Connecting ideas in written (and spoken) English

(1) Transitions
- Also called ‘transitional adverbs’ or ‘transitional signals’.
- Optional words or phrases that move from one sentence to the next or one
paragraph to the next, and so help the reader or listener to follow your argument
and explanation.
- Add meaning to a sentence, but are not grammatically necessary.
- Modify an entire sentence or independent clause, and thus usually come at the
beginning of a sentence or paragraph.
- Useful in speech, more common in writing.

conclude or end an argument or discussion - emphasize an idea or add a

surprising/tangential anecdote - explain, define or elaborate on an idea - generalize or
discuss habits/customs - indicate sequence/show the order of ideas or facts - introduce
examples - refer to common knowledge - show cause and effect or result - show contrast
or make a concession - show personal attitude - show similarity or add information

Meaning and Function List of Transitions

first, second, third, next, then, finally, lastly

also, too, in addition, furthermore, moreover

however, but, on the other hand, conversely, yet,

though, in contrast, nevertheless

for example, to illustrate, for instance

that is, in other words

in fact, indeed

certainly, clearly, of course

Adapted from: TOEFL iBT: 4th edition (2009), New York: Kaplan.
 generally speaking, in general, overall, for the most
part, usually, typically

therefore, thus, subsequently, as a result, as a

consequence, hence

Positive: fortunately, happily, thankfully Negative:

unfortunately, sadly, regrettably

to conclude, in conclusion, to wrap up, to summarize,

to sum up

Adapted from: TOEFL iBT: 4th edition (2009), New York: Kaplan.