Purdue North Central
Transitional Devices
(a.k.a. connectives, connecting words,
linking words, conjunctive adjectives)
|
Function |
Device |
Use |
|
Addition |
again,
also, besides, equally important, first, further, furthermore, in addition,
in the first place, last, finally, moreover, next, second, still, too |
To
add subsequent, similar details. |
|
Comparison |
also,
in the same way, likewise, similarly |
To
compare similar qualities. |
|
Concession/emphasis |
granted,
naturally, of course, certainly, no doubt, |
To
concede a point to the opposition. |
|
Contrast |
although,
(but) at the same time, despite that, even so, even though, for all that,
however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on
the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, regardless, still, though, yet,
surely, whereas |
To
deflect line of thought, often back to your point; to consider the
opposition. |
|
Demonstratives |
this,
that, those, these |
To
tie things together, and to point back for emphasis. |
|
Example / illustration |
after
all, as an illustration, even, for example, for instance, in fact, in other
words, in short, namely, specifically, that is, to illustrate, thus, truly,
particularly |
To
expand on a point. |
|
Qualifying |
specifically,
especially, usually, frequently, generally |
To
illustrate or qualify |
|
Reason |
because,
since, for, so |
To
connect a reason to an assertion. |
|
Result |
consequently,
therefore, hence, as a result, |
To
demonstrate consequences; to summarize. |
|
Summary |
all
in all, altogether, as has been said, finally, in brief, in conclusion, in
short, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to put it differently,
to summarize |
To
add up consequences or summarize main points. |
|
Time sequence |
after
a while, afterward, then, at that time, before, besides, earlier, eventually,
finally, formerly, further, furthermore, last, meanwhile, moreover, next,
now, presently, second, shortly, simultaneously, since, so far, soon, still,
subsequently, then, thereafter, too, until, |
To
move through time; use sparingly to avoid sounding elementary. |