequences.

I will be with you in a moment.

After so much time waiting in the long line, the boys finally got their burgers

Wait untill tonight, then you will be able to see the full moon
Here is the list of transition devices for time, chronology and sequence are given
below.

After To begin with Now

Afterward Recently After

At last In due time Simultaneously

Before As soon as Consequently

Currently Then After

During As long as At the present time

Earlier In The long From time to time

Immediately Sooner or later Then

Later At this instant since

Quickly In a moment Finally

Later In the first place Last

Till In the first place Since

Before All of a sudden Hence

When Suddenly One, two, three

Occasionally Formerly Since

Henceforth Further Straightaway

Whenever Until now In time

 Instantly Presently Prior to

Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third;
further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other
uses.Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further they add a meaning
of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also
used to add information or list examples. Further is also used to indicate added
space as well as added time.

8.Space / Location / Place

These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the
function to restrict, limit or qualify space. These transition devices are used to define
the places, positions or spaces of objects mentioned in the preceding sentences. For
example,

The bakery is on this side of the street.

He parked his car in front of the house.

The fountain is in the center of the square.

Above Down Amidst

Beyond Here Adjacent

Back Below Behind

In the middle To the left/right Nearby

On this side In the distance In the centre of

In the foreground In front In front of

Adjacent to Opposite to Here and there

There In the background Across

From Wherever Next

Above Before Over

Up Among Below

Beyond Nearby Under

Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be used to describe
spatial order or spatial reference.

Usage of Transition Devices

Transition words and phrases are vital devices for essays, papers or
other literary compositions. These linking devices improve the
connections and transitions between sentences and paragraphs.They
also give the text a logical organization and structure to create flow
in writing .