What is an example of a transition word?
Types of Transition Words and Phrases in Academic Writing
Common types of transition words and phrases in academic writing and the most important reasons why you need to learn to use them effectively in all your academic papers.
Suppose you are unsure about the meaning of transition; it entails the change from one idea to another different one, and it could be in verbal or written form. The change to different ideas can be achieved using transition phrases or terms. It is essential to note that transitions are mostly placed at the start of a sentence or paragraph. Hence, they aid in establishing a precise relationship between different ideas or sets of information. According to researchers, transitions aid in enhancing cohesion in an academic paper. In addition, transitions ensure readers have a good understanding of various logical developments. Transitions aid in accomplishing different objectives.
Transitions can be grouped into four categories: sequential, causal, adversative, and additive. Additive transitions show the reader that you are referencing or adding new information. Adversative transitions show the reader that there is disagreement or conflict between different pieces of information. The causal transitions often point the reader towards the consequences and indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. Finally, there is the sequential transition, which is used in clarifying an order or the sequence of information in the paper. Students can use this link to learn more about transition words. This article will discuss the types of transition words and phrases commonly used in academic writing.
The additive transitions
As mentioned in the introduction, this type of transition is used to show that new information is being added. The new information could be in the form of a paragraph or a few sentences. On the same note, the new information or ideas could be in reference to something that was mentioned or highlighted.
Transitions used to add information
Common terms used
“Moreover”, “furthermore”, “additionally”, and “also”
Common phrases used with transitions
“As a matter of fact,”, “but also”, “not only”, “in fact”, “as well as”, and “in addition to”
For example, in a sentence
In addition to the well-articulated article… Furthermore, the doctor said…
Transitions used to highlight or introduce
Common terms used
“Significantly”, “Especially”, “Notably”, and “particularly”
Common phrases used with transitions
“One example”, “in particular”, “to illustrate”, “For example”, and “for instance”
For example, in a sentence
Notably, only two students managed to score above the pass mark.
Transitions used for referencing
Common terms used
“Considering this,” “regarding this,” and “concerning this”
Common phrases used with transitions
“With reference to (something),” “looking at (this information),” “With regards to (this),” “As for (this),” and “On the subject of (this).”
For example, in a sentence
In addition to the well-articulated article… Furthermore, the doctor said…
Considering the amount of revision, I did; I did not manage to score excellent academic grades.
Transitions used to show similarity
Common terms used
“Equally”, “similarly”, and “likewise”
Common phrases used with transitions
“In a similar way,” “In the same way,” and “By the same token.”
For example, in a sentence
Similarly, after getting his admission letter, he flew out of the country.
Transitions used for identifying or clarifying important information
Common terms used
“Namely” and “specifically.”
Common phrases used with transitions
“This means (that),” “; (To) put (it) another way,” and “That is (to say).”
For example, in a sentence
There are two ways to gain admission into a high learning institution. In other words, you should…
Adversative transitions
These are phrases or terms used in distinguishing certain information, arguments, or facts. In addition, the phrases are used to show differences and contrast or to provide an alternative.
Transitions to highlight a conflict
Common terms used
“Conversely”, “whereas”, “however”, and “still”
Common phrases used with transitions
“By way of contrast,” “in contrast,” “on the other hand,” and “On the contrary.”
For example, in a sentence
However, you will still need to attend all your lecture sessions.
Transitions to emphasize or distinguish
Common terms used
Primarily, significantly, besides, and indeed.
Common phrases associated with the transition
Most importantly, more importantly, above all, even more
An example used in writing
Most importantly, it would be best if you devoted sufficient time to your studies to attain your desired academic goals and objectives.
Transitions to concede a point
Common terms used
Regardless, however, despite, admittedly, nonetheless, and nevertheless.
Common phrases associated with the transition
Notwithstanding, in spite of, even though, and even so,
An example used in writing
Arnold went away without permission in spite of being warned severally.
Transitions for dismissing an assertion or argument
Common terms used
Regardless of…
Common phrases associated with the transition
At any rate, in any event, whatever happens, in any case, and either way.
An example used in writing
Regardless of whether you came here early or late, you must first book an appointment before seeing the governor.
Transitions for showing an alternative
Common terms used
Rather and instead of…
Common phrases associated with the transition
At least…
An example used in writing
Instead of going to the hospital, he decided first to make a stop at the lecturer’s office.
Casual Transitions
These transitions are used in signalling three reasons: cause-and-effect relationships, circumstances, purposes, and conditions. It is vital to note that these transitions usually come after a critical point has been established or after a hypothetical situation has been explored.
Transitions to show a reason or a cause
Common terms used
Because, as, for, since
Common phrases used
In as much as, owing to…, for the reason that…, due to the fact that…
An example used in writing
As much as you would love to go, you still have to request permission from the teacher on duty.
In conclusion, completing academic papers is not always a walk in the park. As a student, you will need to devote sufficient time to your studies if you want to achieve an excellent grade in your writing. Thanks to technological advancements, students can use numerous writing tools to take their writing skills and academic performance to the next level. On the same note, students can always use transition, which entails words that aid writers in changing from one idea to another. Most importantly, if you have difficulty completing your academic papers, you can always seek assistance from reputable custom writing enterprises.