This post forms part of series of posts that look at a range of linking words, they are used to link sentences together for different purposes, in other words, they connect different ideas together to allow us to express more complex thoughts. In fact, once you have an good understanding of basic English grammar then these kinds of linking words are what will give you the most creativity with your spoken and written English.
Each set of linking words performs a specific function in the sentence. You will very unlikely want all of these words, but it is really useful to at least know where they are.
To be able to use these linking words effectively, we need to know whether they are followed by a full sentence, a noun phrase and where they fit into a sentence.
Despite significant losses in the first quarter, the company finished the year with an overall profit. (despite is followed by a noun phrase).
Although the company suffered significant loses in the first quarter, it finished the year with an overall profit. (although is followed by a full sentence).
___________
Below are several lists of linking words according to their function. All the linking words are listed according to whether they are followed by a noun phrase, full sentence, or have a sperate structure.
___________
Agreement / Addition / Similarity
The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material.
+ full sentence in the first place as a matter of fact in addition in the same fashion / way first, second, third not to mention that equally important by the same token equally identically uniquely moreover of course likewise comparatively correspondingly similarly furthermore additionally
+ noun phrase
as well as together with
in the light of
to say nothing of
coupled with
in addition to
___________
Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction
Transition phrases like but, rather and or, express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out alternatives, and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning (contrast).
+ full sentence in contrast of course ..., but on the other hand on the contrary at the same time even so / though then again above all in reality after all unlike besides as much as even though although instead whereas otherwise however rather nevertheless nonetheless regardless
+ noun phrase in contrast to different from
despite
in spite of
Cause / Condition / Purpose
These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions.
+ full sentence in the event that granted (that) as / so long as on (the) condition (that) with this intention with this in mind in the hope that in order to (do something). seeing / being that since while lest in case provided that given that only / even if so that
+ noun phrase
for the purpose of
in view of
due to
because of
Examples / Support / Emphasis
These transitional devices (like especially) are used to introduce examples as support, to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.
+ full sentence in other words to put it differently for one thing as an illustration in this case for this reason to put it another way that is to say by all means important to realize another key point first thing to remember the most compelling evidence is that it must be remembered that an often overlooked point is that to point out on the positive side on the negative side with this in mind especially explicitly specifically expressly surprisingly frequently significantly particularly in fact in general in particular in detail for example for instance to demonstrate to emphasize to repeat to clarify to explain to enumerate
+ noun phrase
with attention to
such as
Effect / Consequence / Result
Some of these transition words (thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect.
Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the consequences or effects.
+ full sentence
as a result
under those circumstances
in that case
for this reason
in effect
consequently
therefore
accordingly
+ noun phrase
as a result of
because of
Conclusion / Summary / Restatement
These transition words and phrases conclude, summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final general statement. Also some words (like therefore) from the Effect / Consequence category can be used to summarize.
+ full sentence
as can be seen
generally speaking
in the final analysis
all things considered
as shown above
in the long run
given these points
as has been noted
for the most part
after all
in fact
in summary
in conclusion
in short
in brief
in essence
to summarize
on balance
altogether
overall
by and large
to sum up
on the whole
in any event
in either case
all in all
Obviously
Ultimately
Definitely
Time / Chronology / Sequence
These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions.
+ full sentence
at the present time
from time to time
sooner or later
at the same time
up to the present time
to begin with
as soon as
as long as
in the meantime
in a moment
without delay
in the first place
all of a sudden
at this instant
first, second
immediately
quickly
finally
after
later
last
until
till
since
then
before
since
when
once
about
next
now
formerly
suddenly
shortly
henceforth
whenever
eventually
meanwhile
further
during
in time
prior to
forthwith
straightaway
by the time
whenever
until now
now that
instantly
presently
occasionally
Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.
Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples. Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.
Space / Location / Place
These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict, limit or qualify space. Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.
in the middle
to the left/right
in front of
on this side
in the distance
here and there
in the foreground
in the background
in the center of
adjacent to
opposite to
here
there
next
where
from
over
near
above
below
down
up
under
further
beyond
nearby
wherever
around
between
before
alongside
amid
among
beneath
beside
behind
across
Usage of Transition Words in Written English
Transition words and phrases are essential for good written English. They improve the connections and transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
All English transition words and phrases (sometimes also called 'conjunctive adverbs') do the same work as coordinating conjunctions: they connect two words, phrases or clauses together and thus the text is easier to read and the coherence is improved.
Usage: transition words are used with a special rule for punctuation: a semicolon or a full stop is used after the first 'sentence', and a comma is almost always used to set off the transition word from the second 'sentence'.
Example 1: People use 43 muscles when they frown; however, they use only 28 muscles when they smile.
Example 2: However, transition words can also be placed at the beginning of a new paragraph or sentence - not only to indicate a step forward in the reasoning, but also to relate the new material to the preceding thoughts.
Use a semicolon to connect sentences, only if the group of words on either side of the semicolon is a complete sentence each (both must have a subject and a verb, and could thus stand alone as a complete thought).
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