Transitional Devices
Reading & Thinking Skills
What are Transitional Devices?
Definition: Words or phrases that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs,
creating coherence and logical flow in writing. They act as signposts, guiding the
reader through the relationships between different parts of the text.
Importance:
Improves clarity and understanding.
Enhances the flow and readability of writing.
Shows the logical relationships between ideas (cause/effect, contrast,
addition, etc.).
Makes writing more persuasive and effective.
Types of Transitional Devices
Addition: To add more information.
Examples: Also, furthermore, moreover, in addition, besides, and.
Contrast: To show a difference or opposition.
Examples: However, but, yet, on the other hand, in contrast, nevertheless, despite.
Cause and Effect: To show a reason or result.
Examples: Therefore, consequently, as a result, because, since, thus.
Example/Illustration: To provide specific instances.
Examples: For example, for instance, such as, to illustrate.
Time/Sequence: To show the order of events.
Examples: First, next, then, finally, before, after, subsequently.
Emphasis: To highlight a key point.
Examples: In fact, indeed, certainly, above all, most importantly.
Clarification: To make something clearer.
● Examples: In other words, that is to say, to clarify.
Conclusion/Summary: To wrap up ideas.
● Examples: In conclusion, to summarize, in brief, therefore.
Common Errors with Transitions
Using the wrong type of transition: (e.g., using a "cause/effect" transition when
you mean "contrast").
Overusing transitions: Making the writing sound repetitive or formulaic.
Underusing transitions: Making the writing choppy and disconnected.
Incorrect punctuation with transitions: (e.g., comma splices with transitions like
"however").
Remember, many transitions act as conjunctive adverbs and often need a
semicolon or a comma + coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses.
Punctuation and Transitions: A Key Reminder
Transitions that join independent clauses often need a semicolon or a comma +
coordinating conjunction.
Correct: "The experiment failed**; therefore,** we adjusted our hypothesis."
Correct: "The experiment failed**, and therefore,** we adjusted our hypothesis."
Incorrect (Comma Splice): "The experiment failed**, therefore,** we adjusted our
hypothesis."
Transitions that introduce phrases or dependent clauses usually only need a
comma.
Correct: "For example, we observed a significant increase in temperature."
Exercise
The atmospheric pressure dropped sharply throughout the night__________ the
storm was much more severe than meteorologists had predicted.
Which of the following transitional devices best fills the blank and adheres to
correct punctuation?
a) ; however,
b) . For instance,
c) ; consequently,
d) , moreover,
Exercise
The atmospheric pressure dropped sharply throughout the night__________ the
storm was much more severe than meteorologists had predicted.
Correct Answer: c) ; consequently,
Explanation: The first clause (atmospheric pressure dropping) is the cause, and
the second clause (the storm being severe) is the effect. "Consequently" correctly
indicates this cause-and-effect relationship and is properly punctuated with a
semicolon before it and a comma after it when joining two independent clauses.
The old building had undergone extensive renovations; nevertheless,
its historical charm was completely lost, replaced by a stark, modern aesthetic.
Identify the misused transitional device in the sentence above and suggest a more
appropriate one, justifying your choice.
a) Misused: "nevertheless." Correction: "consequently." (Justification: It should
show a result of the renovation, not a contrast.)
b) Misused: "nevertheless." Correction: "in contrast." (Justification: The sentence
aims to show the striking difference between its old charm and new look.)
c) Misused: "nevertheless." Correction: "however." (Justification: Both imply
contrast, and "however" is usually followed by a comma when introducing a
clause, which is already present.)
d) Misused: "nevertheless." Correction: "as a result." (Justification: It should
indicate the outcome of the renovation on its charm.)
The old building had undergone extensive renovations; nevertheless,
its historical charm was completely lost, replaced by a stark, modern aesthetic.
Correct Answer: b) Misused: "nevertheless." Correction: "in contrast."
(Justification: The sentence aims to show the striking difference between its old
charm and new look.)
Explanation: "Nevertheless" implies that something happened despite what was
previously stated. However, the sentence describes a direct opposition or
difference between the expected positive outcome of renovations and the actual
negative aesthetic change. "In contrast" more accurately highlights this direct
opposition between the "historical charm" and the "stark, modern aesthetic."
Preparing for the exam requires rigorous discipline. Students must review
their notes daily. __________, they should engage in regular practice tests to identify weak
areas. Finally, sufficient rest is crucial for optimal performance.
Which transitional device most effectively links the second and third sentences?
a) Therefore
b) On the other hand
c) In addition
d) Similarly
Preparing for the exam requires rigorous discipline. Students must review
their notes daily. __________, they should engage in regular practice tests to identify weak
areas. Finally, sufficient rest is crucial for optimal performance.
Correct Answer: c) In addition
Explanation: The sentence before describes one key action for exam preparation,
and the sentence after describes another. "In addition" correctly signals that an
extra point is being added to the list of requirements for exam preparation.
