Transitions (linguistics)

Transitions are words or phrases that show the relationship between paragraphs or sections of a text or speech.^[1] Transitions provide greater cohesion by making it more explicit or signaling how ideas relate to one another.^[1] Transitions are "bridges" that "carry a reader from section to section."^[1] Transitions guide a reader through steps of logic, increments of time, or through physical space. Transitions "...connect words and ideas so that your readers don't have to do the mental work for you."^[2]

Definition

Coordinating transitions

Elements in a coordinate relationship are equal in rank, quality, or significance.^[3] To show a link between equal elements, use a coordinating transition.^[4]

To show similarity or reinforce: and, also, too, similarly, equally, identically, equally important, together with, not only ... but also, coupled with, in the light of, not to mention, as well as, furthermore, moreover, in the same fashion/ way, likewise, comparatively, correspondingly, by the same token, uniquely, to say nothing of.
To introduce an opposing point: but, however, yet, on the contrary, on the other hand, in contrast, still, neither, nor, nevertheless, besides^[4]
To signal a restatement:^[5] that is, in other words, in simpler terms, to put it differently,

Subordinating transitions

To introduce an item in a series:^[6] first, in the first place, *second, in the second place, for one thing...., for another, next, then, in addition, finally, last,^[7]
To introduce an example:^[8] in particular, specifically, for instance, for example, that is, namely
To show causality: as a result, hence, thus, so, then, because, since, for, consequently, accordingly, therefore
To introduce a summary or conclusion:^[6] in conclusion, finally, all in all, evidently, clearly, actually, to sum up, altogether, of course
To signal a concession:^[8] naturally, of course, it is true, to be sure, granted, certainly
To resume main argument after a concession: all the same, even though, still, nevertheless, nonetheless

Temporal transitions

To show frequency: frequently, hourly, often, occasionally, now and then, day after day, every so often, again and again
To show duration: during, briefly, for a long time, minute by minute, while
To show a particular time: now, then, at that time, in those days, last Sunday, next Christmas, in 1999, at the beginning of August, at six o’clock, first thing in the morning, two months ago, when,
To introduce a beginning: at first, in the beginning, since, before then
To introduce a middle: in the meantime, meanwhile, as it was happening, at that moment, at the same time, simultaneously, next, then
To signal an end (or beyond): eventually, finally, at last, in the end, later, afterward

Spatial transitions

To show closeness: close to, near, next to, alongside, adjacent to, facing
To show long distance: in the distance, far, beyond, away, there
To show direction: up/down, sideways, along, across, to the right/left, in front of/behind, above/below, inside/outside: toward/away from

Notes

References

Rappaport, Bret (2010). "Using the Elements of Rhythm, Flow, and Tone to Create a More Effective and Persuasive Acoustic Experience in Legal Writing" (PDF). The Journal of the Legal Writing Institute (The Legal Writing Institute) 16 (1): 65–116. Retrieved 30 March 2013.

Garner, Bryan A. (2002). The Elements of Legal Style (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 65. ISBN 0195141628.

"Coordinate". Merriam Webster. Archived from the original on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 30 March 2013.

Erika Lindemann (2001). A Rhetoric for Writing Teachers (4th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. p. 146. ISBN 0-19-513045-6.

Ryan Weber, Karl Stolley. "Transitions and Transitional Devices". Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL). West Lafayette, Indiana: Purdue University. Retrieved 30 March 2013.

Taraba, Joanna. "Transitional Words and Phrases". University of Richmond Writing Center. Richmond, Virginia: University of Richmond. Archived from the original on 30 March 2013. Retrieved 30 March 2013.

"Transition Words". Smart Words. Archived from the original on 29 March 2013. Retrieved 29 March 2013.

"The Writer's Handbook: Transitional Words and Phrases". University of Wisconsin Writing Center. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin-Madison. 2012. Archived from the original on 30 March 2013. Retrieved 30 March 2013.

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