HFCC Learning Lab Comprehension B11.

01

WORKING WITH TRANSITIONS

Transitions can be categorized into several groups:

Words that suggest to the reader furtherance, repetition, or addition
Words that prepare the reader that an illustration or example will follow
Words that prepare the reader for a reason or supportive evidence
Words that emphasize the countercurrents of the thought

Familiarize yourself with each transition category and the transitional words are found in
that category.
Words That Suggest to the Reader the idea of
Furtherance, Repetition, or Addition

WORD MEANING ILLUSTRATIVE USE

Again Once more, besides
Also Likewise, too, in addition
And Also, in addition, plus
furthermore
As well As Equivalent to, no less than,
in addition to
Besides In addition (to) moreover
Further, Furthermore To a greater extent,
moreover, in
addition
In Addition To loving to Further than, beyond,
eat sea food, he loves more than
going to the beach
Moreover In addition to what
has already been
said
Again, let us look at the
matter this way.
Also, we might add, it not
important.
And, it looks suspiciously
like extortion.
He gave of his wealth as
well as his talent.
Besides what more is there
to say? (Implies a
previous discussion.)
I think of him as an
excellent workman;
furthermore, I think
he should be
promoted.
In addition to what we
have already done, we
should honor this man for
his loyalty.
Good reading depends
upon efficient skills;
moreover, it depends
upon the application of
those skills
each time you read.
 Words That Prepare the Reader for
An illustration or an Example

WORD MEANING ILLUSTRATIVE USE

AS Like, in the same Repeating an idea is as
manner that the tumbling of water
over a
rapids.
For Example As an illustration of, as Think, for example, of
a specific instance reading as of driving
illustrating over varied terrain with
varying
traffic conditions.
For Instance As an illustration Take the matter of speed
or example reading: one should
read, for instance, with
the same flexibility of
speed as one drives
one’s car according
to varying road
conditions.
If On condition that, If he knows when he is
supposing, contrary to well-off, he will push
actual fact the situation no
farther.
Like Similar to, comparable Life, it has been said, is
to like
a stream.
Specifically, to be specific Definitely, explicitly, Certain rocks have
peculiar to or become known the world
characteristic of over; to be specific,
something consider Plymouth
Rock or the Rock of
Gibraltar.
 Expressions That Prepare the Reader for
A Reason or for Supportive Evidence
Cause
Because she loves experiments, she studies chemistry.

Effect - consequence
She loves experiments, so she studies chemistry.

OF
Due to
For =noun

WORD MEANING ILLUSTRIVE USE

BECAUSE – For the reason that The corn is stunted and

clause the grain is prematurely
BECAUSE ripe because we have
OF.noun had no
rain for months.
FOR Because, because of Possession begets
possession, for no sooner
do we have one thing than
we
want another.
FORAS MUCH AS Since, because, inasmuch Forasmuch as my candle
as seeing that burns at both ends, it
will not last the night.
SINCE Because, forasmuch as Let us not waste time on
useless books since there
is so much to read, so
little
time for reading.

I do not know; therefore, I

THEREFORE Thus, consequently cannot say.
SO

CONSEQUENTLY

THUS
Introductory elements
Hi,
Well,
Chris,

FANBOYS = CONJUNCTIONS = COMMA

FOR learning, I have to study
I love sports, AND my dad does too.
Neither violence NOR lack of values are good
I love him, BUT we are breaking up.
I love Europe, OR reading about Europe
I love music, YET I can’t play
I studied SO I got good grades.

CONNECTORS = GLUE = PERIOD . – SEMICOLON;

I love music. However I’ve got no talent at all.
Words That Emphasize the Countercurrents
Of the Thought

