Transition (linguistics)

Last updated December 07, 2023

A transition or linking word is a word or phrase that shows 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, in fact, "bridges" that "carry a reader from section to section".^[1] Transitions guide a reader/listener through steps of logic, increments of time, or through physical space. Transitions "connect words and ideas so that [...] readers don't have to do the mental work for [themselves]."^[2]

Definition

In simple terms, a transition word demonstrates the relationship between two portions of a text or spoken language. By using these words, people can better build a sentence and convey what they are trying to say in a more concise manner.^[3]

Coordinating transitions

Elements in a coordinate relationship are equal in rank, quality, or significance.^[4] They help to show a link between equal elements.^[5]

To show similarity or reinforce: also, and, as well as, by the same token, comparatively, correspondingly, coupled with, equally, equally important, furthermore, identically, in the light of, in the same fashion/way, likewise, moreover, not only... but also, not to mention, similarly, to say nothing of, together with, too, uniquely
To introduce an opposing point: besides, but, however, in contrast, neither, nevertheless, nor, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, yet^[5]
To signal a restatement:^[6] in other words, in simpler terms, indeed, that is, to put it differently

Subordinating transitions

To introduce an item in a series:^[7] finally, first, for another, for one thing, in addition, in the first place, in the second place, last, next, second, then^[8]
To introduce an example:^[9] for example, for instance, in particular, namely, specifically, that is
To show causality: accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for, hence, since, so, then, therefore, thus
To introduce a summary or conclusion:^[7] actually, all in all, altogether, clearly, evidently, finally, in conclusion, of course, to sum up
To signal a concession:^[9] certainly, granted, it is true, naturally, of course, to be sure
To resume main argument after a concession: all the same, even though, nevertheless, nonetheless, still

Temporal transitions

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

Spatial transitions

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

Transition words of agreement, addition, or similarity

The transition words, such as also, in addition, and likewise, add information, reinforce ideas, and express agreement with preceding material.^[10]

additionally
again
also
and
as
as a matter of fact
as well as
by the same token
comparatively
correspondingly
coupled with
equally
equally important
first
furthermore
identically
in addition
in like manner
in the first place
in the light of
in the same fashion/way
like
likewise
moreover
not only ... but also
not to mention
of course
second
similarly
then
third
to
to say nothing of
together with
too
uniquely
what's more

Notes

1 2 3 Rappaport 2010, p. 95.
↑ LeClercq 2007, p. 15: "As the writer, it is your job to connect words and ideas so that your readers don't have to do the mental work for you".
↑ "Transition Words and Phrases: Useful List and Examples". 7esl.com. 7ESL. Retrieved 5 Jan 2019.
↑ Merriam-Webster.
1 2 Lindemann 2001, p. 152.
↑ UW Writing Center.
1 2 Purdue Online Writing Lab.
↑ Smart Words.
1 2 Taraba.
↑ "Transition words used in content creation - Complete GUIDE". Growwwise. 2018-12-02. Retrieved 2018-12-02.

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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.

LeClercq, Terri (2007). Guide to Legal Writing Style (4th ed.). Aspen Publishers. p. 15. ISBN 9780735568372.

"Coordinate". Merriam Webster. Archived from the original on 9 March 2013. 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 20 April 2013. Retrieved 30 March 2013.

"Transition Words". Smart Words. Archived from the original on 20 April 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 6 March 2013. Retrieved 30 March 2013.

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[FOOTNOTERappaport201095-1] 1 2 3 Rappaport 2010, p. 95.

[FOOTNOTELeClercq2007p._15:_"As_the_writer,_it_is_your_job_to_connect_words_and_ideas_so_that_your_readers_don't_have_to_do_the_mental_work_for_you"-2] LeClercq 2007, p. 15: "As the writer, it is your job to connect words and ideas so that your readers don't have to do the mental work for you".

[3] "Transition Words and Phrases: Useful List and Examples". 7esl.com. 7ESL. Retrieved 5 Jan 2019.

[FOOTNOTEMerriam-Webster-4] Merriam-Webster.

[FOOTNOTELindemann2001152-5] 1 2 Lindemann 2001, p. 152.

[FOOTNOTEUW_Writing_Center-6] UW Writing Center.

[FOOTNOTEPurdue_Online_Writing_Lab-7] 1 2 Purdue Online Writing Lab.

[FOOTNOTESmart_Words-8] Smart Words.

[FOOTNOTETaraba-9] 1 2 Taraba.

[10] "Transition words used in content creation - Complete GUIDE". Growwwise. 2018-12-02. Retrieved 2018-12-02.

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