Transitional Devices
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.
To Add:
and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor,
too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)
To Compare:
whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by
comparison, where, compared to, up against, balanced against, vis a vis, but,
although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be true
To Prove:
because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore,
moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is
To Show Exception:
yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while,
sometimes
To Show Time:
immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously,
formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then
To Repeat:
in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted
To Emphasize:
definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively,
naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically,
unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation
To Show Sequence:
first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, then, following this, at
this time, now, at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently,
previously, before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next,
and then, soon
To Give an Example:
for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this
situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to
illustrate
To Summarize or Conclude:
in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I
have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently
for activity meaning and sentences
Notwithstanding – In spite of, despite.
In light of – Considering or due to.
By the same token – For the same reason, similarly.
In the final analysis – When all is considered.
Insofar as – To the extent that.
That being said – Used to introduce a point that contrasts with or qualifies what
has been said before.
Consequently – As a result, leading to.
As a corollary – As a direct or natural consequence.
For all intents and purposes – Essentially, practically speaking.
In retrospect – Looking back on the past.
Equally important – Used to introduce another point of equal significance.
On the contrary – Used to introduce a statement that contradicts what has been
previously mentioned.
In contrast to – Highlighting differences between two elements.
In the wake of – Following or as a result of.
Given that – Considering or taking into account the fact that.
Here are sentences using each of the transitional devices:
1. Notwithstanding: Notwithstanding the challenges, the team managed to
complete the project on time.
2. In light of: In light of the recent developments, we have decided to postpone
the meeting.
3. By the same token: She excelled in her studies; by the same token, she
also volunteered regularly at the local shelter.
4. In the final analysis: In the final analysis, it is the quality of the product
that determines its success in the market.
5. Insofar as: The policy will be effective insofar as it encourages employees to
adopt more sustainable practices.
6. That being said: The new software is much more efficient. That being said,
it will require a few weeks for the team to get fully accustomed to it.
7. Consequently: He failed to submit the required documents on time;
consequently, his application was rejected.
8. As a corollary: Increased competition has led to lower prices, and as a
corollary, consumers have benefited from better deals.
9. For all intents and purposes: For all intents and purposes, the project is
complete, even though there are a few minor details left to finalize.
10.In retrospect: In retrospect, I realize that I should have taken the
opportunity to study abroad when I had the chance.
11.Equally important: The quality of the raw materials is crucial to the final
product, but equally important is the skill of the workers involved in the
production process.
12.On the contrary: Many people believe that the policy will be ineffective; on
the contrary, the data suggests it could have a significant positive impact.
13.In contrast to: In contrast to last year's steady growth, this year has seen a
noticeable decline in sales.
14.In the wake of: In the wake of the storm, the community quickly organized
efforts to help those affected by the damage.
15.Given that: Given that the project deadline is next week, we must prioritize
completing the final stages of development.