WORD MEANING ILLUSTRATIVE USE

ALTHOUGH Albelt, in spite of the fact Although he is rich, he is

That not happy.
AS A MATTER OF FACT The phrase implies that There are, as a matter of
what has been said is fact places on the surface
not a matter of fact. of the earth where it is
colder
than at the North Pole.
BUT On the contrary, yet I am old but he is young.
EITHER . . . OR Denotes a choice of Either we will leave
alternatives tomorrow or we will not
go at all.
EVEN, EVEN Though it may The playing of the game
IF (THOUGH) seem improbable is worthwhile, even if
you
never win.
HOWEVER Nevertheless, yet, but I shall not reject his
;
offer however, I am
not sure I
shall accept it.
IN SPITE OF Despite, I will go in spite of
notwithstanding, storm delay and all
regardless of conspiracy of
nature.
INSTEAD OF In place of, rather than He telephoned him, instead
of writing to him.
NEVERTHELESS Notwithstanding in spite We are at peace with
of the fact that, however all men; nevertheless,
war could break out
at any
moment.
NOTWITHSTANDING In spite of, He simply will not
nevertheless, although believe it.
Notwithstanding all the
evidence to the contrary.
ON THE OTHER HAND To the contrary, from a He felt that he should tell
different standpoint the boss; on the other
hand, he had given his
word that he would not
breathe it to
anyone.
RATHER (THAN) On the contrary, I would rather have
an alternate peace of mind than
choice fame and
fortune.
REGARDLESS- it doesn’t Without heed for, I will not change my
matter what unmindful of mind, regardless of how
Regardless race, people (suggests a deliberate long you argue or how
should be respected. position in the conclusively
face of contrary facts) you demonstrate the facts.
TO THE To the opposite (effect or Greece was one of the
CONTRARY result), on the other side few true democracies of
CONTRARY TO history; contrary to
popular opinion,
the United States is not
a democracy but a
republic.
UNLESS If not, if any case other We will go tomorrow
than, except that unless it rains; in which
case, the
trip will be cancelled.
WHEREAS , WHILE– While on the contrary He spoke freely, whereas
something different she was evasive.
YET Nevertheless, however The air is cold, yet the sun
is warm.

Familiarize yourself with each transition category and the transitional words which are
found in that category.

When you feel you have mastered these words, work through the following exercises to
test you mastery.
Exercise 1 Read the sentences below and choose one transition from the words above
each sentence that best completes the statement.

furthermore in contrast for instance

1. Many animals, such as the tiger, live relatively solitary lives. Others,
, live in social groups. The gorilla lives in a group
consisting of a male, his harem, and their children.

Since-because Yet Furthermore

2. Drinking is dangerous in combination with pregnancy, driving, and drugs,

, excessive drinking can lead to liver disease.

Because of (noun) Although While - whereas

3. In Antarctica, there are pools of water amidst the frozen environment. Scientists
believe that the water doesn’t freeze hot spots in the land beneath
the pools. The only life in the water is one type of bacteria.

also like nevertheless

4. I enjoy science fiction movies. The plots are usually exciting: ,

the characters are often especially odd and interesting.

as a result on the contrary because

5. Brad decided to take a nap. Lionel, decided to stay awake
enjoy the party.
Exercise 2 Fill in the blank with the letter of the appropriate transition from the terms
In Table 1. Then from Table 2, circle the letter of the type of transition
Used.

1. Japanese cars, such as Honda and Toyota, are famous for their fuel economy.
, European cars such as Jaguar, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz
are known for their luxury.
Table 1 Table 2
a. Also b. in contrast c. for The relationship between the two
instance sentence is one of
a. comparison b. contrast c. example

2. If you have to drive alone for a long distance, it’s a good idea to keep the radio
tuned to a talk station, to keep you alert. , you should stop
and rest often.
Table 1 Table 2
a. Moreover b. Therefore c. However The relationship between the two
sentences is one of
a. cause of effect b. example c. addition

3. Additions to a computer, . A color monitor and a “mouse,” can add

hundreds of dollars to the original estimated cost.
Table 1 Table 2
a. because b. for example c. In contrast The relationship indicated by the
transition is on of
a. addition b. example c.
comparison

4. Foreign golf players do well in America the golf courses in

Other countries are harder to plat than those in the U.S.
Table 1 Table 2
a. to illustrate b. therefore c. because The relationship indicated by the
transition is of
a. constrast b. reason c. comparison

5. there are advantages to getting my own apartment, living

at home is much cheaper.
Table 1
a. Because b. Although c. Like
Table 2
The relationship indicated be the
transition is one of
a. time b. addition c. contrast
6. France is known for it fine foods.
the best in the world.
Table 1
a Instead of b.For example c. Furthermore
, many feel that French wines are
Table 2
The relationship between the two
sentences is one of
a. addition b. example c.
comparison

7. Lupe speaks Spanish at home; , she prefers English with her friends.
Table 1 Table 2
a. as a result b. for instance c. however The relationship indicated by the
transition is one of
a.cause and effect b.comparision
c.contrast

8. State flowers, Florida’s orange blossom and Hawaii’s hibiscus, are

usually quite common and popular in the state they are chosen to represent.
Table 1 Table 2
a. however b. such as c. moreover The relationship indicated by the
transition is one of
a. addition b. comparison c. example

9. Judging by the teenager’s party, it seems her parents are irresponsible.

wine and beer were served to minors.
Table 1
a. Moreover b. In contrast c. For example
Table 2
The relationship of the last sentence to the
sentence before is one of
a. contrast b. addition c. illustration

10. At the amusement park, Robin begged until her father took her on the Ferris
Wheel. , once the wheel began to move, she started to cry.
Table 1 Table 2
a. However b. Moreover c. Therefore The relationship of the second sentence
to the first is one of
a. addition b. cause of effect c. contrast