Chart of Transition Signals [Clause Connectors]

Meaning/Function Sentence Connector Coordinates Subordinates Others

To introduce an also, too and another (+ noun)

Additional idea besides, furthermore an additional (+noun)
moreover, in addition

To introduce an on the other hand but although in spite of (+ noun)

Opposite idea however, in contrast yet though despite (+ noun)
Instead, nevertheless even though
nonetheless whereas, while

To introduce an for example an example of (+ noun

Example for instance such as (+ noun) , e.g.

To introduce a indeed i.e.

Restatement or that is
Explanation

To introduce a in conclusion in
Conclusion or summary, to conclude
Summary to summarize

To clarify first (second, third, etc.) before the first (+noun)

Chronological Order next, last, finally after the second (+noun)
first of all, meanwhile while, until before the (+noun)
after that, since then as soon as in the year since the
(+noun)

To indicate Order more important(ly) the most important

of Importance most important(ly), above (+noun)
all

To introduce an otherwise or if
Alternative unless

To introduce a Cause for because because of,

Reason since as a result of
As as a consequence of
due to, to result from
the result of
the effect of X on Y
the consequence of

To introduce an Effect accordingly so the cause of,

Or Result as a result, the reason for
as a consequence to result in, to cause
therefore, thus to have an effect on
consequently, hence to affect

To introduce a similarly and as like, just like, alike

Comparison likewise, also just as similar (to),
too the same as
both…and,
not only…but
also,
to compare to/with
 To introduce a however but although, though despite + noun
Concession nonetheless yet even though in spite of + noun

To introduce a however but different from, unlike

strong Contrast in contrast dissimilar, to differ fro
In (by) comparison to compare to
on the other hand to compare with
on the contrary

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Evaluation and cautious language

It is usually wise to avoid forceful terms when expressing negative opinions about the
work of others. It is best to use more cautious or tentative terms. For example:

This research tends to overlook certain features . . .

There is a tendency in this paper to overstate the case for . . .
This model is possibly not the most appropriate one . . .
It seems unlikely that these findings could be validated by means of empirical
research, because . . .
It would be helpful if the terms were defined more clearly, so that . . .

It is also better to use an impersonal rather than a personal approach where possible:

Whereas these authors claim that . . . it is now generally recognised that . . .

It is widely accepted that this kind of design can only provide . . .
On the other hand, it could be argued that . . .

Where possible, provide reasons for your positive or negative judgements:

This case is valuable because . . .

These results are significant in that they . . .
The evidence provided appears to be somewhat one-sided, given that there is
important evidence to the contrary, for example . . .
The apparent justification for . . . is . . . ; however, one could cite other sources
(Jones, 1999; Wong, 2004) which would support the argument that . . .
While this research provides a detailed analysis of . . . in the context of . . . , it
does not take into account the context of . . .

Sources:
IT Research Preparation (32144) Course Notes (UTS Autumn 2009)
http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/fwalters/para.html (adapted)
http://lynx.csusm.edu/capi/resources/docs/chart_transition_signals.htm (adapted)