111 Recognizing Signal Transition Words
111 Recognizing Signal Transition Words
ADDITION WORDS
Addition words tell readers that the writer’s thought is going to continue in the same direction. He or she
is going to add on more details or points of the same kind. Here are some addition words.
also first of all last of all and
another for one thing likewise second
finally furthermore moreover the third reason
first in addition next
CHANGE-OF-DIRECTION WORDS
Change-of-direction words prepare readers for a change in the direction of the writer’s thoughts. They
suggest that the writer will probably reverse or modify a previous statement. Here are examples of change-
of-direction words.
but yet otherwise on the other hand
however instead still conversely
in contrast even though on the contrary nevertheless
ILLUSTRATION WORDS
Illustration words signal that an example or illustration will be given to make an idea clear. The following
words are examples of illustration words.
for example specifically for instance
to illustrate once such as
CONCLUSION WORDS
Conclusion words guide the reader to expect the writer’s last and possibly most important point within a
paragraph or larger unit of thought. Here are some examples of conclusion words.
therefore in conclusion as a result in summary
finally consequently hence last of all