Transitional Devices
You've seen many examples of transitions that signal different types of relationships between ideas. This page lists transitional words and expressions that signal types of logical relationships such as addition, cause and effect, comparison, concession, contrast, special features or examples, summaries, or time relationships.
Before you read, test your knowledge of transitions by writing down as many transitional words and phrases as you can think of for each of the logical relationships listed above. Then, read this page see some examples. Note any transitional words or phrases that are new to you.
This is a list of many of the common transitional words and phrases that are used to show logical relationships in the English language:
To indicate addition:
Again, also, and, and then, besides, equally important, finally, first further, furthermore, in addition, last, likewise, moreover, second, third, too.
To indicate cause and effect:
Accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence, in short, otherwise, then, therefore, thus, truly.
To indicate comparison:
In a like manner, likewise, similarly.
To indicate concession:
After all, although this may be true, at the same time, even though, I admit, naturally, of course.
To indicate contrast:
After all, although true, and yet, at the same time, but, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, yet.
To indicate special features or examples:
For example, for instance, incidentally, indeed, in fact, in other words, in particular, specifically, that is, to illustrate.
To indicate summary:
In brief, in conclusion, in short, on the whole, to conclude, to summarize, to sum up.
To indicate time relations:
After a short time, afterwards, as long as, as soon as, at last, at length, at that time, at the same time, before, earlier, of late, immediately, in the meantime, lately, later, meanwhile, presently, shortly, since, soon, temporarily, thereafter, thereupon, until, when, while.
Source: Allison Schroll, http://schroll1.wikispaces.com/Transitional+Devices
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