Transitional Devices
Transition words are used to link ideas within sentences, and sentences within
paragraphs. Used correctly, transition words make writing easier to understand and
more mature. Try to identify transition words when you are reading, and when you
have an opportunity, use these words yourself.
Transitional devices are like bridges between parts of your paper. They are cues that
help the reader to interpret ideas a paper develops. 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. And finally, transitional devices link
sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or
breaks between ideas.
There are several types of transitional devices, and each category leads readers to
make certain connections or assumptions. Some lead readers forward and imply the
building of an idea or thought, while others make readers compare ideas or draw
conclusions from the preceding thoughts.
Here is a list of some common transitional devices that can be used to cue readers in
a given way.
Purpose Transitional Devices
and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further,
TO ADD furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in
addition, first, second, etc.
whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on
TO
the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, up against,
COMPARE /
balanced against, vis-à-vis, although, conversely, meanwhile, after
CONTRAST
all, in contrast, although this may be true
because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently,
TO PROVE furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any
case, that is
TO SHOW yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course,
EXCEPTION once in a while, sometimes
TO SHOW immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later,
TIME previously, formerly, first, second, next, and then
TO REPEAT in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted
definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case,
TO absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, always, forever,
EMPHASIZE perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without
a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation
first, second, third, and so forth, A, B, C, and so forth. next, then,
TO SHOW following this, at this time, now, at this point, after, afterward,
SEQUENCE subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this,
simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, soon
TO GIVE AN for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this
EXAMPLE occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to
illustrate, as an illustration
TO in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I
SUMMARIZE / have shown, as I have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as
CONCLUDE a result, consequently
Completed Transitional Devices Exercise
Transition
Sentence
al Device
You can use things you already have around the house for doll furniture. For
__________, a spool of thread can be used as a stool. example
I love pizza; __________ most days I eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner! In fact
The day seemed endless while we were working on our project, but __________ Finally or
the time came for us to set it aside for the day and go home. eventually
Khan is very educated. He matriculated from high school and then earned a
Now or
bachelor's degree from the local college. A few years later he earned a
currently
master’s degree. __________, he is about to get his PhD in physics.
Gul Meena and I look forward to being able to see each other again next In the
summer, __________ we will write letters to each other. meantime
I would really like to see you again, __________ will you join me one afternoon
So
for lunch?
I wanted to go to the movies, __________ the tickets were already sold out. But
We need to go to the store, __________ we will stop at Rehan’s house and pick Afterward
up the hat I left there yesterday. or then
Dogs are not allowed in the mall. __________, the lady that works in the
however
bookstore there brings her dog to work with her every day.
Similarly
I studied very hard for the English test but I barely passed it; __________ my
unfortunat
studying efforts were unrewarded in math class.
ely
Create an original sentence or pair of sentences using the transitions
indicated.
# Sentence (Fill in the Blank) Transitional
Device
1 The teacher was explaining the topic; __________, the students were Meanwhile
. taking notes attentively.
2 Many fruits are rich in vitamins; __________, oranges are a great source For example
. of vitamin C.
3 He didn’t follow the instructions carefully; __________, the experiment Consequently
. failed.
4 __________, honesty is one of the most important qualities a person can Without a
. have. doubt
5 The road was blocked due to heavy rainfall; __________, we had to take Therefore
. an alternate route.
TIME ORDER/PROCESS TRANSITION WORDS
First, second, later, next, as soon as, during, when, after, then, finally,
meanwhile, last, by the time, over time.
C. Time Order/Process Transition Activity
Title: How to Make a Paper Airplane
Topic Sentence: Making a paper airplane is simple if you follow the steps carefully.
Paragraph:
First, get a sheet of paper. Next, fold it in half lengthwise to create a crease. Then, fold the top
corners into the center. After that, fold the angled edge into the center as well. When you are
done, fold along the center line. This fold should hide all the other folds inside. Later, fold
down the wings neatly on both sides. Finally, fly your plane and enjoy the fun!
Fill in the blanks with appropriate transitional word/phrase
Transitional words/phrases given:
nearby, similarly, even if, ultimately, in the meantime, consequently, furthermore, in
other words
Category Example Sentence
1
Place and Space Nearby, the teachers were meeting in a closed-door session.
.
2 Comparison /
Similarly, the harvest dance was also held on a Friday night.
. Contrast
3 Even if the school district pays for half of the students'
Cause / Purpose
. breakfasts, there still will be those without enough resources.
4 Conclusion / Ultimately, no one has more influence on a student's grades
. Summary than the student himself.
5
Time / Sequence In the meantime, the library will be closed during lunch.
.
6 Effect / Result / Consequently, fewer students are able to take courses in the
. Qualification fine arts: music, art, and drama.
7 Furthermore, the student council has unanimously endorsed
Addition / Extension
. the revised calendar for the school.
Example /
8 In other words, a longer school day may provide more
Clarification /
. opportunities instead of fewer.
Emphasis
Use the correct transition words in the blank spaces
Transitional words/phrases provided:
therefore, for example, consequently, meanwhile, likewise, although
Sentence Transition
Used
1
Tim earned an A on the test; __________, Justin also received an A. likewise
.
2
The book was interesting; __________ it was hard to read. although
.
3
Gordon finished his chores early; __________, he had time to play football. therefore
.
4
Sarah’s horse is beautiful; __________, it is well-bred. likewise
.
5 The sailors prepared the ship to sail; __________, the dock workers loaded meanwhile
. the cargo.
6
Her sister had a cold; __________, Julie’s family canceled the trip. consequently
.
7
Oranges are good for you; __________, they are full of vitamin C. for example
.
8 Two seats were left on the bus; _______, most of the group had to wait for
therefore
. the next one.
Fill in the blanks with appropriate transitional words
Transitional words/phrases provided:
accordingly, nevertheless, otherwise, however, therefore, whenever, in order to,
actually, moreover, as soon as, further, although, since, until, meanwhile
Sentence Answer
accordingl
Sulaiman's work is wonderful _______ he got a raise.
y
neverthel
Najma was a terrible employee _______ she got promoted.
ess
We hope to receive the order on time; _______ we will cancel. otherwise
Haroon had seniority; _______ he was laid off. however
_______ to your request of last week, we are sending you a catalog. Further
She was attractive; _______ she was not beautiful. however
_______ last week, she has not been the same. Since
_______ the boss arrives, I am the one who makes rules. Until
As soon
_______ he can, the director will receive you.
as
Please be on time; _______ try to be early. Moreover
_______ we are thinking of expending. Actually
_______ fulfill his contract, he will have to submit his sketches by In order
Friday. to
_______ an invoice is paid by cheque, make sure it is deposited as soon
whenever
as possible.
Our company expanded; _______ we hired new personnel. therefore
Meanwhil
_______ you can type a new letter.
e
The exam was difficult. However, we all passed.
My cat loves to play with toys. Similarly, it likes to sleep on my feet.
The company is laying off staff. In addition, it is closing its branch on Salwa Road.
The summer has been exceptionally hot; as a result, we couldn't go swimming as much as we wanted
to.
Cooking pasta dishes is not that difficult. First you should get everything you need ready.
In sum, the above paragraphs show that there is a strong link between poor diet and a weakened
immune system.
